Quitting Tech to Open a Vintage Store - Sunset Club Vintage

 After eight years in tech and a detour into custom resort wear with her brand Malibu Darby, Darbe Canady followed her instincts, and her wardrobe, into the world of vintage fashion. Today, she runs Sunset Club Vintage, a highly curated, appointment-only shop in San Diego known for its timeless designer pieces and stunning aesthetic.

 In this episode, we talk about the highs and lows of manufacturing, how she bootstrapped her way from pop-ups to a brick-and-mortar store, and why trusting your gut might be the best business decision you ever make.

🔍 Topics Covered:

→ What Darbe learned from launching her first brand, Malibu Darby
 → Why vintage is lower-risk and higher-margin than custom apparel
 → The gut feeling that led her to Sunset Club Vintage
 → How she built traction through pop-ups and word of mouth
 → Why investing in a beautiful space can drive organic growth
 → Tips for sourcing and curating vintage inventory
 → How she balances design, operations, and storytelling
 → Advice for aspiring vintage founders

🔗 Episode Links:

→ Sunset Club Vintage: https://www.sunsetclubvintage.com
→ Darbe on Instagram: @malibudarbe
→ Sunset Club Vintage on IG: @sunsetclubvintage

🛠 Opening Soon Resources:

→ Signs and furniture for retail stores: signsandmirrors.com
→ NYC and Houston’s first self-portrait studio: fotolab.studio
→ Follow the pod: @openingsoonpodcast