Vintage in Baltimore: Get Shredded

Whether it’s the perfect leather jacket, the best pair of worn Levi jeans, or simply the desirable look of having something nobody else does. Vintage fashion has taken over and this is the small business that has all the pieces you want.

Vintage fashion is sustainable, quality clothing thats been given a new chance at life. Many vintage store in Baltimore are based on the freedom of expression. Its an artistic outlet for not only its owner, but for everyone who walks through the doors. Displays of not only the rad-dest clothes these business's are a pedestal for other small business owners around town. With one of a kind pieces, candles, bags, belts, pins and more, these store owners support each other and artists in community.

 

A personal favorite of mine is Get Shredded Vintage owned by Sara Autrey, located in Remington, a ten minute car ride from Loyola University of Maryland Campus.

 

Known around town for her funky fashion and Avant Garde tendencies. Sara up and decided one day to start her own store. Because of the growing popularity and noticeable fashion choices she makes, everyone in Baltimore knew who she was, including visitors, as she was the face of the Visit Baltimore campaign for many years. Her style fronted a display on every pole in the Inner Harbor and still does to this day.

 

 However life wasn’t always as full of color as her store is, Sara has had her struggles starting her own business. Between covid decreasing traffic to her store tremendously, and money getting tighter for many people. Not only did her business take a hit, but a flood ruined hundreds of her hand picked pieces forcing her to limit the number of days her store was open. But Sara has always stayed positive, and groovy as she would say. 

 

"Baltimore has its own flavor of both small businesses and art, there's really a huge range, but everyone kind of knows each other which is nice because the diversity is good. I feel supported by other small business owners."

 

"Well, its kind of unprofessional but I was bartending and working in restaurants for like 15 years and I was just sick of it and I was known around town for dressing kind of nuts. So I was like I'm going to do something different I'm going to do this, and then I googled how to start a business in Maryland and did the checklist than opened my business."

 

"I had no Idea what I was doing and I still don't, Its empowering and also a  little scary, because you're only in control of so much. You cannot make people spend money at your shop you know what I mean, so that part is a little wild, but it forces you to think way outside of the box, so it in itself is very empowering."

Vintage in Baltimore continues to grow, there are constantly large events of vendors gathering together and stores opening up in many areas such as Balto in Hampden and Hunting Ground. These stores are full of not only amazing items but hardworking, artist, and kind individuals. I adore vintage shopping and have been going since I was a little girl in Baltimore at Charlotte Elliot with my mom. Vintage shopping has always meant a lot to me and Im honored I got the chance to talk to one of these owners more and learn about why they love what they do.