LOCAL: Brands, Businesses + Entrepreneurs | #06 | Old Soul Vintage
Kitsap is full of incredible brands, businesses and entrepreneurs who make shopping for unique items in Kitsap a fun adventure.
Editor’s Note: Old Soul Vintage is on hiatus while Alison is off working as a full time registered nurse. We are so proud of her hard work and the story her small business represented while she chased down (and paid cash for) her dream of becoming an RN. Josephine’s Mercantile and their sister store Revival, across the street, are full of local brands and businesses just like Alison’s and are just a few of our favorite spots to hang out when we are in downtown Port Orchard. We hope to see Alison’s art popping back up around the Kitsap Peninsula in the near future.
Old Soul Vintage
Alison Pieze, Owner
About Alison
What was your first job?
“Working for Samantha Smith at Josephine’s Mercantile, then it was called Josephine’s Redeemed Boutique.”
Where do you draw inspiration/creativity in your life?
“I like to make a lot of PNW inspired items, like my mountain art pieces, or cute WA state wood ornaments!”
About Old Soul Vintage
How did the idea of starting Old Soul Vintage begin?
“My old boss and great friend, Sam, saw I had a passion for all things vintage and handmade, and encouraged me to start my own small business, where I could earn money to pay for my college expenses.”
The Genesis
Tell us the story of how Old Soul Vintage came to fruition.
“I like to think of myself as an Old Soul. I have an appreciation for quality items and love the idea of repurposing things - giving them a new life. This is how my business name came to be. About 2 years later, I now have a 10x10ft space inside Josephine’s Mercantile, where I specialize in farmhouse decor and handmade items for your home or outside space!”
Tell us what/who drives you to keep working hard towards your goals.
“When I first started my small business, every dollar I earned went toward my college degree. That was a huge motivator for sure. Now that I have graduated college debt-free, my motivation comes from the amazing guests who come into Josephine’s every day looking for an experience, and not just another vintage store. I strive to provide quality, handmade items that people can cherish for years to come.”
Love Kitsap
Tell us your fave local drink spot - coffee, tea, wine, tequila, whatever!
“I have to pick up a mocha from Yes Please Coffee every morning to start the day!”
Tell us your fave local spot for a comfort meal - what do you always order?
“Blue Agave has amazing burritos that are the size of a small child.” ;)
Live Kitsap
Out of town guests are coming for the weekend. What is the most important thing you share with them about Kitsap? Where do you absolutely have to take them?
“I love to show out of town guests the beautiful scenery we have to offer here in the PNW. I like to take family and friends down to the waterfront and walk around. They are always amazed driving through Gorst - seeing aircraft carriers so close to the highway, that is something I think we take for granted living here.”
Queue that one scene from ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ with Richard Gere…
Thrive in Kitsap
Where are your favorite place(s) to get outside. What do you do when you go?
“I love to go hiking, there are lots of great spots within just a few hours of Kitsap! I also enjoy camping in my travel trailer, anywhere that has something to do!”
our connections + friendships with local brands, businesses + entrepreneurs is something that makes living in kitsap truly unique. You aren’t just supporting a business, you’re growing relationships.
READ ABOUT MORE BRANDS, BUSINESSES + ENTREPRENEURS
Sam Eitzen, the co-founder of SnapBar, is a truly inspiring story of grit and perseverance as he grew his company through the pandemic.