Today we’d like to introduce you to Genesis Mondt.
Hi Genesis, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve truly always been interested in thrifting, treasure hunting, and finding a good deal. Some of my first memories of thrifting are going to the Boley thrift store on 9th Avenue in St.Petersburg, and playing in the toys section while my Grandmother shopped. I grew up thrifting my school clothes, room decor, and some of my most beloved trinkets.
It all really started to manifest into a business in my early twenties. My first apartment was in St. Petersburg right down the street from a small vintage store I frequently shopped at. In the Spring of 2022 I saw a “seeking vendors” sign out front while driving home. I decided to stop in the next day and see what it was about. As a regular of the shop, I’d befriended the front desk attendant and I remember she asked “well, have you ever sold vintage before?”. I promptly replied “well no, but I’d love to try”.
That’s how I ended up with my first 100 square foot area of vintage bliss. Finding my “style” was definitely a trial and error process. But it’s evolved into a really eclectic selection of carefully curated home decor and statement piece vintage clothing. The store I was in unfortunately got bought out later that year and closed permanently. I ended up making the decision to move my inventory to an online platform, but little did I know that it would grow into so much more than that.
Generational Gems has grown into a safe space for everyone to be able to shop groovy vintage! You may have seen me popping up at markets around Florida such as Indie Flea, and The Florida Vintage Market. I’ve traveled around Florida doing pop-up markets for the last two years and have had the best time! I’ve met so many amazing small business owners and found thousands of unique vintage items a new home.
My most recent business venture has been moving into a permanent brick and mortar space inside of Vintage Marché in the heart of St. Petersburg. Vintage Marché is a 15,000+ square foot local vintage utopia that features 35+ local curators that bring in the grooviest vintage decor, jewelry, and clothing! I’m apart of their monthly market that happens on the first weekend of every month. You should stop by! You never know what you’ll find! I do also still plan to pop-up at local markets through the Fall and Winter, so stay tuned!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I believe that nothing in life is ever linear, especially so in small business. When the first antique store I was vending in closed, I was devastated. I felt like I’d just gotten my foot into the door and now it was closing. I really had to sit down and figure out what my next move was going to be. Do I quit? Or do I find a different path?
After a lot of reflecting, I ultimately decided to move all of my inventory into my tiny one-bedroom apartment and push forward. Through a lot of trial and error I launched my own Etsy shop and created some social media accounts. To see how much it’s grown now is amazing, and I’m so proud of getting through the trying times.
We’ve been impressed with Generational Gems, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Generational Gems is so much more than just a vintage shop. The core of my mission really revolves around prioritizing sustainable living. In the world today it is so easy to just press a button online and be granted immediate satisfaction with a big box store purchase. But have you ever thought about where those goods come from? And also how much of it ends up going to the landfill?
So what is considered vintage? Vintage by definition is anything that is 25 years or older. Which means I just make the cut! Everything from my shop is carefully curated to invoke nostalgia and joy for the buyer. The popular term now being “dopamine decor”. I absolutely adore talking about vintage, and seeing things go to new homes.
Phrases such as “My grandparents had these” and “I remember when…” really spark joy in my heart. I love reminiscing along with the customers and providing the knowledge I have about each item. Seeing people find the perfect statement piece for their closet, or the perfect addition to their home decor is so exciting!
For the clothing side of my business (also known as Generational Closet) I really strive to curate the most unique pieces for every body shape and style preference. Being inclusive to all walks of life is my ultimate goal. Everyone deserves to feel good and express themselves through fashion!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Social media has been SUCH a huge part of networking my business and getting my name out there. I create everything from funny content, to thrift with me videos, and even some vintage clothing styling tips!
Going to local networking events in my field has also been really awesome. There’s a monthly local vintage “sip and swap” event in my area that is fantastic for meeting other locals who have the same interests. Not to mention all the friends and business connections I’ve made participating in my local pop-up market scene. I take inspiration and learn from others around me with the similar business ideals and visions.
I find mentorship in my peers who also curate and sell vintage. Learning skills such as reupholstering furniture, what websites to look for local sales on, and tons of other useful tips and tricks of the trade.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/generational.gems
- Other: Etsy.com/shop/generationalgemsshop
Image Credits
Cassandra Belden
