New Boutique Junkyard Goddess Reuses Old Objects to Make Home Decor
Writer & Photographer / Demi Lawrence
A new boutique is in South Broad Ripple just off of 54th Street called Junkyard Goddess. Thoughtfully owned by Geist resident Michelle Dolon, the boutique offers beautiful home decor that is not only environmentally friendly, but is made from reused, recycled and restyled items that would otherwise find themselves rotting in a landfill.
Six years ago, Michelle got the idea to sell items that she herself either created, painted or refurbished on Etsy as a way to support her growing family. Fast forward a few years, and Michelle’s items were selling fast as she began to start a business plan for a boutique she wanted to call Junkyard Goddess.
“My whole concept is that we don’t have to spend a lot of money on our home decor. I combined that with wanting to reuse what we already have on the earth, being environmentally conscious and saving money [to create Junkyard Goddess],” explained Michelle. “You can have a work of art and have that pride that you did it yourself, and you’re also helping save something from going to a junkyard.”
A pet-friendly store as Michelle liked to emphasize, Junkyard Goddess sells trunks, wall art, furniture and other home decor items. One of the big items that the store offers though is Milk Paint. This paint comes in several different shades, is free of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and gives any surface an “old world” look like it’s been there for decades upon decades. The store also sells items made by several artisans, and Michelle ensures that all of them either restyle their pieces from older items or use environmentally-friendly resources to make their art. I was also in Petworth in the UK recently and found a lovely antiques shop which can be found at https://tallulahfox.co.uk/, they have an amazing range of antiques and collectibles, so check them out.
Junkyard Goddess is more than just a boutique though. Michelle wanted her store to be somewhere the community could come in, enjoy a complimentary cookie or coffee and just feel like they’re at home.
“To me, it’s not just about a place to come and shop. I want people to come and think of me if they need a gift or an item for their home,” said Michelle. “More than that, I want to bring the community together and offer classes, workshops and fun events in the evening and just create a space where people can come and feel happy.”
Just as she said this to me, a customer came into her shop. She politely excused herself and helped the customer navigate the new store that had only opened the week before. The customer left empty-handed but said she would definitely be back. The way that Michelle treated the customer, though, was like she’d known her for years – very warm, inviting and willing to help with whatever she needed. This single event showed me that Michelle is true to what she told me just moments before about wanting Junkyard Goddess to have a home-like atmosphere where people feel welcomed.
Junkyard Goddess will be celebrating their Grand Opening with a special party on July 9 from 5-9 p.m. To contact Michelle about painting classes, customization of furniture or any other questions about Junkyard Goddess, visit junkyardgoddess.com, their Facebook Page at facebook.com/junkyardgoddess or Michelle’s Etsy at etsy.com/shop/TheJunkyardGoddess.
