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In this episode of The Business of Antiques , host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, sits down with legendary Hungarian antique dealer and entrepreneur Gábor Újvári, the man who single-handedly launched 1stDibs across Europe and founded the curated fine art and antiques platform ArtOrigo. Gábor shares his remarkable journey from selling antiques at Lake Balaton as a nine-year-old to specializing in Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Bauhaus in Budapest, running auction houses in Palm...
In this episode of The Business of Antiques , host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, sits down with Carrie Eves and Anne of Tortoise and Hare Vintage, a beloved antique and vintage shop with two locations in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Carrie and Anne share the story of how a 20-year friendship born on the football sidelines turned into a thriving antique business, how they built a visually stunning Instagram brand around blue-and-white aesthetics, and what it really takes to run...
Insurance is one of the most overlooked and most critical topics in the antiques business. In this episode, host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, sits down with Steven Becker of The Becker Agency, a specialist in fine art, antiques, and collectibles insurance, to break down everything antique dealers, collectors, and interior designers need to know about properly protecting their businesses and collections. From general liability and inland marine policies to transit coverag...
In this season 6 premiere, Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, returns from a two-month sabbatical spanning Oklahoma and Vietnam to discuss the critical connection between nervous system health and business profitability. After ending 2025 early and choosing to start 2026 with the Chinese New Year, Toma reveals why antique dealers aren't struggling due to lack of discipline or clarity—they're struggling because they're burned out. She introduces a powerful five-section self-aud...
In this episode of The Business of Antiques , Toma, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, sits down with interior designer, blogger, and pioneering podcaster Linda Merrill, the force behind the influential design podcast The Skirted Roundtable . From her early days blogging as “Surroundings” to becoming a trusted voice in the interior design community, Linda shares how a simple desire for self-promotion evolved into a masterclass platform for designers around the world. She and Toma talk candidly a...
In this episode of The Business of Antiques , host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, sits down with luxury marketing expert Dawn Moore of Moore About to tackle the question every antique dealer and interior designer is asking: How do I market my business when I have no time and no budget? Dawn draws on 40+ years of experience with high-luxury brands like Harry Winston, Mikimoto, and Chopard to translate “big brand” strategies into practical, doable steps for small luxury busi...
In this episode of The Business of Antiques , Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, continues her conversation with long-time friend and industry insider Derrick Ricketts, diving deep into what really works in antique retail, merchandising, and sales. Drawing on decades of experience in showrooms, design centers, and hospitality, Derrick shares practical advice on building a concept store, creating the right mix of antiques and new products, and using layered merchandising so cus...
In this episode of The Business of Antiques , Toma, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, shares a behind-the-scenes conversation with one of the interior design industry’s true unsung heroes: Derek Ricketts, Director of Sales, Hospitality at Palecek. From their chance meeting at High Point Market to an impulsive trip to Buenos Aires that involved polo ponies, countesses, and Austrian-steel fortunes, Derek and Toma unpack how curiosity, courage, and relationships can completely reshape a career in ...
Host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, sits down with interior design legend Mitzi Beach to unpack Life-Sizing —Mitzi’s niche approach to designing purposeful, wellness-driven homes for clients 50, 60, and 70+. Drawing on thirty-five years serving high-end clientele, Mitzi reveals the “forgotten middle” of the market and why cookie-cutter plans fail this 87-million-strong demographic. She shares the curbless-shower story that sparked her mission to move design beyond “pretty”...
In this episode of The Business of Antiques , host Toma Clark Haines is joined by Tara Connaghan, Donegal fiddle player, tour guide, and podcast host of In Tune With Tradition , who shares her journey from construction to auctions, from antique rings and fur coats to violins (including Collin-Mezin and that unforgettable Lupo). Together they explore overcoming imposter syndrome, choosing your niche, playing the long game in dealer relationships, and why etiquette—whether in Irish music sessions ...
