#IRLSharifahandViv

Hi, Sharifah here! My daughter, Vivienne, and I are the Desert Lotus duo who have a love for all things old, eccentric, and beautiful. 

 

As a young girl from a large family, I grew up doing most of my shopping at thrift stores and garage sales. Living on the south side of Chicago there were so many great stores I shopped at, and as a teen, I started picking up small pieces of furniture, home decor, and my favorite- dishes and Pyrex! I became a Mom at the early age of 17, and in turn, grew up alongside my daughter. I taught her how to be thrifty and love old and unique home decor. Some of her earliest memories with vintage pieces include eating cereal out of my Hazel Atlas cowboy bowls and helping me make cookies in our Pyrex primary mixing bowl set. Our walls always had pinup girls and abstract art on them, and the furniture always had that antique smell to it. Her love grew over the years, and soon our favorite pastime became the thrill of antiquing and going to estate and garage sales. 

 

As a young woman with limited career options, I went into sales and landed in advertising and marketing where I spent the last twenty years building a career in the Gulf region. I would thrift and antique in my spare time, and even refinish the occasional piece of furniture. When Covid hit my life, like most of ours, was completely turned upside down. My job was on hold, and after multiple Covid resurgences and natural disasters, I was at my wit's end. I was no longer happy or fulfilled in my career. I had a crisis. Yes, they’re real, and no it wasn’t fun. BUT! It gave me the opportunity to re-evaluate my life and my career path. With the support of my husband, and both of my kids I decided to open up an antique business. It’s been almost two years, and I have to say I have learned so much in such a short time. I have gained many friends and mentors, and most importantly, my daughter has joined me on this journey as my business partner. 

 

Desert Lotus Vintage began as a small booth in a quaint shop in Covington, and after several moves in the area, we’ve settled into two wonderful spaces, SparkleVita in Louisiana and Daphne Antique Galleria in Alabama.  We are now jumping head first into the estate sales, offering these services to both the Greater New Orleans and Mobile region. Very soon we will be expanding our reach online (stay tuned!) and down the road, we plan to grow into our own brick-and-mortar space as well. 

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Desert Lotus Vintage encompasses all things vintage and antique, but we shop with a unique eye and huge heart. We specialize in mid-century and art deco, but you can find art, furniture, fashion, and home décor from all decades if it speaks to us and makes us happy. I mean after all, isn’t that what it’s all about, being surrounded by what makes you happy?

 

Every house should feel like a home, so if you can’t find just the right piece in our collection we can help you find it. We love the thrill of the hunt, and can usually find the right piece you’re looking for at a great price. We also offer design and décor consultations to help you make your space uniquely yours, and did we mention we LOVE to design a great gallery wall!? So enjoy your online shopping, and come see us in person soon. If you have any questions you can always reach out to us, and follow our journey on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok! 

 

Stay Golden! 

         Sharifah & Viv