Women in Vinyl

Sofia Georgiadou is the owner of Velona Records, and a dedicated music lover, and vinyl enthusiast based in Thessaloniki, Greece. Velona Records, is an independent record store founded in 2017 by two friends sharing a passion for music. They offer a diverse selection of genres, and provide both new and rare used titles. Beyond retail, Velona Records hosts in-store events such as live sessions, DJ sets, and meet-and-greets, fostering a vibrant community for music enthusiasts.

Newtown Book & Record Exchange (NBRE) has been a staple in Newton PA, thanks in large part to its owner, Chelsea Mitchell. Specializing in thousands of used books, along with a carefully curated collection of new and used vinyl, cassettes, CDs, and DVDs, NBRE provides customers with a unique and ever-evolving selection. Whether you're hunting for a classic novel, exploring new genres, or digging through vinyl crates in search of rare finds, they have something for everyone.

Meet Emily Lyon, a thrifting flight attendant, pilot, flight instructor, and co-owner of Records The Good Kind, a record store she owns with her husband in Vernon Connecticut. The story of the shop, and Emily’s journey into the world of buying vinyl and used goods began back in '93 when she scored her first job at an antique shop igniting her lifelong love for collecting. Fast forward to 2014, after a mix of flight attendant gigs and grad school, Emily and her now-spouse, Ian, decided to bring their shared passion for records to life with the opening of Records The Good Kind.

In this week’s feature, we’re delighted to introduce you to Umbrella Vinyl, a vibrant new addition to Edinburgh’s music scene. Since opening in August 2023, this vinyl-only record shop has quickly become a must-visit for music lovers in search of second-hand gems and a welcoming space to share their passion for records. Co-owned by Laura Thomson and her two partners, the shop reflects their diverse musical tastes and carries a personal touch, with its name and logo nodding to their Hong Kong roots. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Umbrella Vinyl offers a fresh and mindful approach to vinyl collecting.

Meet Billie Egan one half of Spinner Town Blanks, a UK-based supplier specializing in high-quality blank recordable discs, diamonds, sleeves, and accessories for the lathe-cutting world. Created to provide reliable, high-quality products Spinner Town helps cutters achieve superior sound quality, reduce waste, and produce cuts that rival pressed records. With more innovative products on the way, they’re committed to supporting the cutting community at every step.

For our first feature of the year we're thrilled to introduce you to Daiva, a press operator at , a vinyl pressing plant located in the capital of Lithuania. Currently on a journey of self-discovery, Daiva is exploring personal likes, dislikes, passions, and values. Known for being artistic and highly sensitive, Daiva harbors big aspirations for the future and is dedicated to producing high-quality records for music enthusiasts and artists.

Sunshine Vinyl in Austin TX is run by owner Luca Kisielius. As a queer-owned record store Luca has created a space for minorities to connect through music and events. Sunshine Vinyl focuses on contemporary music, amplifying queer artists and artists of color. Beyond records, they offer local art, custom turntables, and a wide range of community events, from live music to drag shows and more.

We’re thrilled to introduce you to Kourtlyn Immel, the Chief of Staff at . Kourtlyn plays a pivotal role in aligning departments, overcoming challenges, and advancing the mission of crafting the best vinyl records in the industry. Passionate about people and culture, she’s dedicated to fostering a collaborative and empowering environment where everyone can thrive and feel valued.

In this group interview, we meet Lucy, Hanora, and Sharon. Lucy plays a key role as a production operative, contributing to the creation of high-quality stampers, mothers, and fathers that uphold Stamper Discs' commitment to excellence. Hanora manages responsibilities in Customer Service and Accounts while pursuing an ACCA qualification, showcasing dedication to both professional growth and customer satisfaction. Sharon, as a customer services administrator, ensures seamless communication and support for clients, helping the company maintain its industry-leading reputation.