Kellye Hollis, a passionate treasure hunter, has recently ventured into the vibrant streets of New York City, bringing with her a lifelong love for vintage finds.
Hollis’s journey into the world of vintage collecting began in her childhood in Oklahoma. Growing up attending local junk auctions with her parents, she caught the “vintage bug” early on. This lifelong passion evolved as she moved to Dallas, where she started engaging in treasure hunting both for herself and others.
After graduating from college and relocating, Hollis embraced her love for antiques and collectibles, managing various mall spaces at places like Love Field Antique Mall and North Dallas Antique Mall over the years. In 2014, she made a pivotal decision to turn her hobby into a full-time endeavor by starting an estate sale business.
Earlier this year, Hollis took another bold step by moving to New York City, fulfilling her long-held dream. In February, she found tenants for her Preston Hollow condo, put her belongings into storage, and rented a small apartment on the Upper East Side. “Not sure what the future holds,” she said, “but something tells me it will have something to do with my passion for treasure hunting.”
Drawing from her extensive experience, Hollis offers invaluable tips for fellow treasure hunters looking to uncover their own hidden gems.
One of her primary recommendations is to visit thrift stores frequently. Some serious shoppers even visit their favorite locations multiple times a day, as inventory can change rapidly. A quality thrift store can look completely different from one day to the next, making routine visits essential for finding the best deals.
Moreover, she suggests slowing down when passing garage sales. If something catches your eye, it’s worth stopping to explore further. Hollis has found that interesting items are often out there waiting to be discovered, though she warns against delaying your trip to brunch, as the most desirable finds typically sell early.
For those interested in estate sales, Hollis recommends checking out estatesales.net to find upcoming events. Arriving early on the first day offers the best chance to snag quality items before others do. While significant discounts are usually offered on the last day, Hollis advises acting quickly when you find something special, as it might not be available for long.
She also emphasizes the importance of seizing the moment when you see something you like. Many dealers work hard to curate their inventory, often pricing items to sell quickly. If something catches your attention, it’s wise to purchase it then and there, as the chances of seeing the same item again can be slim.
In her move to New York City, Hollis discovered a surprising treasure trove: the discarded items of Manhattanites. She is particularly keen on the bulk trash pickups that happen every Saturday morning in her neighborhood. Compiling a small space in her tiny apartment to clean and photograph furniture she finds on the sidewalks has become a fun and creative outlet.
When Hollis finds particularly impressive pieces, she integrates them into her home, swapping out items she likes less. To manage her space and finances, she lists the items on Facebook Marketplace at competitive prices, allowing her to make room for her latest finds each Friday night.
With her deep-rooted passion for treasure hunting and creative eye, Kellye Hollis continues to inspire others in their quest for unique vintage pieces—and her NYC adventure is just beginning.
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