Downriver’s Rustic Glam Divas
Turning a hobby into a career is certainly an enviable job evolution. That’s precisely the professional path Angie Guzzardo and Rina Belanger followed as they evolved Vintage Market Mercantile from event promotion to retail space and into event creators all while becoming downriver’s very own female version of American Pickers. The old saying of “one man’s (or woman’s) junk is another’s treasure,” is alive and well with these two enterprising and visionary entrepreneurs.
Angie and Rina recently made the decision to shift from a bricks and mortar Trenton-based storefront into taking their boutique concept on the road by creating larger vintage décor-based events throughout Michigan. The two of them grew up downriver with Rina hailing from Flat Rock and Allen Park while Angie was a Lincoln Park gal. Their downriver DNA has provided both ladies with a perspective on just how important their events have become as a platform for proving just how vibrant downriver communities like Trenton can be.
As “picking partners” for well over a decade, Angie and Rina began making a difference in Trenton even before they opened their store. This home base for the two was where they perfected their vintage market event concept into what they like to refer to as flea market chic shopping experiences. The two share an eye for what’s possible in curating and designing with everything from antiques to salvaged items to nouveau décor treasures.
As “picking partners” for well over a decade, Angie and Rina began making a difference in Trenton even before they opened their store.
When they opened their store in 2021, they wasted no time in having an impact on Trenton’s downtown vibe. Their prior event experiences and imaginative nature had them collaborating with Trenton’s DDA on what have become iconic happenings in this area. They helped create several events, not only for the downtown area, but for the city. Those included organizing and hosting Trenton’s Farmers Market over past three years along with nearly events. Another notable example is Trenton’ popular and quirky event called Lobstoberfest, which has grown into an annual October-themed Street fair that brings thousands of people to the city.
The character and personality of any community is often defined by small, family-owned businesses. That’s certain a fact these two Trenton dynamos recognize in placing small businesses first. Their events have hosted hundreds of local small businesses throughout the year providing them with a place to thrive. These accomplishments weren’t lost on people in high places since, last year Vintage Market Mercantile was honored with a special tribute from the governor for all they’ve accomplished in the downriver area with small businesses.
The next chapter for Rina and Angie is focusing their talents on an event-based version of what their retail store has been. They’ve leaned into theming their markets to offer unique visitor experiences at each of their events. Shoppers are encouraged to come dressed in the theme and vendors decorate their space accordingly. Belanger and her partner continue adding fun extras to each event depending on the theme.
The Vintage Market showcases over 1200 small businesses each year with the goal of bringing support, customers, and sales to local small businesses. In Rina’s view, “I feel that downriver is literally changing and evolving every single day. This area used to get a bad rap, but it's all just a misconception. Downriver is a great place to open a business since people are craving upscale and unique shopping experiences.” That sentiment alone speaks volumes as to how these two Downriver Rustic Glam Diva’s will continue making a difference in Trenton.
