We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alison Matney. Check out our conversation below.
Alison, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity, hands down. Energy burns out, and intelligence can overthink itself, but integrity is what shows true character—and it’s one of the reasons I’ve been able to cultivate such amazing clientele who keep coming back.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alison Matney, and I’m the curator and co-owner of Durham Vintage Collective. Our shop is a collaboration of three unique brands—Bull City Vintage, Flipper McCoy, and Disco Design. Each of us brings a different style and perspective, which makes the collective feel like a treasure hunt every time you visit. We started out on Instagram and at local pop-up markets, and now we’re proud to have a brick-and-mortar space in downtown Durham.
We restock several times a week (Tuesdays are big!), so there’s always something new to discover. We also sublease three smaller vendor spaces in rotating 2–3 month increments, which keeps the shop fresh and full of surprises. What makes us stand out is our curation, the quality of the items we bring in, and the personal care we put into customer service. For me, it’s not just about selling vintage—it’s about creating a welcoming space where people can find pieces that feel like they were waiting just for them.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that shaped me most is with my neighbor-turned-lifelong friend—who I lovingly call my fairy godmother—Liz Dean, a real estate agent here in Durham. I met Liz during a very low point in my life, and she opened her home to me and my son with so much generosity and love. She’s taught me invaluable lessons about doing what you love, trusting yourself, and remembering to love yourself in the process. Her presence in my life completely changed how I see myself, and I’ll always be grateful for her.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: love your wild auburn curls, love your freckles, love the curves of your body. You are beautiful exactly as you are.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
That you can’t wear white after Labor Day. Life’s too short for fashion rules. If I find the perfect vintage white skirt in November, you’d better believe I’m wearing it!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I spent most of my adult life doing what I was told to do—stable jobs with reliable paychecks and those sweet benefits. But I finally listened to my instincts and started doing what I was born to do, and I’ve never been happier. Do I miss the benefits? Of course. But the joy of living my passion wins every time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.durhamvintagecollective.com
- Instagram: @durhamvintagecollective
Image Credits
Jenna Alyse – personal photo
@NCstreet_ – Alison w/ client photo
