Tonya’s Journey to Vintage Dreams in Gozo 

Tucked away on a quiet side street in Gozo, a small shop VOGUE XCHANGE overflows with charm and purpose. Inside, it’s a treasure trove of vintage finds, handmade goods, and pre-loved clothing-all curated with intention. But what makes this place truly special isn’t just the items on the racks, it’s the story behind them.

The story begins decades ago, in 1992, when Tonya Lehtinen first encountered Malta during a sailing trip that took her around the world. The island left its mark on her, a lingering sense of beauty and possibility. Years later, when her children had grown and flown the nest, she felt the pull to begin a new chapter. Remembering Malta, she followed that spark all the way to Gozo.

What started as a romantic idea soon turned into a reality: a new life on a peaceful island, and eventually, a shop that would reflect her growing passion for sustainability, community, and conscious living.

We sat down with Tonya to learn more about her journey, from the early days of adapting to life in Malta to the unexpected inspiration behind her second-hand shop. She also opened up about the joys and challenges of running a business in Gozo, and what’s next for her ever-evolving project.

Starting a New Chapter in Malta

1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to move from South Africa to Gozo?

Malta was a stopover during a circumnavigation I made in 1992, and I had this romantic notion of the island ever since. When my children left home, I felt it was time to start a new adventure. Malta was the first place I came to explore.

2. What was your experience settling in Malta like, especially dealing with the bureaucracy?

My first year was carefree—it felt like a magical holiday full of sunshine, sea, and culture. But eventually, I wanted to create something meaningful. I met amazing people, both locals and expats. My first dealings with bureaucracy were tough and confusing, but as I settled, things got easier. The immigration office has also become more efficient and digitalized over the years.

3. How did you adapt to life in Gozo, and what do you love most about living here?

Coming from South Africa, the safe environment had the biggest impact on me. I loved being able to walk everywhere and not spend hours in a car. There’s always something happening—cultural events, festivals—and people here are friendly and helpful.

The Story Behind the Vintage Shop

4. What inspired you to open a second-hand vintage shop? Was there a particular moment or idea that sparked it?

It happened quite organically. I was running clothing swap fundraisers for an NGO, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, and realised there was a demand for this kind of thing. The more I learned about the inequalities in the fashion industry and its environmental impact, the more I leaned into activism and wanted to create a space for change.

5. Your shop offers second-hand clothing, recycled items, and handmade products. How do you select what to stock?

I find stock in the most unexpected places, house sales, markets, thrift shops, and through friends and family. I also offer a consignment option for premium items and handle everything on behalf of our clients. I get many donations, especially because we do a lot of outreach like workshops and upskilling for migrants. Anything I can’t resell is used in upcycling projects or redistributed. It’s all part of the zero-waste strategy.

6. Can you tell us more about your consignment system and how people can get involved?

I aim to encourage more conscious fashion consumption, and focus on pieces with lasting value—whether that’s quality, brand, or fabric. We offer a 40% commission to clients on sold items. Anyone interested can bring their clothes to us for evaluation. I suggest a resale price, and payouts happen monthly. Items that don’t sell after three months can be collected.

7. Have you seen growing interest in second-hand fashion and sustainability in Gozo?

Definitely. There’s a growing awareness of the environmental and social cost of fast fashion. I have noticed more people, from all age groups, becoming interested in vintage and second-hand clothing.

Support, Collaboration, and Creative Growth

8. As a business owner in Gozo, what challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

As a non-EU citizen, starting a business in Malta came with financial and legal barriers. I partnered with my son, who is an EU citizen and has experience in sustainability projects across Africa. That collaboration made it possible to move forward.

9. Who are your main customers: locals, expats, or tourists? How has the community responded?

I have a strong local and expat client base year-round, and in the tourist season, new visitors always manage to find us. I feel very supported by the community, not just through donations, but through kind words, encouragement, and genuine interest in our sustainability efforts.

Her efforts have been highlighted in renowned publications such as Times of Malta and African Media Malta, where she was praised as a pioneering force in the movement against fashion waste. Tonya’s work continues to inspire and prove that ethical fashion can be a powerful force for positive change.

Coming Soon

Tonya has several existing initiatives on horizon. She will be leading a series of EU-funded workshops focused on sustainability, while also expanding activities in her Gozo Vintage Shop VOGUE XCHANGE  with sessions on dyeing, upcycling, and hands-on creative experiences for the community. A major highlight is the third edition of of Prinjolata 0.3 Fashion Show, a circular fashion show taking place on 1st of May in Senglea. Created in collaboration with young designer and activist Sarah Portelli, his free community event will shine a light on designers who work with upcycled fashion and create a fun, inspiring space for fresh ideas and conversations around sustainable style.

For me, it’s really important to be inclusive and all people are beautiful the way they are. I genuinely love people and this community, and I want everyone to feel welcome and empowered through what we do. It’s one of the events I’m most excited about.

Tonya

Closing Thoughts

Tonya’s story is all about adventure, reinvention, and finding purpose. What started as a dream of island life turned into a mission to create a more thoughtful, community-driven approach to fashion. Her shop in Gozo isn’t just a place to buy clothes, it’s a space full of creativity, good vibes, and positive change.

Whether you’re a local looking for something unique, a traveler in search of special finds, or someone into conscious living, Tonya’s world is definitely worth checking out. Her shop is nestled in a quiet street in the heart of the old town of Victoria, Gozo, on Triq G.P.F. Agius de Soldanis. It’s a charming spot that feels like a hidden gem, surrounded by history and beauty. You can also find her online at Vogue Xchange on Facebook, where she shares updates, new arrivals, and her passion for sustainable style with over 2K of followers, and on Instagram with a growing community of more than 2,5K of followers.

If you’re inspired by Tonya’s story and want to share yours, feel free to reach out to us!