05/14/2026
It’s been a YEAR! 🥹
In May of 2025, I had my very first show on What Not, sharing curated antique and vintage home decor. I had NO IDEA what I was doing, but I jumped in head first anyway after downloading the app and making so many new friends.
I’ve always enjoyed antiques. What could it hurt? I’ll give it a whirl! My mother and father-in-law loaned me a wooden bookcase for my setup to get started, and I pulled in mom’s old sewing machine to have a little extra room to spread out right beside it. I didn’t want an elaborate setup (or to spend a lot on a new display) for a fun little gig on the side.
My first show was a complete sell out, and when it ended, I cried. The happiest of tears. Because I knew in my heart in that very moment it was going to be much, much bigger than I had planned.
And here we are, a year later. I’m all in, this is my full-time job. I do every bit of the sourcing, curating, cleaning, photographing, driving all over God’s green Earth, loading the shop, live-streaming, packing it all up to ship across the country….and I love it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s hard work. There are a lot of tears and frustration, but what’s on the other side of fear and going all in, is BEAUTIFUL. And nothing worth having will ever come easy.
The cherry on top? I get to work from home, and take as many breaks as I need to while going through cancer treatment. I GET to do this. The friends I’ve made on What Not have been incredibly supportive, most I’ve never met in person. The love felt through a screen is immeasurable.
If you have a dream, don’t give up on it. Don’t give up on yourself, most importantly. What’s waiting on the other side of what you’re afraid to do is going to be so worth it. 🫶🏼
Tomorrow will be my 41st show, and we’re gonna celebrate! Come hang out Friday, May 15 @1:30pm Eastern for $1 starts and giveaways!
🌹Courtney
If you’re new to What Not, click here to download the app, here’s $15 on me ⬇️
https://whatnot.com/invite/ivyandironcollective
