White Barn Vintage’s Monthly Pop-Up is a Trove of One-of-a-Kind Pieces
Photos by Ashlee Glen
What began as a search for a lakeside retreat became a permanent landing place for Deborah Sirockman and her husband (and high school sweetheart) Marc, who moved to Leesville Lake nearly 10 years ago.
“We ended up buying a house on Leesville Lake but I never intended to live there, or even retire there, but as fate would have it the opportunity arose,” she said.
They sold their home in New Jersey and ended up putting roots down in Virginia. Not only that, but they ended up purchasing the old Virginia Label Company and converted it into what is now known as Virginia Found Goods, a vintage shop, in Hurt.
They also operate a spring and Christmas market called “Sweet Violets.”
In December of 2022, they decided to expand and opened White Barn Vintage across the street at 711 Pocket Road.
“We thought that since Virginia Found Goods was successful, we could build a different platform where it has vendors, because Virginia Found Goods is all me,” Deborah said.
The 10,000-square-foot sister store to Virginia Found Goods features more than 30 vendors, creating a diverse and ever-changing selection of vintage finds.
White Barn Vintage sets itself apart by curating a selection that spans various styles, from industrial to farmhouse, ensuring there’s something for every vintage enthusiast.
White Barn Vintage opens the third weekend of each month and is held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with the occasional evening event.
While White Barn Vintage is open, Virginia Found Goods is open as well.
“We’re trying to make it a destination,” Deborah said. “The whole idea is to keep everything very fresh and new so that when customers come in, it’s a different experience every time and we do themes every month.”
The success of both Virginia Found Goods and White Barn Vintage can be attributed to the careful curation of items, dedication to authenticity, and the sense of community fostered by the Sirockmans.
Despite the challenges posed by the ever-growing influx of mass-produced “vintage-inspired” items flooding the market, Deborah Sirockman said she remains steadfast in her commitment to offering genuine pieces with a story to tell.
“The continuum of things is vintage, but the differences and the beauty of vintage includes so many things that everybody’s got their own take on it,” she said.
Some shoppers go for the industrial look while others lean toward farmhouse style. All vendors have their own style as well, Deborah said, with some who import goods from Europe and others who specialize in garden goods like small greenhouses.
“We really do try to run the gamut so that there’s something for everybody,” she said.
What she wants to avoid is reproductions, such as signs that are seen over and over again in multiple vintage stores.
“So what we’re trying to do is be as true to vintage as we possibly can.”
White Barn Vintage is more than just a store; it’s a destination. Visitors often describe it as their “happy place,” which comes from Deborah’s dedication to creating an inviting and character-filled environment. The addition of an Airstream for guest vendors further enhances the market’s appeal, turning it into a must-visit spot for vintage enthusiasts from near and far.
“I strive to make it feel like home as soon as you come in. It feels good, like you want to be there,” she said. “We’ve used a lot of vintage chandeliers and reclaimed wood. It’s a brand-new building, but we’re trying to give it some character.”
Melissa Dixon, owner of Loved and Restored LLC, sells all things vintage and loves the story behind the pieces, making her an ideal vendor for White Barn Vintage and Sweet Violets.
“Repurposing and saving a vintage treasure brings me so much joy,” she said. “In addition to true vintage, you’ll find locally made artisan products and fair-trade items in the store.
Every product has a special story attached.”
Dixon operates a pop-up brick and mortar in Appomattox but also travels and participates in markets all over.
“Deborah took a big chance and welcomed me into the Sweet Violet’s Vintage Market family years ago when I first started this business,” she said. “White Barn is truly a treasure. It’s so hard to find true vintage venues, and White Barn Vintage is filled with pure vintage.”
She knew she hit the jackpot the first day she walked into White Barn and was invited to be a part of its experience.
“I’ve been involved since the very beginning and it’s gotten better and better with each monthly market,” Dixon said.
From a vendor standpoint, the Sirockmans go above and beyond to make sure everything is perfect, she said.
“White Barn is a complete vibe. The venue is beautiful, no details were spared in the construction. Everywhere you turn there’s a fabulous vintage piece that catches your eye. It’s a true experience,” Dixon said. “You can spend the whole day engaging with other customers and vendors. So many customers have truly become White Barn family. We look forward to spending time with them every month.”
She says Deborah is a true vintage lover and appreciates the work vendors put in behind the scenes, including traveling to source products, researching every detail of the history, and creating a magical space.
“She understands and supports every aspect! That’s hard to find! Both Marc and Deb are team players. They truly treat each vendor like an extension of their family, which does not go unnoticed,” Dixon said.
In a world where minimalism often dominates, White Barn Vintage is still a place for people who enjoy the enduring appeal of collecting unique, timeless pieces.
“When I find something I love, I wish I could find the story of it and want to find out as much as I can about it,” Sirockman said. “And it’s a much different experience than walking into Pottery Barn and picking something out that you’re going to see, perhaps in a lot of people’s houses. These things are stuff you’re not going to find just anywhere.”
Each vintage find infuses the space with a sense of nostalgia and discovery, inviting a new generation to appreciate the beauty of the past.
“It’s a treasure hunt, and you just never know what you’re going to come up with,” Deborah said.
In addition to White Barn’s regular market, a Sweet Violet’s Vintage Market at White Barn Vintage will be held on April 19 and 20.