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How She Turned Vintage Quilts Into a Successful Business w/ Aurora Milstein (EP #57)

  • Apr 13
  • 2 min read

Rebel Rootz Show Episode #57 with Aurora Milstein.


Watch the full episode on Youtube:


In this episode of Rebel Rootz, sits down with Aurora Milstein, founder of Quilts & Clogs, to explore how she turned overlooked, unwanted vintage quilts into a thriving creative business.


Aurora shares her unconventional journey—from chasing acting in Los Angeles to bartending for a decade, becoming a stay-at-home mom, and eventually discovering her passion during COVID. What started as sewing masks quickly evolved into something much bigger when she began transforming vintage quilts into one-of-a-kind wearable art.


This conversation dives into creativity, risk-taking, and trusting your instincts. Aurora opens up about building a business from scratch, going viral after a single influencer post, handling criticism online, and why doing what you love—without chasing money—is what actually creates success.


Evonne and Aurora also explore the emotional side of entrepreneurship, the courage it takes to put your work into the world, and how repurposing something forgotten can create something meaningful again.


If you’ve ever wanted to start something creative, doubted your path, or felt called to build something different, this episode will inspire you to go for it.


Timestamps:

[00:00] Trailer + Intro

[02:03] Meet Aurora Milstein

[02:40] Creative childhood

[05:03] Moving to LA for acting

[06:60] Bartending and reality check

[08:51] Starting businesses in LA

[10:56] Moving to Colorado

[12:37] Becoming a stay-at-home mom

[13:59] Discovering quilts

[14:21] COVID and sewing masks

[17:15] First quilt coat

[18:30] First Etsy sale

[19:36] “Rescuing” vintage quilts

[22:42] Expanding into jeans

[23:33] Going viral overnight

[25:37] Building confidence

[26:45] Growing the business

[30:08] Should she share her patterns?

[31:44] First retail opportunity

[33:15] Fear and taking risks

[35:57] Handling online criticism

[38:41] Thrifting for materials

[40:36] Most meaningful piece

[42:13] How to order custom pieces

[44:41] What’s next for Quilts & Clogs

[46:28] Final advice


Key Takeaways:

• “If you had told me in 2019 that I would be making a living sewing, I would have thought you were insane.” ~ Aurora Milstein

• “I feel like things happen in our lives that are supposed to happen… even if you don’t realize it at the time.” ~ Aurora Milstein

• “I’m gonna rescue you… I’m gonna give you your second life.” ~ Aurora Milstein

• “It never hurts to ask.” ~ Aurora Milstein

• Everybody feels the same inside—fear, doubt, and uncertainty are part of putting yourself out there. ~ Aurora Milstein

• The worst thing that can happen is someone says no—and that’s not the end. ~ Aurora Milstein

• Doing what you love—without chasing money—is what actually leads to fulfillment and success. ~ Aurora Milstein

• “Be the sunshine.” ~ Aurora Milstein

• Putting your work into the world means opening yourself up to judgment…but that’s also where opportunity comes from. ~ Evonne Varady


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