Antique Plaza Antique Mall is located at 114 W. Main. in Downtown Mesa. The Blog is written and co-edited by Erica & Kat.
There’s no doubt that what makes Antique Plaza special is our assemblage of awesome dealers! We have more than 100 antique dealers who put their heart and soul into what they do, making their booths shine. We truly appreciate them and think you should get to know them too!
It’s time to meet another one of Antique Plaza’s special dealers! Today we’re talking to Joan Hodge who has been with us for a whopping twenty years! She manages several booths and loves working at the shop. She brings a keen knowledge of all sorts of antiques and a quick wit to match!
Antique Plaza: How did you get into selling antiques?
Joan Hodge: “I had a work injury in 1988 and wasn’t able to work at my current job anymore. But I really wanted to keep working. So I turned my passion for collecting into selling antiques, and now I’ve been selling for more than 20 years. This is my thing, It’s what I want to do. I’ll do this until I’m too old to do it. Love it. Love it. Love it!”
{Green Retro Dining Set}
AP: How did you learn what to buy and sell?
JH: “I knew some things about pottery and other things that I used to collect but Greg [owner of Antique Plaza] taught me a lot. I started with only one case in the plaza, and I was selling things fairly well and it just grew and grew.”
{Set of Blue Pyrex Casserole}
AP: What are your favorite things to sell?
JH: “Pyrex, mid-century furniture and chandeliers. I think I like the mid-century furniture because of the influence Greg had in teaching me. *Side note: Mid-century items and furniture are Greg’s forte.”
{Mid century Console table}
{Joan’s many chandeliers}
AP: What is something you buy but have a hard time selling because you want to keep it?
JH: “Jadeite. I have a collection in a case right over there, if someone wants that collection they’ll have to pay for it! (laughs).”
{Part of Joan’s Jadeite “collection}
AP: What has been your best find over the last twenty years?
JH: “I was at a sale, and I saw this doll, I bought it for 50 cents, and sold it for $1,300 on eBay! It’s a strange doll where the eyes switch from blue, to gold, to green, to pink. I almost passed it up, but I thought to myself, for 50 cents, why not? If you ever see one of these dolls make sure you buy it!”
{Blythe Doll found via worldcollectorsnet.com}
AP: Your booths always look great! How did you get so good at decorating?
JH: “It’s natural, I just really like it and I always have. I love decorating my house and setting the table for dinner.”
{Joan also helps stage the front window displays}
AP: What is your personal style at home?
JH: “I don’t have a particular style. My couch is Victorian, and I have a big crystal chandelier, but I have less breakable stuff now, because of Taylor [Joan's 4-year-old grandson].”
{Vintage Christmas sled}
AP: How many hours a week do you spend at the plaza working on your booth?
JH: “Every Sunday from 7 am to 2 pm now that I watch Taylor, but before Taylor, at least 20 hours a week. Once Taylor gets older I’ll get back to that, because I have four booths, one upstairs and three downstairs. I really love doing this, and working. I love to have fun with the customers, it’s my entertainment. If I find one I can joke with then it’s on!”
{Vintage plaid pyrex mugs}
AP: Do you have any advice for people wanting to break into the business?
JH: “We have cases and shelves for rent downstairs for starting at $25 a month. Start small and be careful in what you are buying, only buy real antiques or vintage items. Also, you can get a mentor. Greg was my mentor and that helped a lot. I love to help people with their booths. Make sure to put things in there nicely, don’t just pile it in. When you make it look good, it also makes the store look good, which helps the experience on the plaza.”
{Joan’s collection of brass jewelry boxes}
AP: Any last thoughts?
JH: “Come on in! My booth is all set up for Christmas with ceramic Christmas trees, vintage ornaments and more!”
{A small sampling of Christmas items}
Well that’s Joan! Be sure to come on in this weekend for our black friday sale!
how can i purchase things from your store?
Hi John, Unfortunately we don’t have a online store set up, so really the only way to buy is to come in-person and look around. Our address is 114 W. Main St., mesa AZ 85201. Thanks!