Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Leyland.
Hi Lindsey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Getup has been providing Ann Arbor Michigan with the most unique and classic vintage clothing and accessories since 2005! We recently relocated from our tiny little shop on State St to 4th Ave, where most of the locally owned retail shops live now. The Getup is co-owed by myself and Kaylan Mitchell, and we took over from the previous owner in 2015.
I, Lindsey, started out being a vintage obsessed human from a very young age. Learning to sew and make my own clothing in highschool really gave me a passion for fashion as they say. After high school, I went on to work in theater costume design and wardrobe, all the while keeping a vintage shop girl side hustle for the clothing. After running two vintage stores in Chicago along with my love of styling I found myself living in Ann Arbor and naturally I gravitated to coolest store in town – The Getup! That’s where I met Kaylan, who was working as a manager at the Michigan Theater and also at The Getup. When Kelly (the previous owner) decided to sell it was a natural choice to sell it to Kaylan and I. And for the next 11 years it has been a nonstop small business thrill ride!
Business ownership came with a lot of ups and downs with the ever changing landscape of Ann Arbor. It’s our hope that the people who live here continually support locally owned stores, as it has always been what makes this (and any) town so special. Shop small baby!
We really feel like our new location has elevated us and the clothing we pour our hearts into preserving and giving a second chance at life. Every item in our store is hand selected for its quality and coolness and everything we purchase gets washed, repaired, researched, steamed and then displayed. We love it when that vintage piece calls to you and gets worn right out of the store! The Getup owes so much to the amazing humans that keep us in business, stay weird Ann Arbor!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m not sure what small business owner would say it’s been a “smooth” ride, haha! Vintage clothing is truly a labor of love, there is SO MUCH WORK that goes into the behind the scenes to make sure these items are ready to be worn for another 50 years.
Honestly having my amazing partner Kaylan to share the load with makes all the difference in the world. We complement each other so well and really I wouldn’t ever even consider running a brick and mortar without her. Everyone needs a super genius Capricorn in your corner!
I will say though, the main struggle for us has always been the skyrocking rental prices, along with negligent landlords, who have continuously shown that money will always be more important than supporting this town and its community. Despite it all – we are still here!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a seamstress / fiber artist / stylist and designer, if it deals with textiles, I’m in! I specialize in many things and have had a long life of artistic experiences, but in my line of work it is a lot of mending, repair and restoration. I like to call myself the laundry witch, always trying to magically make old stains disappear! The attention to detail in every garment we put out sets us apart in the retail world, we try to curate the clothing so the moment you walk in, you know these are special pieces. There are so many things to be proud of when running a vintage shop, but mostly Kaylan and I’s determination and resilience to bring sustainable and affordable quality fashion to our town (and beyond – if your shop on our website at getupvintage.com).
Personally though I create when I can these days, from goofy little mending I do on my own clothing, too embroidering cute patches for my little sister’s new baby’s quilt. I did an artist residency in 2019 where I created a theatrical performance based on the Longest Night, the winter solstice. I designed and stitched all the garments for movement and to represent dusk to dawn on the darkest night of the year. My dear friend composed an all original soundtrack and each act was choreographed to really bring it all to life! I really am proud of that performance and would love to opportunity again to create for the stage. Costuming for live theater is a true joy for me, and I hope to someday work in that field again!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As the middle child of 5 – I’d like to think I’m the “funny” one in the family. I have always been an extreme extrovert, loudly trying to make friends with everyone I meet. I grew up in a VERY small rural town north of Pittsburgh, and any chance i could to get my hands on a fashion magazine or a ride to the mall I was over the moon. I did every sport, classical ballet and jazz, I was in any theatrical performance my tiny school offered, art club, science club, just a really active and driven kid. I got a job as soon as possible so I could buy ALL the shoes, and am still to this day a shoe collector. I knew from a very young age that I would definitely work with clothing in some capacity, and that has absolutely held true! 13 year old me would be very proud and I try to honor her in my adult life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://getupvintage.com
- Instagram: @thegetupvintage
- Other: tik tok : @thegetupvintage
