Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Dobbins
Hi Amy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started “Dare Threads Vintage & Art” in 2009. I wanted to start a business based on my lifestyle of vintage fashion and showcasing my art. I’d travel to different cities in the US & buy vintage clothing for my shop. I’ll host my vintage pop-up shops in Memphis coffee shops or wherever. I even had my pop-up shop at a restaurant on south main downtown memphis. In 2014, I rebranded to Mint Cream a world of my own. I started a blog trying to save gentrification in Memphis,TN and elsewhere like Lexington,KY (the people’s bank) from demolition and preservation of historic buildings. That next year, I produced my first “market” it was called Mint Cream Expo and it was held at Tad Pierson warehouse of vintage airstreams and tire art. Really Rad! I changed the name of my vintage shop to “Mint Cream Shop”. The Mint Cream Life had various of attributes..blog, vintage store, art, markets and I even had a Mint Cream Manicure studio.. so yes, I am a retired nail technician. Mint Cream Photography, I love that I created my own world. Now I’m operating Mint Cream Market at various Memphis breweries. It’s a great platform for crafters and makers well artisans of all sorts.
I started Mint Cream Tunes at WYXR 2020 which was perfect because I was utterly bored due to Covid and I love records. My radio show is in two different platforms WYXR 91.7fm Memphis and also Rockabilly Radio a global radio station that caters to Memphis music like Rockabilly & Blues. I also travel and dj in numerous of cities like Long Beach,CA Surf Guitar 101 festival,Scottsdale,AZ Tiki Oaisis and Rockin’ Rumble in Nashville,TN etc.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Never a smooth road while being a creator, a mother and an entrepreneur.
The challenges I’ll say is mostly myself. My lifestyle requires a lot of discipline and I do lack that. I procrastinate and lack confidence at times. I find holistic ways of coping and relieve stress. It’s always a situation you just have to stay ahead of the game.
As you know, we’re big fans of Mint Cream Market. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’ve started Mint Cream Market to provide a platform for makers and artists like myself. I also, like to have vintage and collectors at my markets. The more opportunities artist have to showcase their shop in a public setting is always good. I like to have musical performers at the markets so people can actually see Memphis music and artists. I’m all about local evolvement and small businesses. I like to work with nonprofit organizations to be apart of the markets. I choose the local beer breweries in Memphis because I love beer and it’s a good time and helps the breweries revenue and artists in the markets. It’s a win,win situation where everybody supporting each other and having a good time.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love Memphis underground music scene and its weirdness. The secret back roads passages of Memphis,TN. What I least like about it is when locals don’t support Memphis music and arts scene because of gossip haha it’s so silly to me. That’s it really other than that Memphis is pretty gnarly.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.mintcreamarket.com
- Instagram: @mintcreamarket @rockindjamydee @mintcreamshop @creepvillemarket
- Facebook: Mint Cream Market , Rockin’ Dj Amy Dee
