Gold Star Vintage is Richmond, Virginia’s first worker-owned cooperative for vintage and maker goods.

Founded by Olivia Friedrichs (Together Vintage), Ariel Shamir (Virgo Vintage), James J. Rich (Bird Like Dog), and Bethany Rose (Skeleton Vintage).

The members all met at pop‑up markets around Richmond, VA doing what they love. Each of them had long dreamed of having a space to call their own and to bring community together. By coming together as a collective and a cooperative, they are able to support one another and turn those shared dreams into reality.

The cooperative currently hosts pop-up events throughout Richmond and plans to open a brick-and-mortar location in late 2026.

The cooperative's goal is to create an economically sustainable retail space model that empowers local entrepreneurs while providing Richmond residents with affordable vintage clothing, antiques, handmade goods, and community programming centered around sustainability and creative entrepreneurship.

what is a worker owned cooperative?

“An autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.” In other words, cooperatives are created by people who have a specific need and who are willing to work together to operate and organize a company that will meet that need.

why a cooperative?

• creates a work environment that builds trust, equity, growth and solidarity 

• creates an authentic democratic system with a balance of power

• creates a work environment that people want to show up for because it is theirs. They have ownership and purpose. 

• business owners who do not have the capital and assets to start independently are able to start as a cooperative with collective capital and assets

• builds a stronger community