OUR STORY
I have always been a collector.
Collector of seashells, toys, rocks....
As I got older it became designer purses and shoes, clothing... (and still seashells!)
And then one day I went into a thrift store and found my all time favorite find- a vintage Levi's Denim Trucker Jacket that was so perfectly worn in that it feels like a familiar hug every time I wear it (still wearing to this day!!).
That day I fell in love with being on the hunt for old treasures, treasures of quality- treasures that still have life to give. From that day forward I've always been a vintage collector of items that are my vibe- surf western, beachy bohemian, man cave grunge, primitive countryside.
In 2017, I attended Florida State University where I studied Retail Merchandising and Product Development, a decision inspired by my passion for retail through working in a local surf shop throughout my high school days. At school, I frequented my favorite vintage shops in Railroad Square and drove around to various thrift stores looking for cool pieces of clothing or decor for my apartment- it was such a sweet escape from the stress of classes. After graduation, I took a job near my hometown in a corporate buying office- and realized that all along I just wanted to open my own dream store- Blacktop Surf Shop.
In 2020, I created Steel Magnolia Vintage as a side hustle to help me make money to save to open my dream business! I sold vintage online and in a booth in a store in downtown St. Petersburg until I finally had enough funds and mental gut to rent a space in Largo, Florida for my dream surf shop. I opened Blacktop Surf Shop in 2022, and had a Steel Magnolia Vintage collection featured for a brief period of time inside, until ultimately I had to step back to focus on the business!
In 2025, a space became available in the same plaza a few doors down from Blacktop and I REALLY needed for storage for inventory and fixtures/supplies. That was when Steel Magnolia was reborn- metamorphosing into a physical brick and mortar. I am so happy to have the support to be able to bring an old dream and passion back to life- and share with our community!
I believe in divine timing- and I am so grateful for every experience and opportunity I have had up to this point! So thank YOU for supporting and I hope to see you soon! xx
Brooke O'Hair
Owner
