Community Highlights: Meet Caroline Justice Schmidt of Justice Rae’s Vintage Rentals

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Justice Schmidt.

Caroline, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Caroline Justice Schmidt owner of Justice Rae’s Vintage Rentals, LLC. I find so much beauty in the intricate style and weaving of vintage wicker peacock chairs! To me, it’s an art form. I enjoy sharing my personal collection of these beauties with people in and around the Charlotte, NC area.

The name “Justice Rae’s” comes from my middle name “Justice” and my cousin Lindsay’s middle name “Rae.”

She often helps me talk through ideas and is the rational voice to my obsessive personality when needed.

While out of work as a dental hygienist during the 2020 pandemic I had plenty of time to channel my inner creativity and that is when Justice Rae’s started to take shape. I’ve always had a passion for thrifting and finding vintage furniture especially wicker, bamboo and rattan. I consciously try to purchase many things second-hand and I started procuring and collecting vintage wicker peacock chairs. Some of the chairs needed restoring so I learned how to repair them as a hobby during the pandemic for later potential resale. However, I decided I couldn’t part with most of them because they were just too beautiful! Once I was back to work and things reopened, people starting showing interest in using the chairs for events and photography. I started advertising on social media and my coworker Makiko also distributed brochures for me at businesses near her house.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting out was not exactly a smooth road. Countless hours went into creating a social media presence, forming an LLC, collecting & cataloging inventory, reweaving and repairing chairs, responding to customer inquiries, emailing invoices, delivering and picking up chairs every weekend on my days off, and keeping track of revenue and expenses.

I have driven to several states to find the chairs in my collection. My husband once woke up at 4 am with me to drive a U-Haul to Richmond, Virginia, and back to pick up two of the largest chairs in my collection. This all wouldn’t be possible without the initial help and exposure from Charlotte area professionals. I enjoy building connections with fellow entrepreneurs and vendors in this area and am beyond grateful for all of their support!

Special thanks to Allison Myers (owner of Allison Claire Imagery) who helped me capture the vision of my first photography setup and continues to spread the word about my chairs. Maggie Jenkins (owner of Pop Charlotte Balloons), Carly Slesarev (owner of Gossip Party Boutique), Taylor Mack (owner of Paradise Playland Charlotte and Charlotte Marquee Lights), and Jade Phan (owner of Jade Phan Designs) have also shown a great deal of support for my company.

Through the outlet of social media, I have connected with several other ladies who, like myself, have turned their wicker passion into business ventures. We have a group chat about all things wicker and are spread all over the country in the states of Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, and North Carolina.

We all support each other on social media and enjoy seeing each other’s creative marketing ideas. My biggest support comes from my husband for patiently indulging my obsession with these truly one-of-a-kind pieces!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Justice Rae’s Vintage Rentals LLC?
To date, my rental collection includes over 30 different sizes and styles of chairs ranging from toddler sized chairs to massive cobra style peacock chairs large enough to require special delivery.

Aside from the chairs I also have tables, rugs, and accessories in stock for rent. Wicker peacock chairs are the perfect focal point for photoshoots, engagement parties, birthday parties, baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, and more!

One of my Emmanuelle style chairs was even used as a set prop in a Hollywood movie! Look for it in the film based on a Judy Blume novel titled “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” that hits theaters this fall.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To work hard, never give up, and just take everything one day at a time.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://justiceraesvintage.wixsite.com/justiceraes-1
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justice.raes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justice.raes

Photo Credits:
@AllisonClaireImagery
@TaylorHelmsPhotography
@DedazPhotography
@SunniPhotography

Models:
Tilak Patel
Swetha Natarajan
Alexandra Dedmon
Gary & Katie Guinta
Lane Wright