We are excited to introduce Small Business Saturdays! Each Saturday we will be featuring a Greater Lansing area small businesses – Learning about the businesses and the amazing people who run them.
Our first stop is Vintage Junkies – located at 1133 S. Washington Avenue in REO Town, Lansing.
We recently had a chat with Amy McMeeken, the owner, curator and lover of vintage since quite young – sharing Vintage Junkies offers “everyday vintage for the modern home.”
Learn more about Amy, the history behind Vintage Junkies – including her experience as a small business owner during COVID and some of what she has in the works!
Welcome, Vintage Junkies! 
Tell us about Vintage Junkies!
Vintage Junkies is a curated, modern vintage store, but with a twist…we also have new items that are vintage inspired. I opened in Fall of 2014 and have been elevating my brand ever since.
Photo: Jena McShane
What’s your background? What led you to where you are today?
I have always had a passion for interior design and thrifting. I have worn many hats that have contributed to the success of the store so far. But what started all of this was being a single Mom and trying to provide for my daughter on one small income.
I had recently lost my Mother that put me in a financial hole. I was selling things in my home to try to get back on my feet. I had always decorated with vintage and second hand items, then discovered that some of my items were possibly quite valuable but wasn’t going to get close by selling on craigslist.
So I opened an Etsy shop, and in the first month I got all of my accounts in good standing. It quickly became a decent side income and I was even able to take my daughter on our first vacation in years.
Amy and Sadie, Sadie is probably one of the sweetest dogs ever… Photo: Jena McShane
What do you love about having a business in the Greater Lansing area, REO Town specifically?
I have been a part of the REO Town area for the major chunk of my life. Seeing it evolve makes my heart happy. Being a reason people enjoy coming there has meant more to me than anyone would know.
REO Town business owners and neighbors are like a family.
Trent Wagner, Vintage Junkie model and Zeus from Soulful Earth Herbals, Photo: Amy McMeeken
What has been the most challenging part of running your business during COVID, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging part was making sure we always did the right thing – To keep ourselves and others safe.
There was a huge shift in traffic, office business closed (working from home) and that was a chunk of the demographic. Luckily we have the best community that stepped up for us and I only saw REO Town grow stronger and more diverse.
The other challenge is the unknown, how will things be? Not only then but now and in the future. I think most small retail did fairly well during this time but now that restrictions have changed, what does that mean for us? Leaves us feeling a little vulnerable.
Photo: Amy McMeeken
What are some exciting plans you have for the business in 2021 and as we move towards 2022?
Right now I am focused on continuing to elevate what I offer. I plan to get a little more artsy and weird.
I would love to offer guest artists soon. Special shopping events and take full advantage of the new open drink laws (Lansing Social Districts – more about how Lansing has joined 40 other Michigan downtowns to offer outdoor social districts HERE).
Amy & Sadie, Photo: Jena McShane
What’s your favorite business or two in the Greater Lansing area – other than yours, of course 🙂 ?
I love Soulful Earth Herbals (right next door) and Polka Dots in Old Town
Anything else you would like to share with GLAMom’s?
Thank you always for choosing small first and contributing to our dreams.
🙂
We appreciate you sharing, Amy! And thank you for being our very first Small Business Feature! We look forward to watching Vintage Junkies continue to grow as a staple in the Greater Lansing community!
Vintage Junkies offers a wide array of vintage items including lovely restored and refinished furniture! The items on site change frequently – visit often and keep an eye on what Vintage Junkies has in stock by following along on social media and their website.
Here is where you can find Vintage Junkies:
Instagram:@vintagejunkies_reotown
Facebook: @reotownvintagejunkies
Email: [email protected]
Website: vintagejunkiesshop.com
Small Business Saturday
has been sponsored by Dan Riedel of RE/MAX Real Estate Professionals DeWitt