In this episode host Toma Clark Haines CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co sits down with internationally published Canadian interior designer Jonathan Legate for an intimate conversation about design, business, and the emotional energy of antiques. From his seaside home in Nova Scotia to luxury projects around the world, Jonathan shares how antiques infuse his interiors with warmth, history, and soul. Together, Toma and Jonathan explore lessons from decades in the design trade- why some pieces se...
In this episode of The Business of Antiques, Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co welcomes Mark Lukas, Owner of Maison Palm Beach, to talk about the dynamics of the antique world and the need for dealers to adapt to evolving consumer preferences. Mark shares his journey from the fashion industry to the establishment of his gallery, Maison Palm Beach and the transformative question he posed to himself during his relocation to Florida: "As a creative, who am I now?". This question ...
In this inspiring episode of The Business of Antiques, host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co sits down with Linda Holt, professional photographer turned interior designer and founder of Linda Holt Creative. Together, they explore the power of authenticity in business, Linda’s journey of reinvention from a 25-year photography career to teaching smartphone photography, and actionable tips antique dealers and designers can use to elevate their product photography. Linda shares i...
CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, Toma Clark Haines sits down with vintage and fine jewelry curator–designer Naz Kretlow, founder of 3 Graces of Gold, for a luminous conversation about turning a lifelong obsession into a purpose-driven antiques business. From childhood treasure hunts and stamp collections to designing heirloom-quality gold bands, Naz shares how collecting became curation and then a calling. She opens up about leaving a 15-year corporate career, the financial and emotional prep ...
In this episode of The Business of Antiques , Toma welcomes Brian Hart Hoffman—President and Chief Creative Officer of Hoffman Media, and Editor-in-Chief of Bake from Scratch magazine—to talk about the intersection between creativity and entrepreneurship. Toma and Brian explore his remarkable journey from traveling the world as a flight attendant to leading a globally recognized baking brand. Influenced deeply by the legacy of his late mother, Brian shares how his early love for baking evolved i...
In this episode of the Business of Antiques, Toma welcomes the owner of Debbe Daley Designs, Debe Daley, to talk about the necessity for profitability and innovative marketing strategies in the contemporary marketplace. The conversation dives into the intricacies of recession-proofing one’s business and highlights the critical principle that profitability starts at the acquisition phase rather then at the point of sale. Debe shares insights gained from her illustrious career and personal encount...
In this episode of the Business of Antiques, Toma welcomes the owner of Collect for the Home, Deke Rogers, to talk about how passion and profitability can work in the world of antiques. Both Toma and Deke are strong proponents if you are not making money in your antiques business it is just a hobby then. The talk then turns to strategies necessary to recession-proof your business including developing targeted marketing plans and brand elevation to attract discerning clientele. Rogers also shares...
In this episode of the Business of Antiques, Chelsea On Green’s Showroom Manager, Rejeana, joins Toma to talk about the intricate dynamics of transforming a passion for antiques into a lucrative enterprise. Both Rejeana and Toma underscore the importance that without profit it is essentially a hobby. The chat delves into essential strategies for recession-proofing an antiques business including the cultivation or great marketing plans and elevating the brand identity to captivate the modern cons...
In this episode of the Business of Antiques, Stacey Tiveron, CEO of Ronati joins us to talk about the intersection between technology and the antiques industry. The episode emphasizes that in an era characterized by rapid technological advancement, it is imperative for antique dealers to adapt and modernize their practices in order to remain competitive and profitable. Stacey talks about the challenges faced by dealers, particularly with respect to administrative processes that hinder their abil...
In this episode of the Business of Antiques, Gail McLeod jumps on the podcast with Toma to introduce a dear friend and star in the British antiques trade, Ingrid Neilson. Ingrid is the owner of the Antiques Dealers Fair Limited and shares her history with antiques. During the episode the three experts discuss the evolution of antique dealing, emphasizing how the landscape has shifted to accommodate modern buyer preferences. Toma states a foundational principle that resonates throughout the episo...
