About Mouse

I was one of those kids that loved to watch Antiques Roadshow, hearing the interesting stories, back history and value of discovered treasures.  As a young girl, I would sit in front of my grandparents' china cabinet where their collectibles, antique family photos and humble heirlooms were kept, and ask them to tell me their stories again and again.  This continued through high school and college when at least once a year, Grandpa and I would go through their hope chest of memories stored away.  My folks had always outfitted their home in antique furniture, (rummage sale finds at a good price) and I inherited some of the unwanted pieces when my husband and I got married.  Now we live in a late 1800s farmhouse in beautiful Minnesota that we've been trying to give that Fixer Upper vibe, incorporating some well made antique pieces (many Craigslist finds) in with the new renovations.  So it seems I have always preferred antique pieces over the new, mass produced items.

I search all over the world to hand pick that one of a kind and unique treasure that would make a great conversation piece, a beautiful statement, or would make a special and memorable gift for yourself or a loved one. It is so fulfilling to me to find old treasures and match them to loving homes. And I appreciate seeing history preserved!  This isn't something that I ever aspired for or planned to do full time.  I used to be a teacher, and then worked various office jobs - PR for a professional sports team, a clothing company and later a tech startup.  I started as a collector which then turned into a side hustle small business over a decade ago, that I worked alongside all the aforementioned careers.  I would work my 9-5 job, and then buy, clean, photograph, list, sell and ship my antiques early mornings, late evenings and on the weekends.  Over time MHA changed, grew, expanded to what it is now - a full time business, but still a one woman show. : )

~ The first piece of jewelry I ever received was when I was in my 20s - a circle pendant with small diamonds that my sister-in-law organized as a group Christmas gift from her and my brothers! My three brothers are a huge part of who I am, and my family (including 17 amazing nieces and nephews) is my biggest blessing in life.

~ My favorite personal collection pieces are all from my husband, Mr. Mouse : ) -  the Art Deco old cut engagement ring he chose for me, unbeknownst to me and long before I ever dreamed of being an antique jewelry dealer.  I guess he knew something I didn't.  It was my first piece of antique jewelry.  

Even though he has another full time job - the small business wouldn't be the same without his advice, his encouraging me to take risks, help shipping, repair prowess, overall support and eye.  He also gave me an Art Deco enamel and filigree pendant for our 10 year, and a Georgian topaz and diamond seven stone ring for our 20 year. (Insert heart eyes emoji here!)

~ My other fave is a Georgian emerald and diamond halo ring that my mom bought for herself on our first trip to England about 15 years ago and recently gave to me.  My folks, my husband and I rented an RV and drove 2,000 miles around the UK in about a week.  We thought it was a one-time visit but it became one of our favorite places in the world, so we still try to go back when we can. I love the antique jewelry scene there.  My folks and I even take inventory sourcing trips there together in fact - "The Three Musketeers!"  Dad is our driver and researcher and Mom and I take those markets by storm! : )

And about the Mice:

For my shop logo, I stumbled across the amazing Lenore, a very talented artist who is a small business owner herself. Her fabulous drawing of a mouse wearing a diamond ring as a crown just seemed perfect for the MHA logo!  Definitely check out her shop - she is a lovely, talented person and a joy to work with! https://www.etsy.com/shop/eronel

You may notice a little pottery mouse in many of my product photos : ) I was finding that many of my photos were being "borrowed" by others to sell modern reproductions - causing confusion between my authentic antiques vs. the modern copies using my photos of the antique piece to mislead buyers. So the mouse is my little trademark. If you see it in pics and it matches the website name - it's me and it's authentic antique : ) - Little Mouse's name is Filbert.  If you see my photos and staging from a seller outside the U.S., or with a user name that is not Mouse, it is someone else using my photos without my permission.  Feel free to let me know so I can try to limit these occurrences.

SINCERE THANKS!

And lastly, but probably most importantly, I really appreciate my customers.  The friendships I have made, the stories I have heard, the feedback I have received, the inventory trips I have taken (I love to travel) and the fact that I am able to do this full time as my profession due to my customers' support - I thank you. For all the humbling times one of my items was chosen for a special occasion, gift, remembrance, pick me up or self treat - I appreciate you.  I know there are many wonderful options out there, thank you for looking at my shop!

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