The Business of Antiques

In this episode of The Business of Antiques, host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, welcomes Amy Eld, founder of Rock the Heirloom, to talk about building a bold antiques and vintage homewares business with sustainability at its heart. Amy shares how her family’s antiques background and career in luxury retail shaped her approach, why styling and storytelling matter when selling antiques online, and how collaborations with like-minded brands can help a business grow. From her colorful, sustainably furnished Pimlico home to the realities of running a shop and keeping up with finances, this conversation offers inspiration for antique dealers, collectors, and design lovers looking to make old things feel fresh again.Check out the links from our episode.Amy: rocktheheirloom.co.uk | InstagramToma: Instagram | antiquesdiva.com | Substack

In this episode of The Business of Antiques, host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, welcomes filmmakers Marisa Guterman and Keith Gerchak, founders of Double G Films, to explore Lost and Found in Cleveland, their heartfelt ensemble film inspired by Antiques Roadshow and the world of antiques and collecting. From family heirlooms and estate-sale discoveries to the expertise behind antique appraisals, they reveal why the objects we treasure carry meaning far beyond their monetary value. Marisa and Keith share the decade-long journey of bringing the film to life, Cleveland’s rich landscape of historic homes and vintage finds, and personal stories of collections that preserve memories and inspire new beginnings. For antique dealers, collectors, and anyone drawn to the stories behind beautiful things, this conversation celebrates authenticity, provenance, self-discovery, and our role in preserving objects and their stories for future generations.Check out the links from our episode.Marisa and Keith: Double G Films | Lost & Found in ClevelandToma: Instagram | antiquesdiva.com | Substack

In this episode of The Business of Antiques, host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, welcomes interior designer John Call to discuss making interior design more accessible and helping consumers buy better furniture. John shares his five-point FS05 framework for evaluating a sofa—frame, fill, fabric, design and value—and explains how to look beyond appearance to assess quality. They also explore antiques, furniture sourcing and the cultural stories behind design, including John’s discoveries in Mexico City, Vietnam and Poland, as well as how travel, creativity and personal reinvention shape the way we make a home.Check out the links from our episode.Mr. Call: mrcalldesigns.com | Instagram | TikTok | YouTubeToma: Instagram | antiquesdiva.com | Substack

In this episode of The Business of Antiques, host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, welcomes David Blair, executive director of the International Society of Furniture Designers (ISFD), to explore how furniture design, craftsmanship, and storytelling shape the value of antiques and contemporary home furnishings. From antique-inspired furniture and the hidden construction details that distinguish quality pieces to the Pinnacle Awards at High Point Market, they discuss what makes great design stand the test of time. David shares why designers must learn to communicate their work’s value and how AI can support business tasks without replacing hands-on creativity, while Toma offers insights into sourcing antiques beyond the obvious markets, trusting your eye, and understanding how branding and buyer relationships influence price. A thoughtful conversation for antique dealers, interior designers, and furniture makers looking to sharpen their expertise and build lasting value.Check out the links from our episode.David: isfd.org | LinkedInToma: Instagram | antiquesdiva.com | Substack

In this episode of The Business of Antiques, host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, takes you behind the scenes of a 13-day antiques buying tour through France, Belgium, and Italy, revealing how strategic sourcing can help antique dealers and interior designers find distinctive inventory and improve profit margins. From the Paris flea market and lesser-known trade fairs to private warehouses and Parma’s Mercanteinfiera, Toma explains why vendor relationships, smart timing, and getting off the beaten path matter more than following the crowd. She shares negotiation insights, ways to reduce shipping costs, and the value of mixing periods and styles to create memorable interiors. Plus, hear the story of her €600 Coromandel screen find and why educating your eye and building a long-term buying strategy can make all the difference in your antiques business.Check out the links from our episode.Toma: Instagram | antiquesdiva.com | Substack