Alex:  What skills are critical to your success as an antiques dealer? 

Heather:  Research, research, research.  If you love to figure out the who, what, where and why, then you’ll be a great dealer.  Being able to pick something out and then research it and then place it correctly is what makes you successful.   Also, being lucky.  Sound like it’s not a skill?  I think we make our own luck.  When you’re in the right place at the right time and an opportunity presents itself – grab it!  That’s luck.  Having the ability to recognize opportunities.

Alex: What challenges have you faced, and how have you managed setbacks? 

Heather:  The challenges are that the business is linked to the economy and when times are slow, business is slow.  We really don’t need art and antiques to survive (well, some of us do).  Being able to hold on to great merchandise during a slow time is critical.  It all goes back to believing in yourself and being patient.  I’ve been through some slow periods, but I just tell myself, to hold on, wait it out and be positive.

Alex:  What post-college training (if any) would you recommend to be successful?

Heather:  Some people may feel comfortable in a paid environment at first, just while they’re getting their feet wet.  Maybe a gallery, antique shop, auction house, museum or another place where you’ll be in contact with the arts.  Some other people may just want to dive right in.  In either case, you’ll be learning from the start.

Alex: Anything else cool about your career you’d care to share? 

Heather:  In the art and antiques business you can have a shop, exhibit and sell at antique shows, buy and sell through auction, buy and sell online, deal from your home – the possibilities are endless.  You can tailor the business to fit your personality.  Maybe you’ll be a generalist, dealing in fine antiques across many categories.  Maybe you’ll specialize in one category, or one time period of one category.  This business can accommodate lots of different people and ways of doing business.

Thanks, Heather!