Philadelphia music photographer and vinyl DJ Lisa Schaffer has turned her lifelong love of music into Vinyl Chickie, a bright new record store in Glenside, PA. After years capturing live shows and documenting artists, Lisa created a space that blends her eye for detail with her passion for community. Vinyl Chickie offers a carefully curated mix of new and used vinyl, local-music features, artist-made merch, and a cozy listening lounge complete with a mobile DJ booth.

When not digging for records, Lisa loves digging in her garden, as well as cooking and baking. She also spends time with her college aged children, listening to music, and going to concerts at small venues... "the Philly music scene is a huge part of who I am".

How did you get into your industry / What motivated you?

I worked one day every two weeks at a record shop, and did a lot of the buying for the store. I loved being there, and like being in one place. I worked retail for most of my life, and I enjoyed it. I knew this was a path I would eventually take.

What is a day in the life like?

Looking for new and different records through my distributors websites. Trying to always change it up. I am a people person, so I love talking to customers about their music choices. After work in the shop, I am heading to my other job as a photographer, going to see a show, or crashing on the couch in silence.

Favorite sale / relationship made from behind the counter?

I really enjoy talking to the young teenagers that come into the shop. There is such a diversity in musical tastes that they deep dive for, or learn from a parent. I learn a lot from them, and hope I am teaching them something too.

In your opinion what has been the coolest thing to come through your shop / thing you had to keep / almost couldn't put out for sale:

Beck: Midnite Vultures. That has been #1 on my wishlist. It came in a collection right before I opened. I paid a lot for it, but it was worth it.

What has been / is the most difficult part of your job?

Nothing really difficult. I feel at ease in this environment. I am pretty sure opening my shop is the best decision I have ever made in my life. I feel no stress when I am here.

What has been the craziest experience that has happened at the shop?

I am still pretty new, so nothing crazy yet.

What advice do you have for someone wanting to get into pursuing what you're doing?  

Listen to music that you are not familiar with. Always be open to learn.

Know your inventory. Be diverse. Everyone is into their own thing. Keep it fresh. Listen to music that you are not familiar with. Always be open to learn.

What types of things are happening in your industry / with vinyl that you're excited or worried about?  i.e. innovation, or trends you're seeing.

When big name artists push box store sales, and forget the little guys.

Are you a vinyl collector yourself?  What drew you to it?

YES! I came from an 8 track household, and went right to tapes and cds in my teens. I started collecting records when I became a vinyl DJ in 2016. It became a quick obsession and my collection is now super impressive.

Who has been influential to you and your growth as a professional in this industry?

All the record stores I have been to and their owners have been a huge influence. I make friends wherever I go, and everyone was very open to share their knowledge about the industry. Ones that stand out: Brian from @hideawaymusic for offering me a job while I was shopping one day, Max from Brewerytown Beats and now @loverecordsphl for teaching me how to look at collections.

Anything else you want to share? If not, tell us what you're listening to right now?

I am going down so many rabbit holes of music discovery since I opened. I love when someone shares something I have never heard of. There is SO MUCH music out there!