By Anna Dean – Owassoisms Tuesday, January 8, 2013
If the words “shabby” or “chic” pique your interest, make time to check out one of Owasso’s newest businesses The Flying Pig Vintage Market. Opening January 10th, The Flying Pig carries gifts, vintage home décor, Plaster Paint Company paint, Nouvelle Candles and specialty homemade items, including old and new merchandise.
With the rise of Pinterest, featuring links to sites on decorating, repurposing and “upcycling,” there’s a surge in popularity for these types of items—the exact style you will find at The Flying Pig. “It has created an interest for people to repurpose, reuse, create and value old things or things that look old,” Owner Malinda Palmer says.
As an Owasso resident who grew up in the area, Palmer saw the need for a retail business of this nature. “I grew up in an 80-plus-year-old family-owned business in Collinsville,” she says. “Burnside & Heinrichs, a hardware, furniture and appliance store, and it was a childhood dream to
someday own my own place. While other kids were playing outside, I was playing ‘store.’”It also seemed to be a natural step to open her business in Owasso. “I love Owasso because of its location, small town feel, and all my family is here.”
someday own my own place. While other kids were playing outside, I was playing ‘store.’”It also seemed to be a natural step to open her business in Owasso. “I love Owasso because of its location, small town feel, and all my family is here.”
Palmer worked for Case & Associates for eight years as a property manager, opening locations in the Owasso area such as Coffee Creek and Preston Lakes apartments. “That experience gave me the confidence to start my own business, which I am extremely grateful for,” she says. “I left there to be able to have more time and availability to care for my mother. As a hobby, I opened a booth at Willow Tree Mall in Claremore, and it all clicked…Thus, The Flying Pig.”
The Flying Pig Vintage Market is made up of individual vendors and is fully leased, but there is a wait list for merchants interested in leasing vendor space. Current vendors include LaVintage, Okie Chic, Addy Couture, Jewelry Holders by Vicki, The Yellow Bird, Peonies and Pearls, Treasures with Mom, Vintage Secrets, Julaine’s, Sadie’s Attic, Uniquely Chic Designs, Ella’s Dips and Three Sisters Kitchen.
With opening day just around the corner, Palmer has high hopes for her new venture. “Judging by the reception I have been receiving, I expect it to be a success,” she says. “I hope this encourages others to look into downtown for opening other new small businesses. This just seemed to be the right time, right place and right type of business.”
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
The Flying Pig Vintage Market is located at 202 E. 1st St. For more information, check them out on Facebook, email malinda.palmer@cox.net or call (918) 724-4090.
