Meet Kelsey, founder of ‘The Faraway’
The Faraway began on the road. On a whim. Somewhere in the West Texan desert, with no fixed address, by a transient collector of things.
But on Vancouver island, The Faraway studio is the backdrop of a 1960’s, romantic film. Most afternoons, a sea breeze accompanies a playful, delicate light through the window, and a soundtrack is carefully selected to help paint the scene. The scene is just as important as the piece, as it helps conjure up a thousand stories.
Where did she come from? What makes her tick? Has she ever been in love?
From sweet dreamy lace that hugs and glimmers, to suede fringe jackets that ooze Thelma and Louise. The Faraway’s feminine yet edgy collection will make your feet itch for a romantic west coast road-trip.
Meet Kelsey, the nostalgic film loving, transient wandering, vintage collecting photographer, and founder of The Faraway….
Tell us a little about yourself Kelsey…
My name is Kelsey and I live on Vancouver Island, Canada. I run The Faraway from my live/work studio, but when I’m not there, I’m out on the road in my cargo van as much as possible. I lived in a transient way for nearly a decade until just a couple of years ago, so it’s where I feel the most content and inspired. It feels necessary to me and it’s fun to pick while on the move.
Before this, I worked as a tree planter in the northern Canadian wilderness for 9 years, and I ran the shop in the off season. Tree planting gave me the financial freedom to grow my shop however I liked, and led me to where I am now.
Why did you start The Faraway?
On a related note, it started on the road! I have always been a collector, like one might do for a museum, rather than for wear. So it felt like the next step to share it. Though I’d been growing this collection for years, I didn’t see a future in having a shop, considering I didn’t live anywhere or plan to. This was before selling on social media was a thing. But in 2013 I finally thought, who cares? and the Etsy shop was opened on a whim really. Right where I happened to be that day in the West Texas desert. No fixed address.
I would then put the shop on hold when I went to work up north.
It was a nice balance. Completely opposite lines of work, although I loved both equally. Eventually this little side project had grown and evolved into something I couldn’t put away anymore. I felt a natural push to focus on it alone.
So I guess the why, the reason for my shop is freedom. It’s a creative outlet that sustains me in so many ways.
How would you describe The Faraway’s aesthetic?
Dream-like, romantic, feminine. I am a photographer first so I am always looking for those sweet, magical moments. The sun sets out my window every night, a soft sea breeze comes in, lovely music is playing, there’s got to be a whole thing for me.
There are many reasons behind the name of my shop. Before I chose it, I saw the word ‘faraway’ in books and films so often it felt like a sign or serendipity. My favourite line is from My Fair Lady (1964) “Such a faraway look, as if she’s always lived in a garden.” I love that.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I have been inspired by old cinema since I was a kid. I love that it’s a whole production, a magical world that’s been created. I need that in the space I’m in. I like to get my camera out, get some props from my antique collection and try things out, play with light, angles, just see what happens.
Music plays a major role in all I do, the soundtrack to the scene. It can bring together an entire feeling or idea on its own. I focus on that feeling within and I’m always experimenting. I don’t like to look around at what others are doing too much. I think the reflection & space you give yourself are so important, too much outside influence can make one lose sight of who they truly are. There are ideas inside you that just need some coaxing or practice. I still feel like a kid, where I use to play dress up with my grandmother’s giant chest of old clothing and jewellery, off in my own world.
What is your most memorable ‘unicorn’ find on your thrifting adventures?
I love anything with a story. I found an 1860s silk jacket that had a story literally come with it, printed out. The previous owner had been on the Oregon Trail & there was a whole bit about her life. This jacket now hangs in my apartment. I have a 1950s hunting jacket with all of the hunter’s accomplishments patched on throughout the decades. My grandmother and great grandmother’s coats and jewellery because I know those stories too. I just love darning, holes and age for this reason.
Vintage and antique clothing is so incredible - just to hold it, imagining where its been. That in itself is inspiring. I cannot believe how lucky I am to have it pass through my hands.
Nothing haunts us like the things we didn’t buy, tell us about the piece that ‘got away’?
This one actually has a happy ending. In 2014 I was on the road in Florida and I came across this beautiful 1920s long silk, piano shawl looking kimono jacket at a vintage shop. The shop was about to close so I was a bit rushed, I left without it and I ended up leaving town that night too. A few days passed and I really kicked myself. I never forgot it. But last year (6 years later, still not over it) I ended up finding nearly the exact same one from an estate seller - I couldn’t believe it. So now I own it! What a feeling.
What are your top tips for a successful day of thrifting?
I’m fairly intense about it since I go out on the road for weeks at a time. I get up early, headphones in, fast paced, dress in something you can really move in, get dirty depending on where you’re hunting. I would say let impulse and instinct happen.
I don’t consider trends, palettes or ‘what sells/what’s in’ - when I see something I decide immediately, within seconds - yes or no. No convincing or considering. I think you’ll be surprised about the collection you come home with and maybe learn something about yourself this way. It all has you in common. I’m just not much of a list maker so this is what works for me. And don’t limit yourself to sections - size or gender. I’ve found some amazing stuff in unsuspecting places.
What does the future hold for The Faraway?
I’ve only been doing this full time for a year and a half, so in a lot of ways I am still new to this, still figuring it out. I am happy with where I’m at currently, but I have so many ideas floating around my head. I think a true artist can never stop improving, never stop learning. I have some ideas for designs I would love to see come to fruition with all the unused fabrics I constantly come across. I’m such a sucker for a whole vision that perhaps one day, a real life shop somewhere is on the table.
I’m excited to see what happens and for now, that’s enough to keep me going.
The faraway is more than just a vintage shop, it’s a beautiful production that conjures up stories and breathes life into each and every piece. So if you adore dreamy, carefully curated vintage with a story to tell, be sure to check out the beautiful, ethical vintage brand that is The Faraway.
You can follow Kelsey and the Faraway on:
Instagram: @shopthefaraway
Website: The Faraway