When you think about a vintage boutique, you might picture bursting racks. 1960s mod dresses sandwiched between 1980s leotards and 1990s acid washed jeans. When faced with decades of fashion history in every corner, even the most intrepid shoppers might get overwhelmed.

If you’re searching for such a place when making your way to Frida Vintage, you might miss the  polished, modern storefront—large windows revealing a space that could be an art gallery. Step inside, and you’ll find a collection of wearable art, curated by Erika Vazquez, Frida’s owner. The pieces mix so seamlessly, you’d think they were cut with the same scissors, instead of miles, and sometimes decades, apart.

For Vazquez, shopping isn’t just an activity, or a chore, it’s an experience. She’s thought about every detail, from the plants, to the candles, seating, and the cowhide rug. But she didn’t start out dreaming about owning a retail store, she started out reveling in the joy of a thrifted treasure.

At 12, Vazquez left Mexico for the United States. Her family settled in Vancouver, Washington, where her parents found their first job in the United States at a thrift store. She loved to browse the racks, examining fabric textures and colors, exploring fashion history interspersed with recent trends.

Thrifting was not only an affordable way to clothe herself, it was a place of calm in the cacophony of a big family, a new country, and the growing pains of becoming who she would be.

In 2020, amidst Seattle's lockdown, Vazquez, facing job loss, transformed her passion for thrifting into a thriving enterprise. Her curated finds, initially shared on social media, quickly cultivated a devoted clientele through engaging online presence and vibrant pop-up experiences. This success propelled her from a modest studio to a larger space, deepening customer connections and prompting a pivotal decision: a physical storefront. Concurrently, she honed her craft at Seattle Central, mastering apparel design to confidently upcycle and create original garments.

Just when Vazquez thought she'd found the perfect spot, it fell through, taking a chunk of her savings with it. This setback really shook her, making her question if she was truly on the right path. But even during that tough time, her dream kept calling her back. She knew this was what she truly wanted, and giving up simply wasn't an option. Up until then, she'd tackled everything about business ownership on her own, learning as she went. Now, she was ready to seek out resources to help her move forward.

That’s when she discovered Seattle Restored.

Like Frida Vintage, Seattle Restored came into being during the pandemic. The Seattle Office of Economic Development, Seattle Good Business Network, and Shunpike formed the program to revitalize empty storefronts, connecting them with artists and entrepreneurs who could move in temporarily and figure out whether a brick-and-mortar location was the best fit. In addition, Seattle Restored shares connections, business resources, and marketing support.

Vazquez had found the perfect spot. Years ago she’d lived in Pioneer Square and she’d known she would be back. Her shop is just across the street from her former home. The neighborhood has seen a resurgence as the go-to for vintage fashion finds. It felt meant to be. She applied for an opportunity with Seattle Restored, then took a leap of faith and signed the lease.

At its heart, Seattle Restored breathes vibrancy, creativity, and community into downtown Seattle. It’s not just about filling empty spaces, it's about transforming them into inviting, dynamic hubs. For Vazquez, an immigrant Latina entrepreneur, establishing FRIDA in Pioneer Square was deeply intentional, a testament to her love for the community that has championed her through countless challenges. This storefront, in many ways, is truly for them—a home, a landing pad, and a safe space, extending FRIDA's impact far beyond just clothing.

Vazquez and FRIDA embodies the mission of Seattle Restored. She actively champions emerging talent, currently mentoring two paid Seattle Central interns for mending and alterations. Her shop, beyond its curated vintage and reimagined pieces, proudly showcases three independent designers, marketing their work alongside her own. This journey, she feels, was simply fate.

With Seattle Restored's crucial support, Vazquez can fully dedicate herself to her vision. She plans to expand her internship program, empowering more students to create new pieces for sale.

Her goal is to continuously push the boundaries of Frida Vintage's potential, all while staying true to the core values that define her brand. Having arrived in Seattle to pursue her dreams, Vazquez, through sheer hard work, unwavering perseverance, and the vital backing of Seattle Restored, is now living that dream.