(The vintage whisperer, market partner, and the reason I now own cat ears.)

If you’ve been reading my newsletter and thinking, “Who is this mysterious Susan person who keeps showing up in the chaos?” — allow me to introduce her properly.

Susan and I have known each other since 1985. Forty years of friendship. Forty years of questionable decisions. Forty years of stories that will never see the light of day because we both value our reputations.

She is my market partner, my vintage consultant, and the person most likely to hand me something bizarre and say, “This is mid‑century, trust me.”

And she’s always right.

🧡 The Vintage Gene

Some people collect stamps. Some people collect memories. Susan collects… everything.

Her grandmother collected vintage. Her mother collected vintage. Susan collects vintage. It’s a generational calling at this point — like being a wizard, but with Pyrex and Bakelite.

She can spot a mid‑century treasure from across a crowded room while holding a coffee, a conversation, and probably a cat figurine she just found.

Her house is basically a curated museum of things that spark joy, nostalgia, and the occasional “Why do you have this?” moment.

🛍️ The Market Origin Story

Back in October 2024, Susan and I decided to do the Palm Springs Vintage Market together.

She brought her vintage clothing, jewelry, housewares, glass, and enough mid‑century charm to decorate an entire Palm Springs neighborhood.

I brought… abstract trees.

Let’s just say the trees did not fit in.

After two markets of selling exactly one item, I had a moment of clarity (or panic, depending on how you look at it). I went home, researched mid‑century art, discovered cat art, and the rest is history.

So yes — Susan is indirectly responsible for my entire cat‑painting career. She didn’t mean to change my life, but she did. Classic Susan.

😼 CatCon, Cat Ears, and Commitment

Recently, Susan found a headband with cat ears because she discovered that CatCon attendees take their feline fashion very seriously.

I told her I wasn’t that dedicated. Then I tried them on, forgot I was wearing them, and went to check the mail.

So now I’m that dedicated.

Susan is the kind of friend who hands you cat ears and says, “Trust me.” And somehow… she’s always right.

⭐ Why Susan Matters

She’s the reason I started doing markets. She’s the reason I discovered cat art. She’s the reason I now own cat ears. She’s the friend who shows up, digs through estate sales with laser precision, and always finds the good stuff.

And after 40 years, she’s still here — helping me build a booth, a business, and a life full of vintage vibes, fresh paint, and questionable decisions.

Meow for now,

Jeffrey