Check Out Nehiel Ortiz’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nehiel Ortiz.

Nehiel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Puerto Rico in the 80’s/90’s. At the time, there wasn’t a big appreciation for vintage or a market for it like there is today. However, my passion for vintage homegoods and design was ignited as a child as I ran around my grandmother’s stunning Caribbean mid-century home full of treasures. I’ve always been a creative person; enjoying music, painting and crafting but through the years had let that creative side lay dormant.

When I had the means and opportunity to begin collecting vintage goods for myself, I found it was thrilling to discover these treasures and give them a new life, infusing my home with special pieces that simply cannot be replicated in terms of quality and beauty.

During the events of the past year, as we struggled to find meaning and purpose in our isolation, I began to explore this creative side again. I taught myself water coloring and tried new things like embroidery. I was creating so much that soon I was gifting my handmade art and crafts to friends and neighbors because I was running out of space in my own home. I also got pretty bored with my furnishings and started replacing older items with vintage or second-hand items buying and selling in FB marketplace. With the growing excitement of discovering more and more vintage treasures and my creativity ignited Casa Vintage was born.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a creative person and staying inspired can sometimes be a struggle in itself. Also, reconciling what the market in Raleigh expects, what people want to see yet at the same time maintaining my creative vision. It’ can also feel very exposed putting myself out there showcasing things that I love and that I’ve made with my own hands and hoping that someone out there will love it enough to spend their hard-earned money. Sometimes I struggle with insecurity not knowing how what I present will be received. I’ve also had to learn to be more intentional with what I present and trust myself and my vision.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Casa Vintage began as and continues to be a passion project for me. I work full time in the IT sector and run Casa Vintage in my spare time.

I would like to be known for presenting a curated view, unique objects that are functional and also beautiful. I’m very much into the art deco revival and 90’s so that is a departure from a lot of the MCM pieces that have been so popular at the moment. I would also like to be known as a maker and creator not just a vintage reseller. My handmade decor and art is my most personal expression and what makes me proudest.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
It takes time to create a client base. I’ve also had to learn to understand the current market and what the best venues are to present my brand. For example, maybe craft shows and markets are a better fit for my handmade items vs my vintage finds. Balancing both sides had been challenging and rewarding. Also, I’ve had to learn to be consistent (still working on it) and to not worry about the ups and downs (not take it personally)

Contact Info:

• Email: vintage.casita@gmail.con
• Instagram: instagram.com/vintage.casita
• Facebook: facebook.com/casavintageraleigh