Honey House Vintage is a collective vintage shop in Orlando, run by Nicole Escobar. She grew up going antiquing with her mom, who always decorated their house with beautiful vintage antique collectibles. She always dreamed of creating that same cozy and welcoming environment for herself and anyone who enters her home, and the creation of Honey House allowed her to share that environment with others. This small business offers beautiful home decor, clothing, and even a make-your-own-candle station! To Nicole, Honey House is “not only a business, but it’s a warm feeling, a creative outlet, and a community.” See below for a profile on their business and the meaning of sustainability in our Central Florida community!
What made you inspired to create Honey House Vintage here in Central Florida and what keeps you going? I’ve always had a love for vintage items and the stories they carry. Orlando’s appreciation for unique, nostalgic pieces inspired me to open a brick and mortar here after all the support I was given at pop up markets. What keeps me going is the joy of connecting people with treasures that evoke memories and the support from our amazing local community. Every day, I get to see the excitement on customers’ faces when they find something special, and that’s incredibly rewarding.
What do you love most about your small business in House District 42/Central Florida? Central Florida has a large population that values shopping small and showing local love. I can’t picture having the support for my business anywhere else like I have here!
What does sustainability mean to you? To me, sustainability means reducing, reusing and repurposing. Each piece in the shop has a history and a story, and by giving these items a new life, I’m contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. It’s about valuing quality over quantity and preserving the past while being mindful of the impact on the environment for the future.
What are some of your customer’s favorite services/programs from your business? A customer favorite is our vintage candle bar. By using local vintage and recycled glassware we reduce the need to order containers in bulk which eliminates excess packaging and shipping. My personal favorite was when a customer brought in a cleaned out pickle jar to make a candle in. Of course we dyed the wax green! We urge our customers to bring back their glassware once the candle is finished to redeem 15% off a refill in store.
What are your personal tips for those who are looking to transition to zero-waste practices? I would say to start small, and slow. There’s no need to change all of your habits at once. Embrace secondhand. Opt for secondhand items whenever possible. Upcycle and repurpose. Get creative with what you already have. Invest in quality. Choose durable, high-quality items that will last longer. Vintage pieces are often well-made and built to stand the test of time. Minimize packaging. Bring your own bags, containers, and jars when shopping. This reduces the amount of single-use packaging you bring into your home.
What are your future goals for expanding your zero-waste initiatives? I would love to host workshops on upcycling, and DIY projects. These workshops would empower our community to extend the life of their belongings and reduce waste. Be sure to keep an eye out for any future updates!
Lastly, how can readers stay up to date with your business and show support in 2024? You can find our storefront at 115 N Summerlin Ave Orlando FL 32801, shop our booth at Orange Tree Antiques Mall (booth # 297) and on Instagram @honeyhousevtg. We’d love to have your support by stopping in to shop, following us on social media and sharing our posts with someone you think would enjoy them!