Vintage Threads, Sustainable Living, and Local Love: Amanda of Albany and Avers Talks Omaha Style

In this episode of the Omaha Places podcast, host Delaney sits down with Amanda, owner of vintage clothing boutique Albany and Avers, to talk entrepreneurship, sustainability, and all things Omaha. From curating unique fashion finds to supporting small business collaborations, Amanda shares her journey from Chicago pop-ups to building a permanent and beloved storefront in the heart of Dundee. This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a celebration of slow fashion, local pride, and the power of community.

 

From Pop-Ups to Permanent: Amanda’s Path to Omaha Retail

Amanda’s journey into entrepreneurship began not in Omaha, but in Chicago, where she started hosting vintage clothing pop-ups as a creative side hustle while working in corporate marketing. Her love for fashion and vintage shopping eventually blossomed into a full-fledged business. While she originally planned to open a permanent store in Chicago in 2020, the pandemic rerouted her plans—and life brought her back to her hometown of Omaha.

In 2021, Amanda tested the waters with a short-term lease in Little Bohemia. The response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. When the temporary space ended, a serendipitous connection through a customer led her to her current location in Dundee, where Albany and Avers has since become a local staple​.

 

Entrepreneurial Roots and the Pull of Independence

Entrepreneurship runs in Amanda’s blood. With parents who ran their own business, she grew up seeing firsthand the freedom and flexibility that self-employment could offer. She didn’t always know what her own path would look like, but after years in the corporate world, the call to do something creative and impactful proved too strong to ignore. Vintage fashion wasn’t just a hobby—it was a passion that connected her to people and places in meaningful ways​.

 

The Vintage Mission: Curating with Intention

Albany and Avers began with a mix of new and vintage items, but Amanda’s evolving awareness of fashion’s environmental impact pushed her toward exclusively secondhand and sustainable goods. Now, her store is rooted in the mission of keeping clothing out of landfills and promoting conscious consumption. Her curated collections reflect current trends while offering one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be found at fast fashion retailers.

As someone “chronically online,” Amanda keeps a close eye on national trends and brings them to Omaha with her own twist. She regularly adjusts her offerings for events and pop-ups, tailoring racks to specific audiences or themes. That curatorial care, paired with a deep respect for sustainability, sets Albany and Avers apart in the local retail scene​.

Community Collaboration and Uplifting Other Creatives

Amanda’s business model is inherently collaborative. From day one, she’s embraced partnerships with other small businesses, giving back to the community that welcomed her with open arms. Whether it’s teaming up with local screen printers like Exist Green for sustainability events or providing pop-up opportunities for other makers, Amanda’s shop functions as both a retail space and a hub for creative exchange.

Her collaboration with Exist Green, a zero-waste shop also located in Dundee, exemplifies this commitment. They’ve hosted joint events that educate customers on everything from garment care to DIY cleaning solutions. It’s all part of Amanda’s mission to make sustainable living accessible, practical, and unintimidating for everyday people​.

 

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Just Start

Amanda’s advice for anyone looking to start a business is refreshingly straightforward: just begin. Make a logo. Create an Instagram page. Launch a simple website. Taking small, consistent steps builds momentum, and the rest will follow. She emphasizes the value of learning by doing—and not waiting for the “perfect” moment, because it rarely comes.

She also encourages reaching out to other business owners. Most are happy to share their experiences and advice. Omaha’s business community, Amanda notes, is full of people willing to help others succeed​.

 

Where Amanda’s Been: Local Favorites Around Omaha

Of course, no Omaha Places episode is complete without local recommendations. Amanda shares some of her go-to spots:

• La Casa Pizzaria: Her post-event comfort food of choice. She visited twice in one week, and with good reason—the pizza is iconic.
• One Tree Yoga: A hot yoga studio on Dodge Street with 106-degree sessions. For Amanda, it’s the ultimate detox and wellness ritual.
• Cirian’s Farmers Market: A plant haven at 50th and Leavenworth, perfect for spring gardening supplies and expert advice.
• Maulhall’s Nursery: A cozy plant and gift store Amanda loves year-round, especially during the holidays​.

 

Spring Itineraries and Hidden Gems

Delaney and Amanda also brainstorm ideal springtime activities for Omaha residents and visitors alike. Their suggestions include:

• Picnics in Memorial or Elmwood Park after grabbing treats from Archetype Coffee and Lola’s.
• Exploring the neighborhood on foot—each Omaha district has hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
• Checking out lesser-known but photo-worthy spots like Field Club Trail or the courthouse for unique backdrops.
• Visiting Lauritzen Gardens for peak spring bloom, shopping in Little Bohemia, and enjoying brunch at Sips on 10th or Fizzy’s​.

They also recommend checking out Omaha Places’ new interactive map to browse neighborhoods and plan adventures by district.

 

Events to Watch For

Amanda highlights some upcoming events where you can shop local and support sustainable makers:

• Modern Market and Junkstock in Waterloo, ideal for vintage lovers and creative gift hunters.
• Party for the Planet at the Henry Doorly Zoo, celebrating Earth Month with activities, vendors, and art.
• Omaha Flea at Café Postale, featuring over 20 vendors, including Amanda’s own pop-up shop.
• Live illustrations by Art by Nicole, perfect for Mother’s Day gifts​.

 

Final Thoughts: This episode of the Omaha Places podcast shines a spotlight on a small business with a big heart. Amanda of Albany and Avers proves that fashion can be fun, stylish, and sustainable all at once. Her journey from Chicago pop-ups to Omaha mainstay is a testament to creativity, resilience, and the power of community. Whether you’re looking for vintage treasures, eco-living tips, or just a little local inspiration, Amanda and this episode deliver it all.

 

This blog post is based on a transcript from the Omaha Places podcast episode released on April 2nd 2025.

Brought to you by the team behind the Omaha Places Instagram and TikTok, the podcast gives you a behind-the-scenes look at running a local influencer page, insider tips on our favorite spots, and a heads-up on upcoming events to help you plan the perfect weekend in Omaha!

Edited by Grace Dunbar