In today’s episode, Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, talks with Ken Bolan of Ken Bolan Studios, formerly of London’s renown Talisman Antiques. Ken’s wisdom is a treasure trove for established antiques dealers or people just looking to start an antiques business of their own! After a recent visit to Ken’s new studio in the West Country, Toma knew she just had to share the wonder that is Ken Bolan with her listeners – and Ken graciously accepted. In the spirit of Christmas miracles, Ken’s passion for the industry will likely fill you with the same hope that meeting Ken gave Toma. Having been in the industry nearly five decades, Ken’s depth of knowledge, intuition, and insight into the industry of antiques – as well as keen creativity – is unmatched.

Ken was born in Scotland but brought up in the English countryside. He moved to Switzerland in the early 70s where he set up four shops selling English antiques. He returned to the U.K. in 1982 to set up in an old brewery in what was to be one of the most stylish stores in the West Country, the Talisman, in Gillingham, Dorset. In 2006, the Talisman successfully expanded into London where Ken rescued an Art Deco garage on New Kings Road from demolition, where he enjoyed decades of renowned success as Talisman Antiques. Ken’s latest conquest has been to set up his studios in a stunning barn complex he purchased with his life partner, Caryn Mandabach, in the most idyllic part of the West Country, surrounded by ancient woods and natural pastures. Ken says, “So now I have the joy of not needing to think in a commercial manner but rather with the joy of buying things for the pleasure of discovery. It is simply wonderful to take on projects which inspire and excite me, and I am looking forward to the next adventure!” Ken’s entire career has been a constant exploration, and he says, “It has been a total joy to discover and interpret different styles and ideas from around the world.”

While recording this episode, Toma and Ken each sit in their own homes, but both in 18th century Swedish chairs with their original paint, and Ken also surrounded by nine 18th century Swedish mirrors that he simply couldn’t part with because of the beauty and joy they bring into his life. The two discuss Ken’s role in making Swedish antiques what they are today – in making them known the way they are today. Ken always loved antiques and reminisces how, as a child, he would go to the village dump and rescue 18th century treasures. He says the passion has always been there. He grew up and continued to find treasures wherever he found himself. “I’ve got the best job in the world because I shop for a living. I’ve been shopping for 50 years…I just buy stuff that appeals to me..I wake up every day very happy. I can’t help it. I’m just too interested in too many things,” Ken says with a chuckle. As a forerunner in making Swedish antiques popular, Ken shares, “In the mid-80s, I met a crazy Danish Viking guy who set us up to go to Sweden. It was there I discovered 18th century Swedish furniture.” Ken did his shopping magic and the rest is history. People could not get enough.  

Ken shares his journey from his first basement cellar store in Bern, Switzerland, through the dreadful 90s recession where he again landed on his feet, pivoted, and found himself doing art exhibitions with Annabel, none other than the Queen Consort Camilla’s sister. It was then he realized the trade was changing, and he went into retail. Then of course, 9/11 happened, and the trade changed again, and he realized, “I have to go to London!” Toma laughs, “Go big or go home!” and Ken agrees. “I literally did start with nothing so I can’t lose. You’re not getting rid of family jewels, you’re just making things happen,” say Ken. “As you know, our business fluctuates around the financial crises. You are very successful and then there’s a banking crisis – but it’s a wonderful thing to be doing with your life.”

In listening to Ken’s journey, Toma notes what new and seasoned antique dealers alike can glean from his success. Toma points out one of the key secrets to Ken’s success: “You have pivoted your business repeatedly through the years.” And this is a secret to success for antique dealers at any stage of the game, or any business, for that matter. The only way to succeed is if you continue to adapt.  

It is an episode you won’t want to end, but if you listen to the end you hear the fairy tale of a romance that is his wedding and marriage to Caryn. It entails Ken’s latest magical romp into landscaping, and you won’t want to miss it! Ken’s career is the thing dreams are made of and Ken speaks of how lucky he has been, but Toma hits the nail on the head when she tells him, “You said you’ve been lucky, but I think you truly made your luck.” Ken humbly admits, “You just have to keep your head down and keep at it. It hasn’t been given to me, but I’ve always been positive. I wake up every morning happy to be on this planet.” And the rest of us are lucky he is here as well. Toma shares sincerely, “That day – walking into your studio. You held the message I needed to hear at that moment, so thank you.”

May your holidays be filled with Christmas miracles, hope, and just the message you need to hear!  

This episode is sponsored by www.AntiqueDealerTrainingProgram.com

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