Vintage Interview: HWY 62 Arts & Antiques

Route 62 Arts & Antiques
55635 29 Palms Hwy
Yucca Valley, CA  92284

My last stop in Yucca Valley was a large warehouse of a store littered with cacti landscaping and retro imitation signage which can be quite a deterrent for me as it gives off a cheese-factor vibe which, in turn, advertises contemporary faux retro collectable ca-ca inventory possibilities inside. Fortunately, the interiors were none of that; with 15 vendors housing their antique merchandise inside, there was an eclectic alloy of art, candles, jewelry, records and miscellaneous antiquities merchandised into sectional themes.  I had the pleasure of chatting with owner and resident, Dawn, about her 10 1/2 years in the business.

When Los Angeles was no longer affordable, Dawn and her husband moved to Yucca Valley but there were no jobs available so, she started making furniture and selling it in rented spaces at local antique malls.  “My business was called Re-imaginated Furniture, and it just took off”,  she exclaimed.  “I was the only one not selling antiques and the malls forced me to start selling them, I was the weirdo of the bunch,” she laughed.  “So I just branched off and did my own thing!”

Now in 10,000 square feet of vintage bliss, Dawn and her husband run their own antique mall and even live in an apartment on the property.  “We’re doing the real-deal like they did in the 50’s, its fun, it’s comfortable and I love what I do!”  Dawn loves her business so much that she gave up her car and her house to keep the building going.  She is host to countless local events and garage sales, making it possible for non-vendors to come and sell their wares at her “Hipster Garage Sale.”

I also learned that Dawn’s heart is as big as her compound as she tends to gravitate towards those in need who have been diagnosed with cancer by hosting benefits for them.  “We wouldn’t be where we were today if we didn’t give so much, you gotta give to get, what is everyone holding on to?!”