Reasonable or Radical?
When you bury a husband, you don’t expect to lose your entire world, too. What’s a girl to do with all that pain? Be reasonable or get radical? This girl chose radical! The only way to heal the pain was to go through it, in an RV, traveling the east coast, surrounded by Jesus. That was the choice I made–and friends…let me tell you..in that year on the road I did things I had never dreamed I could do. I pushed myself beyond exhaustion. I prayed. I cried. I held fabulous pity parties! I got lost in God’s word and music. Slowly my heart healed. While a door had been slammed firmly shut, a new one was opening if I dared to go through. My name is Kathy Sims–and this is all part of my journey leading to ownership of Vintage Market DaysTM of South Central Texas.
Mad Dash Mixes
I became a road warrior for Mad Dash Mixes, promoting their products at Vintage Market DaysTM events. The weeks took on a routine: travel to the event, set up the camper, cook up soups for sampling, set up the booth, then feed the masses! After 3 days, pack it up and move on to the next location and start the process all over again. Soon I discovered an entire underworld of beautiful Christian people who live the gypsy life. It felt free and it’s liberating–and it’s hard work! As a single female traveling the roads of the east coast, you quickly learn you can’t survive without the kindness of strangers. Fellow vendors and random strangers come to your rescue at precisely the right moment as if God himself has sent you an angel.
Stories from the Road
One of my favorite memories happened in North Carolina when my Mom was with me for a spell. She is a wonderful brave, resilient woman who can be a bit vain at times. We had just wrapped up an event and were heading to our next destination when she said “Hey Kathy—I think this guy is flirting with me”. “Hmmm,” I replied. “What exactly do you mean, Mom?” She says, “This guy in the truck beside us keeps waving at me. Oh my God, he’s flirting with me! Doesn’t he know how old I am?” I am curious, but not concerned and explain it could be something else. “Just roll down your window and ask.” She works up her courage, rolls down the window, and the nice young man says “Ma’am, your tire is on fire.” Yep…fun times! He saved us. Who knows how long that would have burned before we realized we had a problem. Friends…the stories I could share!
God’s Doors
Remember God’s doors? Turns out my year on the road was only a transition period. A time of learning, growing, and healing. I think God holds your hand through these times and when you are ready, a new door presents itself. When my first grandchild was born, I knew it was time to come back to Texas and start rebuilding my life. It was at this perfect moment that the Vintage Market DaysTM San Antonio territory became available, and I moved up from vendor to owner/promoter. I spent another year in that RV. Learning the business, keeping my grandbaby, and hosting events. Life was simple, challenging, and oh so rewarding!
Home at Last
Fast forward a few years and my life has continued to evolve. God brought a beautiful man into my life. I was blessed with another Vintage Market DaysTM territory, South Central Texas (commonly known as Waxahachie), and now this year has brought the best blessing of all in teaming up with my daughter, Shauna. We have officially formed a partnership that will allow us to work all of our events together…meaning San Antonio, South Central Texas, and South Houston! I hope that you will take this ride with Shauna and I as we put our hearts into bringing the best to all those kindred spirits who love a unique shopping experience designed around vintage. Jerry Jones once said the greatest achievement of his life was building a business where he and his children all worked together. I believe the man knows what he is talking about!
2025 Spring Show Vintage Market DaysTM in Alvarado
We love bringing our events to the Waxahachie area, and are always looking for new venues that meet the needs of our vendor and our customers. For our Spring Market, we will be back at the Shepherd’s Valley Cowboy Church and Arena Complex from February 28th through March 2nd. I know it’s a little bit of a drive to Alvarado, but hopefully supporting the youth in our area as you shop will make the extra time in the car worth it.
We hope you will join us!
Kathy–