In this episode of the Business of Antiques, Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co and guest Amanda Kinney, of the High Point Antique & Design Center, talk about what goes on during High Point Market and what happens in between markets.. During the episode Amanda shares her journey within the antiques industry, her evolution from childhood fascination with antiques to her current role at the helm of a bustling antique center. Toma and Amanda emphasize the importance of maintai...
Toma Clark Haines and art consultant Sarah Percy-Davis delve into the contemporary antiques industry, offering insights on transforming passion into profitability. Sarah shares her journey from auction houses to launching Hollandridge Group, highlighting the importance of adaptability and innovation. The discussion covers practical strategies like recession-proofing, strategic sourcing, and the power of curated collections, alongside career advice and marketing tips for the modern antiques business.
In this episode of the Business of Antiques, Toma Clark Haines and celebrity guest Mark Hill - of BBC’s Antiques Roadshow- talk about Mark's recent endeavour in setting up his own auction house as a testament to his commitment to modernizing the antiques industry. The episode also offers valuable insights for those in the antiques profession but also sheds light on the evolving narratives surrounding antiques, their acquisition, and their significance in today’s market. The conversation dives in...
In this episode of the Business of Antiques, Toma Clark Haines and guest Jo Roberts talk about Jo’s transformative journey from artist to successful antique dealer. The episode also shares invaluable insights on the significance of passion, self-awareness, and strategic networking within the realm of antiques. The conversation dives into the nuances of establishing a profitable antiques business, emphasizing that success is predicated upon understanding one's market and nurturing relationships w...
This episode explores the dynamic world of antique dealing and interior design, featuring Toma Clark Haines and Andrea Hysmith. They share insights on evolving antique perceptions, the importance of curating spaces, and adapting business strategies for modern consumers. The conversation also delves into the realities of entrepreneurship, highlighting the critical need for proactive business development, setting clear client boundaries, and prioritizing personal well-being to sustain growth and avoid burnout. They also touch on the exciting potential of architectural salvage in contemporary design projects.
In this episode of the Business of Antiques, host Toma Clark Haines dives deep into what happens during the Antique Dealer Training Program, scheduled for June 22 to June 27, 2025, in the picturesque English countryside. This immersive workshop is designed to rejuvenate antique dealers, whether they are newcomers or seasoned professionals struggling to achieve their desired profit margins. Toma highlights the transformative potential of this program, which promises not only to impart essential b...
In this episode of the Business of Antiques, host Toma Clark Haines welcomes Brian Gallop, a Global Brand Ambassador for Graff Faucets. He talks about his role in educating architects and designers on the significance of selecting high-quality, aesthetically pleasing fixtures that can serve as heirloom pieces, akin to antiques. His insights reveal that the bathroom and kitchen, often considered mere utilitarian spaces, can be elevated to artistic realms through the careful selection of fixtures....
Host Toma Clark Haines and guest Alice Roberton explore the multifaceted world of antiques, challenging the notion that one must be a dealer to thrive. Alice shares her journey as a writer, stylist, and brand ambassador, demonstrating how to build a career around a love for old items. They also delve into personal stories of reinvention, the importance of living with rather than just displaying antiques, and the value of following one's passion.
In this episode of the Business of Antiques, host Toma Clark Haines welcomes the incredible Leslie Carothers, a pioneer in the field of digital marketing for the home furnishings sector. Together, they explore Leslie's journey from a successful investment banker to a leading figure in social media and marketing strategies for interior designers and brands. Discover how Leslie has consistently reinvented herself, the importance of niche marketing, and the innovative ways to leverage social media ...
To close out season 4 of The Business of Antiques, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co Toma Clark Haines takes listeners on the road with her. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a fly on the wall on one of Toma´s antique buying tours? Well, that is exactly the experience you get in this episode - Guerilla Podcasting in Parma at Mercanteinfiera. “Guerrilla Marketing” is an advertising approach that uses guerrilla warfare tactics, or the element of surprise, to attract target audienc...
