Mercedes Cabeza de Vaca

When you think about your business, what are you most proud of?

The continuity of more than 40 years in the mythical Rastro of Madrid. Being part of this historic flea market in the centre of the capital.

What is the history of your commerce?

Mercedes opened the shop in 1980 after a long "career" as a collector. She became "the doll lady" because of her fondness for antique porcelain dolls. The decorative objects and furniture were used to form a stage for the carefully dressed and restored antique dolls. Today we keep up with the times and the public's taste and include vintage furniture and upcycling style objects. The dolls are still on the shop's card because they are part of its history but customers are looking for other things and I hope to find them for them.

What is your professional experience?

Like many others, I started as a hobbyist, helping Mercedes while I was still a student. Then I restored for her and then for others, thus studying the subject of antiques from another point of view. The weekend help became permanent and now Mercedes is retired and I run the shop. You could say that I have grown up in the shop.

How has covid 19 affected your business?

We went through the phase of absolute closure very badly but thanks to the help of the state and the community of Madrid we held on. After the confinement we went through a resurgence phase. It was noticeable that people had spent more time at home and were looking for good furniture to improve their home or home office. The effect was not lasting.