Inspired By: Britney Shoemaker of Reckless Reclamation
At Travel Patterns, we place a high value on celebrating, encouraging, and showcasing small businesses. We do this because we are a small business, but also because we believe in the importance of championing people who make the brave decisions to take heart and take flight with their dreams!
Our team is continuously inspired by the courage & creativity we have seen in entrepreneurs who are showing up every day, just like us! We know from experience that running a small business isn’t just about a product or a service; it’s about the story of a person and their family, the legacy of a craft, and the furthering of a passion. This is why we decided that we were going to do our part to showcase some of the small business (both near and far!) that inspire us and tell the stories of the people who created them.
Today we are introducing you to Britney Shoemaker of Reckless Reclamation Vintage. You guys know how much we LOVE searching for unique finds, and Britney is a pro at finding and sourcing vintage items. We follow her Instagram where she shares all of her newest finds, and also takes you along on her flea market journeys. If you’re not following her yet, be sure to because she’s hilarious when engaging with her audience on whether or not an item is worthy to come home with her. The wit on her polls keeps us laughing.
We know that you are going to love learning more about Britney and Reckless Reclamation Vintage.
Welcome britney! Tell us about yourself:
BRITNEY: Hey-hey! I’m Britney Shoemaker, the pioneer behind Reckless Reclamation Vintage. I have a passion for reclaiming “old” forgotten gems and bringing them new life. Some say I have a flair for boho, but I just love bringing together all the things I love and sharing that joy with others- no rules. I firmly believe a lavender latte, a flea market, and someone to share it with can cure a lot of woes. My business is 100% the fruit of that.
Britney sources vintage and retro finds to stock her booths around Huntsville.
How did you get your idea or concept for your business?
BRITNEY: My husband and I always said we’d open a consignment shop on the coast someday when we retired. But buying a new house in 2020 in the heart of Huntsville set my heart on fire for not only curating my own home with all things reclaimed, but sharing my vintage love with others. Thus Reckless Reclamation Vintage was born.
What is unique about you that you have incorporated into your business
BRITNEY: My “real” job is trauma-focused personal training and group fitness. Back in 2017 I started my own business: Reckless Reclamation helping people reclaim their physical bodies back to their unique original design. When I started my vintage business it only felt right to carry the name over.
What is a risk you have taken in your business and was it worth it?
BRITNEY: Starting my business in February 2020 was THE risk itself. Gas prices, the pandemic, and the compiled list goes on. There will always be an excuse not to dive head first in. I love choosing to make each day tremendous, and hopefully someone else will find greatness in that as well.
How do you celebrate wins in your business?
BRITNEY: As weird as it may sound, typically by pouring back into the business with a side of wanderlust. Love a “flea market tour” weekend getaway with lots of local expresso and urban hiking. One of my recent favorites was Louisville- my hubs and I hit 11 fleas in two days and called it a date weekend.
What do you love about being a female entrepreneur?
BRITNEY: I love getting to celebrate and champion other female bosses! One of my favorite events so far has been the Pop Up Caravan with Travel Patterns. Getting to see so many local women express their distinct skill set and rock it? Priceless and stimulating!
How do you engage your local community in your business?
BRITNEY: My absolute favorite thing about my business is when I get to see the look or gasp on my customers face at the latest treasures I have found for them. It’s not about a dollar sign for me (although car payments do exist), but knowing that I made someone’s atmosphere shift is my favorite form of payment. I also thoroughly delight in the stories behind the vintage. I commit to setting up locally at least once a month at fleas and pop-up markets so I can share smiles, hugs, and make new customers…I mean forever friends.
Take Heart. Take Flight.
Our motto - Take Heart. Take Flight. - calls us to courageously search for who we were meant to be, to break free of the fears holding us back, and to boldly pursue the daring adventure set before us. How are you living this motto in your business & life?
BRITNEY: When I first started, Mary (a lovely friend who has been in the business for 25+ years) told me something invaluable: “Always source what you love, and you’ll always love what you do”. So far that wise gem has kept my heart set on fire and always ready for the next great adventure. Reckless Reclamation hasn’t just been a business for me, but a thrilling lifestyle and exceptional honor. I wholeheartedly believe it reflects the pulse and flight of my original design.
Connect with BRITNEY:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recklessreclamationvintage
Instagram: @recklessreclamationvintage
You can shop Britney’s retro vintage finds locally at University Pickers, Vintage 72, and AM Collective.
