Jenny Kuller, proprietor of Redhead Sadie Vintage is a self-proclaimed historian and archeologist. The thrift stores and estate sales in and around Phoenix, Arizona serve as her classrooms. For over two decades they've provided lessons in collecting treasures, and have given her a unique perspective on life, and herself.
Out of all the items she collects, Jenny is drawn most to mid century fabric. She says she can spend hours here thinking, and calls it her "happy place".
Redhead Sadie Vintage, is named after Jenny's great grandmother, Sadie.
"I've always felt out of place. It's like wearing a pair of shoes that is supposed to fit, but doesn't quite." This is how Jenny describes life in modern times.
In her storeroom, Jenny locates a dress she sold on a Facebook group.
The selling end of the business requires focus and accounting; elements that Jenny admits can be difficult due to having ADHD.
Before scouting local Goodwill stores, Jenny makes a stop at the post office to ship a dress.
Jenny arrives at one of her favorite Goodwill stores in Phoenix.
Jenny's business features primarily women's clothing, jewelry and accessories from the 1940's through the 1980's.
Jenny admits "retail therapy" has helped her get through trying times in the past and she restricts how much she can spend.
At age 47, Jenny says she's working on improving her self image.
Jenny finds a 1950's novelty record for her boyfriend Johnny who collects vintage risqué memorabilia.
Jenny waits for a clerk at the jewelry case at one of her favorite thrift stores where she scored two antique copper bracelets.
Having strong liberal and feminist leanings, Jenny admits it may seem incongruous to have a kitchen filled with items designed for 1950's housewives.
Jenny says her retro kitchen is a celebration of the women that came before her; women who had few career choices and opportunities.
Jenny's son, Zefram, 18, shares some candy in theliving room. Jenny also has a 30 year old daughter, LeCresia, who lives in Montana.
Jenny's son, Zefram, in his bedroom. Zefram is a senior in high school. Despite requiring some special attention scholastically and needing help with navigating change, Jenny describes Zefram as smart and funny. She says Zefram is a good person and that makes her a good mom.
Within the past year, Jenny ended a long term relationship with a man who was 18 years her senior. Her new boyfriend, Johnny, is 24 years her junior.
An aspiring cartoonist, Johnny's style is reminiscent of the adult comics featured in Esquire and Playboy magazines from the 1950's
Jenny doesn't view Johnny's love for vintage risqué art as an exploitation of women; noting that he admires strong women. She sees it as a celebration of the female form.
Johnny works on a cartoon in his studio.
Johnny practices the upright bass while listening to a vintage rockabilly record.
Despite the age difference, Jenny is 47 and Johnny is 23, Jenny says they both appreciate the past the same way and have much in common.
Jenny takes a break in her antique glider outside of her home.
Jenny is the official ball girl at Rooftop Bingo at the Clarendon Hotel in downtown Phoenix.
Rooftop Bingo is hosted by Jenny's friend, Marshall Shore who is known in Phoenix as the Hip Historian.
Jenny and Johnny embrace during a break.
Jenny shows off a vintage shirt during a sale at the Coronado Home Tour. Jenny cherishes the rapport and realationships she has with her customers.
Jenny sees herself as the curator, caretaker and conduit for the treasures she collects. She says sometimes it's enough that it just passes through her hands.
