Community Highlights: Meet Kaylan Mitchell of The Getup

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylan Mitchell.

Hi Kaylan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The Getup has officially turned 20! What began in a tiny attic space has now found its home at 210 S Fourth, marking two decades of growth, transformation, and a shared passion for vintage fashion. We’ve always dreamed of a place where the beauty of the past could be celebrated, and our stunning new storefront — a former Montgomery Ward department store — perfectly embodies that vision.

A decade ago, my partner Lindsey Leyland and I took the reins from the original owners. Over the years, the business has weathered multiple recessions, pandemics, and too many “once-in-a-lifetime” economic disasters to count. Yet, it continues to grow and thrive. We attribute much of this resilience to our resourcefulness as business owners and our unwavering commitment to sustainability — saving the planet one groovy vintage piece at a time.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced has been finding our voice and confidence as store owners.

When we took over from the previous owner, we inherited business practices and customer expectations that weren’t necessarily in line with our vision. While the previous owner’s choices weren’t inherently bad, there was a lot of history to navigate and redefine.

Now, after a decade of ownership, our new location truly feels like the store we’ve always dreamed of — a physical manifestation of our true vision.

Additionally, over the years, we’ve become much more confident in curating and selling quality vintage. Our expertise has grown through hands-on experience and years of research, which has deepened our understanding of garments and the value they hold.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At The Getup, we’re committed to making every day Earth Day by offering hand-selected vintage clothing that helps combat textile waste. With over 30 years of combined experience, we carefully clean and restore each piece using natural products like vinegar, baking soda, and our own handmade soap, ensuring minimal environmental impact. We avoid plastic bottles and use organic dry cleaners when necessary.

Our dedication to sustainability also extends to eliminating paper receipts, reducing shopping bag waste, and continually finding ways to lessen our footprint. When you shop with us, you’re not just getting unique, quality garments — you’re helping to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable fashion industry.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was definitely a bit quirky — I’m a cellist and self-professed orchestra dork. I transitioned into playing in rock and roll bands during college, where I loved incorporating vintage pieces into my stage shows. Thrifting and vintage became a way to find unique, one-of-a-kind treasures that added character and flair to my performances. It was a passion that blended my love for music, history, style, and sustainability long before I knew how it would shape my future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://getupvintae.com
• Instagram: @thegetupvintage
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thegetupvintagea2
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-getup-vintage-ann-arbor
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegetupvintage