Thirty-four year-old Heather Karlie is living her dream as the proprietor of Heather Karlie Fine Art, a New York City-based gallery specializing in antique, period and modernist picture frames, 20th Century prints, paintings, and works on paper.  This week, Heather talked to me a little about her life as an antiques dealer.  Here, some excerpts from the interview:

Alex: What’s a typical day like for Heather?

Heather:  Each day is different and lots of fun.  It’s like a treasure hunt spent looking for merchandise.  Today, for example, I went to two antique shows, an auction preview and I can’t remember how many antique shops.  I made a new contact and purchased a beautiful pair of hand carved gilt eagles.  Tomorrow I’ll be up at 3 AM and at the local flea market.  I love my job!   I have freedom and autonomy, and it’s empowering. 

Alex:  How did you get your first paying job in the antiques field?   

Heather:  Well, this job is not really paying until you sell what you’ve bought.  I can remember the first thing I bought and sold.  It was a Japanese print, and I sold the frame separately from the painting and that’s how I got into the business.  You’re really relying on your wits to buy the correct items.  There’s a saying, “You make your money on the buy.”  It means that you have to buy whatever it is ‘right’ in order to have your pay day. 

Alex: What personality traits do you think it takes to be successful in your job?

Heather:  It definitely takes patience, and knowing when to buy and when to sell.  You also have to have a strong belief in yourself.  Sometimes you have to ‘go with your gut’.  Nine times out of ten, you’ll be glad that you did.