Small Business Spotlight: Dilly Dally Antiques and Collectibles
Shop local, buy vintage!
By: Julieta Larios
Dilly Dally Antiques and Collectibles has been a staple in the Downtown Mount Vernon community since Kathryn Tellesbo and her business partner first opened its doors and then moved to their current storefront in 2008. Since then, Tellesbo has maintained the business as it is known today. Dilly Dally is a must-visit spot for visitors and a pillar of downtown.
Tellesbo has lived in Mount Vernon her whole life, having been born in town in the 1960s. Her family has deep roots in the community, dating back to the 1880s, and her children continue to live locally as well. Because of those strong ties to the area, staying local and opening Dilly Dally felt like a natural choice.
“I am deeply rooted here, I couldn't imagine living anywhere else, because my family's here, my kids are here, my dad was born here,” said Tellesbo.
Inside Dilly Dally is an array of vintage goods, ranging from furniture and kitchenware to linen, jewelry, and, as of late, clothes. All of which comes from Tellesbo’s own antique hauls, she sources from estate sales, online, or from people coming to her. A portion of the goods is also sourced from six consignment vendors with whom she has a close working relationship.
Tellesbo takes antique searching seriously; she prioritizes unique, hard-to-find items. She mentioned some of her favorite goods to source are items made in China and glass. From working in antiques for so long, she has become aware of the fads that tend to revolve around vintage items.
“I’m really happy to see them buy gently used antique, vintage, retro items rather than going to IKEA and buying something new,” said Tellesbo in how she has noticed a recent influx of Bellingham college students visiting her store now that she is selling clothes.
While Tellesbo has faced some unexpected challenges owning Dilly Dally, like having to close it down during COVID for three months, she feels very lucky and blessed to still be in business. Some of her favorite interactions come from older people visiting and having nostalgic callbacks to their youth or childhood. She hopes that Dilly Dally can continue to bring joy to Downtown Mount Vernon.
“I’m going to do it as long as I can because I still enjoy coming to work, and I’m always learning new things,” said Tellesbo
If you are craving genuine interactions and a passage through time, check out Dilly Dally Antiques and Collectibles. It's the perfect place to experience local charm.
Visit Kathryn at Dilly Dally!
501 S 1st St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Monday-Saturday: 11 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: CLOSED
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