Meet Tash: Antique Dealer, TV Personality & Founder

Natasha Francis - From Fashion to Finds

Lets go Further Back

During my college years, I soon began to get fed up of living in a mass-produced environment where cheap Weetabix furniture kept on chipping and breaking and then having to replace them every time I moved residence. So I began to save my money from my weekend retail work and would only spend it on quality items. I found myself only purchasing homemade or antiques or doing without.

"they didn't quite get why this young black girl from East London liked "old second hand stuff" so much"

Never having been a fan of retro 70’s style my desire was to go later back to Victorian era products. Things I would see in the museum and on my favourite period film Gosford Park - check it out. I was intrigued to own these unusual talking point items that had so much attention to detail, that had lasted so long and had a story. The thing I realised about antiques is that they have already lasted over 100 years and no doubt will last 100 more.

Why I Built This Brand

For years I worked with premium fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Pringle of Scotland and All Saints, honing my sourcing and development skills.

It was great, sure, but it didn’t feed my fascination for handmade and historical items.

So, I decided to study antiques and collectables and travelled the country, including The Netherlands and France, rummaging through:

  • Auction houses
  • Antique shops
  • High-end trade fairs
  • Muddy Fairs in the British countryside

"I created The Urban Vintage Affair with a clear mission: To make vintage and antique collecting feel welcoming, inspiring, and completely accessible, especially for a new generation"

Frankly, I’m a self-confessed antique shopaholic!  If I wasn’t, I’d never have been able to step out on my own and launch The Urban Vintage Affair in 2017, which has since won some awards.

Including a WOW Award for outstanding Woman in Business, and is a prestigious #SmallBusinessSunday winner, as chosen by Dragons’ Den legend Theo Paphitis.

Guest Judge For Awards

My dedication to supporting small businesses is evident in my role as a guest judge for the BizBubble Small Business Awards, where i've leveraged my expertise in recognising and celebrating the achievements of budding entrepreneurs.

"I am an ambassador for independent brands, crafters, and artisans, committed to nurturing and promoting ethical practices across the industries I work in"

The Personality Behind The TV Expert

Viewers often describe me the same way: real. honest. stylish. Calm, and refreshingly relatable.

I'm the 'expert' who explains things without jargon, who celebrates beginner buyers, and the enthusiast who genuinely get excited when finding something special.

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