Meet the Vendor
Lance Walton, who would prefer to sell his vintage treasures under the business name Barnsmell, wants to catch your eye, make you chuckle, help you discover that perfect gift for that deserving friend—in short, he wants you to enjoy yourself. Have fun browsing his vintage wares in booth 35B at The Hill Antique Market.
The Hill Antique Market: What is the name of your vintage sales business?
Walton: I don’t currently have a name, but I’ve toyed with Barnsmell. It was a term of endearment that my dad would call my sisters and me. (It’s better than the other nicknames he had for us.)
THAM: Do you specialize in particular merchandise?
Walton: I look for “eye catchers.” For me, that’s anything I’ve never seen or something that makes me smile or laugh. It’s best to bring a sense of humor to my booth. I like to sell fun things: Maybe something you could give as a gift to a good friend—maybe a funny coffee mug or a creepy clown item for your friend that’s afraid of creepy clowns. I’m still experimenting.
THAM: When did you first develop an interest in vintage things?
Walton: I have always collected things. My sister and I collected soap when we were kids. Looking back now maybe we were just too poor to collect anything cool, but we sure had a heck of a soap collection! On Easter my grandmother would hide plastic eggs with silver mercury dimes and silver quarters. I never spent them and still have them today.
THAM: Do you have other personal collections?
Walton: Well, I no longer collect soap, but I do still have some old coins. I also collect pedal cars, and I really like odd vintage cocktail glasses. I fight a strong urge to buy almost anything with a monkey on it. I think I’m winning the battle as I only have three monkey items in my house, but the struggle is real.
THAM: What do you enjoy most about being a vendor?
Walton: This is my first time selling in an antique market. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but I’ve had so much fun that I highly recommend it to anyone interested. I think “the hunt” for treasure is the thing I enjoy most. Being at The Hill Antique Market has allowed me to network with some very knowledgeable vendors. I’ve learned so much from them and really enjoy their company.
THAM: What’s your favorite feature of The Hill Antique Market?
Walton: The Hill Antique Market is a very unique space. I enjoy seeing first-time visitors’ expressions and hearing their positive comments when they walk in. I certainly enjoy the weekly Wine Down Wednesdays, when the market stays open until 8 p.m. and customers can shop while enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Follow Lance Walton on Instagram.
All booth images ©2020 Lance Walton.
