Old school cool
A couple who love all things retro start an online business.
By Mary Jane Park
Published November 26, 2006
Big-band music plays on a CD changer in the studio, and playthings from the mid 20th century, a Slinky and Etch A Sketch, share desk space with an Apple G5, the mack daddy of power computers.
Diane and Brent Dempsey mix up-to-the-minute technology with their love of the past, blending the best of both worlds in their new online business, called What's Buzzin'? Cards & Gifts with a Retro Vibe.
Diane, 46, an art director, graphic designer and illustrator whose clients have included Cabbage Patch Dolls, the Florida State Fair and St. Petersburg's Florida International Museum, is developing the product line of vintage-inspired greeting cards, invitations and posters.
Brent, 47, an optometrist, is the Web designer.
Holiday cards include 1940s Las Vegas, 1950s Americana, "vintage vinyl" and "shopping gal" themes.
"I love historical things and things that have a story to tell," Diane Dempsey said.
Antiquing is her favorite pastime. Her closet is filled with vintage clothing that belonged to her mother and grandmother.
When she watches television, she usually turns to Turner Classic Movies.
The St. Petersburg couple's interest in all things old started several years ago when they took up swing dancing.
"We just kind of got interested in swing, which gets you interested in the music, which gets you interested in the culture," Brent Dempsey said.
In fact, their card and gift line takes its name from an old Cab Calloway tune, What's Buzzin', Cousin?
They took some of the merchandise to dance venues, but they didn't sell much, he said, because they were so focused on their steps. "We didn't get rich, but our dancing improved."
Diane strives for historical balance and correctness in her designs, just as she does in her clothing. "I don't want to wear my Keds with a 1940s vintage dress."
She still trembles when she visits a potential retail client, but her costume seems to help sell the products: "I put on retro clothes, seamed stockings and a little hat with a rhinestone pin. I'm completely unself-conscious about it."