You can call Brooke Yeaman the OG of the Rad Moms. This vintage lover balances a life with three kids, a thriving business and a super rad hubby. She makes motherhood all about the adventure - all while still running a business where she gets to do what she loves everyday.
I had the opportunity to interview one of my favorite badass mamas about her life, motherhood & how hard work can pay off.
"If you work hard, you will go places. Nothing is ever handed to you. Go out and get it."
My name is Brooke Aubrey Yeaman I am from Camarillo Ca, our store is here, and we are still currently living here, but with plans to relocate to Nashville! I am a mother of two boys, step mother to one. I own Five Hearts Vintage, and am past owner of Good Times Revival. My kids are Pella (8.5) Ford (5) and Zeplin (2)
- What is a typical day like for you? What time do you get up - get home?
There is never really a “typical” day for us. Hah! When we aren’t traveling, we would normally wake up around 7 am to get our kids up and ready for school, and make our rounds (each kid goes to a different school/place during the day) Then we start our day, whatever that day may look like. We are normally out picking somewhere or buying/selling something. Digging in attics or rummaging through old farm houses. I buy every single day from all over.
- What inspired you to get into your line of work?
The love for old shit! It really is my dream career. It’s pretty funny how life works out. When I was a child, I always wanted to do something with fashion, but knew the odds of becoming a “fashion buyer” in LA was slim chances. I’ve been a collector since I was a child, and I started my vintage business on the side of my other career, and it grew into what it is today.
"I have my doubts and anxiety some days, but I wouldn’t change anything I’ve done for the world. I’m very dang lucky to succeed in something I believe in with every part of my being."
- What is your favorite part about your business?
Buying! Obviously. Haha well lots of things, buying and the people, but I do love treasure hunting the most. It’s almost a “high” when you pick something up - whatever that may be - more than likely, had no idea what you even were looking for. I also love the people I meet and work with in this business. It’s such a diverse group. Collectors of antiques or oddities or even just vintage T-shirt’s, that’s what it’s about. We all have one common love for old shit.
- What do you offer to your clients and how is it different than other professionals in your field?
Authenticity. We’ve got a style, and it’s not just what’s in at the moment or “cool” it’s objects, textiles, clothing, furniture that we personally fell in love with and wear every day. I think why I flourished in my business, is because I offer an above and beyond customer service. You’re looking for a pair of specific denim in a certain size? I’ll find it. I also have a knack for eyeing people and matching them with their new favorite pieces and when I’m on my game, fit like a damn glove.
- What is your background in your business expertise? Do you think your past experiences help with who you are doing now?
Definitely. I have always been a worker. I started working for my dad’s company at a very young age - like 12 - and always had the desire to hustle and grow. I started at the grunt job of course, then I was running part of that business by the time I was 16. I was graduated from high school 2 years early, moved on from there, and just kind of did the damn thing. I worked as a model scout for a bit, I worked for a Tech company, managed buffalo exchange for a brief time, I’ve done a lot that has led me to here. I think establishing my work ethic early led me to get management positions at other companies young because my work kind of spoke for itself.
"My grandmother and my mother. They’ve always taught me how to be a strong woman, and to know your worth!"
- What are you most proud of in your career?
Taking the leap from my well-paying but life-sucking position I was at for 4 years. As a person who likes to be comfortable, or secure, it was difficult to take the plunge and believe in myself and my brand to support my family exclusively. Life is short man, I have my doubts and anxiety some days, but I wouldn’t change anything I’ve done for the world. I’m very dang lucky to succeed in something I believe in with every part of my being.
- Do you want to expand your business?
Of course! I think if you don’t want to grow, you’ve fallen behind already. I have big plans for Five Hearts.
- What is something few people know about you?
I actually graduated from Paul Mitchell Cosmotology school and decided immediately after it wasn’t for me. I also married the man I’ve been with since I was just 18 years old!
- What is the hardest 'thing' about being a mom and business owner?
Balance. Traveling, and being away from my kids is the most difficult. Also workload, but that comes with being a business owner and working mom or parent in general. It’s 24/7. If I’m not working, I’m doing 900 loads of laundry or homework with Ford and Pella. Luckily my boys have been hangin around what we do since they’ve been born. It’s kind of second nature to them. They love it. We are fortunate to be able to bring them along on some picks, let them pick out what their passionate about or have an eye for. It’s cool.
- What can we expect from you for the rest of 2018 - personally and professionally?
Two words. BIG THINGS! We have some exciting news and projects to share SOON! Think destination spot 
- Who is your role model? Why?
My grandmother and my mother. They’ve always taught me how to be a strong woman, and to know your worth! My grandmother is the strongest woman I know. She’s 95 years old and still drives and walks around the block every day. Zero medication. She’s a badass.
- What is the best piece of advice your mom (or parent/role model) ever gave to you?
If you work hard, you will go places. Nothing is ever handed to you. Go out and get it.
- What is the best part about being a mom for you?
My kids are my best friends! They are my favorite people to hangout with, and they’ve taught me far more than I’ll ever teach them. They are my people.
- What advice might you have for a fellow RAD MOM or a soon to be Rad Mom who is just starting out a business?
DO IT! Put in the work, because working for yourself - even if it’s far more work - is so much better than working for the man. I get to do what I want, when I want. I get to go to my kids field trips, I get to travel, I get to meet new friends and dress old friends, I bust my ass every single day... but it’s worth the journey and opportunity it brings.
Website: www.fiveheartsvintage.com
Instagram: @brookeaubrey_ @fiveheartsvintage
Brooke is ace! I’ve followed her for a long time now on instagram and she has inspired me. I’m a stay at home mum and people ask me if I’ll ever return to work and it makes me feel like what I’m doing isn’t enough. I’ve said to myself that when I start working I’ll be my own boss. I can’t bare the thought of lining someone else’s back pocket.
I really enjoyed reading this so thank you!