MMDC sat down with Auston Freeman, owner of Majik & Co. and retail tenant of MMDC’s new development BOXLOT.
Can you tell me a little about yourself and your business?
I’m a native Memphian. I’ve been doing vintage clothing for about 11 years now. I started off just going to thrift stores and just picking up stuff here and there. I transitioned that into doing different trade show and sneaker events- the vintage clothing transitioned me into thinking more about the connection between both sneakers and vintage clothing and the culture that comes with the two elements. I originally started selling on Ebay. I had a small website. Now, here I am in 2019 with a store!
The vintage culture in Memphis is on the rise. How’d you get plugged in?
The stuff that I like now is everything I kind of wanted as a kid, but I just never really knew the significance of the items back then. I saw apparel then, and liked it, but was too young to buy it for myself. Now, looking back on it, when I find certain pieces, I’m like “Oh yeah, I remember this from when I was a kid—” and there’s a certain nostalgia factor to it. I think that’s what’s getting everybody into the whole vintage, retro thing—the nostalgia in it. Whether it be an old jersey or an old pair of shoes, people remember those from their childhoods and earlier eras. The nostalgia factor really got me into the industry.
Can you shed some light on the vintage scene in the city and what makes it so special here?
I’ve been doing this for a while and never really ran into many who were doing it. I would maybe run into a few who were. I definitely think that there was a resurgence of vintage reselling around 2012 and that kind of died. Now, there’s a huge wave of everybody getting back into the vintage scene. It’s this wave of 1: the vintage scene being publicized more, like people going to thrift stores and 2: there’s some large name brands that have launched similar stores. Like Round 2 in California— now they have one in New York, Chicago, and Miami. People are seeing that. They might have started selling vintage on the side, just kind of collecting and now seeing that they can make a business out of this.
There’s not as much awareness here in Memphis of the vintage scene versus other cities. When I was probably starting in 2007/2008, they probably already had shops popping up across the country that were doing this. In Memphis, we’re just kind of now figuring out what vintage is and what the culture is really about—working to fill in the gaps and the lack of knowledge of the industry.
What makes Majik & Co. stand out from other vintage resellers in the city?
I would say my overall knowledge of the product and the history behind it. There’s a lot of people that are doing it, but they might just be doing it because it’s cool or it’s like the thing to do at the moment. I feel like I have more skin in the game and am more knowledgeable about the products that I’m selling and offering.
How did you go from doing your business mostly online to having your own shop here at BOXLOT?
I was working at The Pocket Downtown, and that’s where I met Brian who was over the Shab Chic development in the beginning. He referenced the Business Support and Incentives provided by MMDC that could help me transition into a brick and mortar, so I eventually met with Vonesha. Over a year’s time, we spoke regularly trying to figure out possible locations that could work for my business, the financial capabilities, and ultimately, when MMDC acquired BOXLOT, she had me in mind as a potential tenant. She asked me if I was still interested, and I said yes! I think more than anything, I made a splash on Instagram more than around Memphis. I was known in Memphis by certain people, but I was still kind of like a known unknown, but this opportunity gives me the visibility to make my brand known throughout the city.
How has MMDC aided in the process of starting your business?
I definitely couldn’t do this without MMDC and having this strong support system. MMDC having the different tools to help a small business owner or someone, in my case, owning their business for the first time figure it out and transition from strictly online to a brick and mortar has been extremely helpful.
How exactly do you go about finding all of the apparel that you stock in the store?
Various sources anywhere from thrift stores to garage sales. People even walk in the store with items and I’ll buy stuff from them if they have cool stuff. People will message me online if they want to sell something. I also find things online.
As a new business owner in the District, what is some advice you would give other entrepreneurs looking to establish a brick and mortar in the Medical District?
Be creative. If you already have a good thing going and a business that you can stand behind, follow your dreams! This area is in a way kind of like a blank canvas and you can create your own space and create your own vision within the area. Follow you vision!
Can people expect any events or programming from Majik & Co.?
I’d like to do some raffles, like a sneaker raffle or raffle for a piece of clothing. Some larger events are pending for 2020.
What are your signature/most popular items so far?
So far, my top selling items are the Nike windbreakers. Everybody likes that 80’s/90’s retro style. The second top-seller is the vintage concert and tour shirts. People are really into those!
Majik & Co. is located at 607 Monroe Avenue. You can check out their apparel and follow them on Instagram!