Partner Profile: Cultivating the Keepers of Our History- Lil Birdy’s Welcomes the Next Generation of Antique Shop Owners
When you walk into Tracy Rittle’s shop, your senses are sure to be overtaken with memories and nostalgia, each room holding vintage items that remind us of loved ones past and days gone by.
Our Partner Profile series gives you insight into the personal stories and relationships behind our businesses. When you visit here, you’re supporting something bigger.
(The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.)
Tracy recently celebrated five (5) years in business. Owning an antique shop is a far cry from her previous line of work; she worked as a District Manager at a chain drug store for 25 years.
The inspiration for this career 360 was made up of several elements, going back to her childhood and a special nickname.
“My best friend said that when I talked, I sounded like a little birdie. So she has been calling me a little birdie or LB since 10th grade. Her kids only know me as Lil Birdie or LB.” said Tracy during an interview at her shop off Pittsburgh Road in Butler.
As luck would have it, the next day, while thrifting, Tracy discovered a sign with the Pennsylvania Dutch birds that make up her logo.
Antique hunting has a history within her family as well.
“On weekends, I would go to my grandmother's house, and she loved garage sales and flea markets.” Tracy recounted, “So it was always Friday, Saturday, Sunday, garage sales and flea markets with her.”
Tracy’s brother owns an auction house in Charleston, South Carolina.
“It’s always been in my blood.”
Part of her passion for curating and selling antiques is the stories behind each item.
“I love to hold a vintage book. I like to think about how many other hands were on this book and how many other people over the last hundred years who picked up this antique book, how did they interpret this story?”
The items Tracy curates change with time and trends, most of which are driven now by social media. One “viral” item was fair lamps, glass candle receptacles with lids dating back to the 1880s.
“I love to hold a vintage book. I like to think about how many other hands were on this book and how many other people over the last hundred years who picked up this antique book, how did they interpret this story?”
Regarding the future of antique selling, Tracy looks to the next generation.
“I have a handful of very young customers, like under the age of 14. I love these kids. I've taken a few of them to their very first flea market this summer. They are the future, the keepers of the memories,” she said. “If they come in and they have any interest whatsoever, whether they ask for an education or not, I'm giving it to them.” “The future is getting the youngest possible generation into it.”
In addition to running her business, Tracy is also an active board member for Experience Butler County, representing the shopping sector of our partners. She believes working in tourism is essential to showcasing what the county has to offer the Pittsburgh area at large.
“Pittsburgh is well known for antique stores on every corner or every block, but the antiques we do have here are absolutely amazing. And I just don't think that people really know.” Tracy remarked, “Butler County has a ton to offer.”
Related
374 Pittsburgh Rd. Butler, PA 16002 (724) 591-1775 Website