Owner of Erstwhile Antiques: Jaclyn Norkus

Jaclyn Norkus is a Senior at Hollins University. She is also the owner of Erstwhile Antiques, a vintage clothing and antique store just outside of downtown Roanoke. Check out what Jackie has to say about starting her own balancing owning a store with school, what it takes to start a business and what she loves most about vintage clothing. 

What is your major/minor? Interdisciplinary Major focusing on Anthropology, Sociology, Art History, & Studio Art. 

What made you decide to start your own business? I have always wanted to own an antique store for as long as I can remember, but this building opened up and, though it was probably not the best timing, I took the opportunity which was too good to pass up.  

How do you balance being a full-time student and a business owner? It is pretty difficult to keep my head clear all of the time trying to finish so much work for the business and for school, but school comes first because it costs more!

Why did you pick the name “Erstwhile Antiques?” “Erstwhile” was voted one of the 100 Most Beautiful Words in the English Language and it means “from another era.” We chose it because it was not too feminine or too masculine to keep our client base open. 

What makes Erstwhile Antiques different from other vintage shops? I guess the style of my shop is different from others because I do not let in things I would not wear myself, so it keeps the style streamlined and choosey. I keep the vintage time period to 1960s and earlier, trying to keep out 1970s and so on. 

What are the three most important things students should know about Erstwhile? Supporting local business is good for community, and buying vintage supports the green movement.  Erstwhile Antiques is a business started by a student, for fellow students and young people because I feel like there are not enough places geared towards young people who choose to dress differently and more creatively than what society tells them.  

Do you have any advice for students looking to start their own businesses? Research, research, research, but then just go for it!

What are your plans for after graduation? Keep the business going, and start another one wherever I choose to go to grad school. I love my business! 

For more information you can check out the Erstwhile Antiques Facebook page.