Exploring Life & Business with Lindsey Kupper of Gilded Chaos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Kupper

Hi Lindsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started with a fashion blog around 16 years ago. I posted pics of my dog, Maddie, and I wearing various fashion looks around Kc. The blog sparked the interest of some Kc publications. I started styling for magazines which jump started my photo styling career. I’ve always collected vintage. The collection grew as I opened Kulture on 39th, a thrift boutique for the DAV. It grew as I took a photo styling position for Dr Oz and Hallmark. When I turned 40, that was a big milestone for me. It was now or never. I also knew I wasn’t capable of working for anyone but myself. The writing was in the wall. I opened Gilded Chaos last August. Opening a store was always an end goal.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road, hence the name, Gilded Chaos. Every possible road block you could imagine has happened. There’s not enough room in this article to even scratch the surface, but I’ve learned a lot, and not too much bothers me anymore. You learn to only care about the important things like family, health, and friends. The rest is all filler. I assume most things are going to be difficult. If they aren’t, it’s a pleasant surprise! You could call me a realist. It has taken me a long time to learn that there will always be some kind of bullshit going on. It’s how you handle it. All you can control is yourself and how you respond.

We’ve been impressed with Gilded Chaos , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Gilded Chaos is a vintage Americana clothing store. We specialize in unisex leather, denim and workwear. We have no age demographic. There’s something for everyone in the store. Vintage is ageless! We have a specific aesthetic that caters to a lot of different types of people. Most items we have are just as much about comfort as style. The store is a very cozy place where customers can sift through racks, pet Maddie, my 15 year old Aussie, hang out on the chesterfield sofa, or just chat it up with my Mom, Bonnie or I.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I always have to have multiple projects going on at once. I put on martini corner vintage market, host fashion segments on kctv5, have booth space at river market antiques, and due to my love of old houses, dabble in the rental business. I plan to open a second location in the next couple of years.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @gilded_chaos