Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Phillips.
Hi Cindy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been a small business owner for over ten years at Junk Mama’s General Store in Fayetteville, GA. I’m originally from Colorado but moved here 30 years ago with my husband who is now a retired Air Traffic Controller. We raised our two boys here in Fayetteville. I have a business degree and worked in the banking business for several years. I was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom while my boys were small. Once the boys were in school full time, I decided I wanted to find a job that didn’t require me to work 9-5. A girlfriend owned a thrift/vendor shop where I volunteered. She decided to sell the business and asked if I would be interested In buying it from her. I was not sure I could own a small business all on my own but my husband encouraged me and supported my decision to do so. I’ve made a lot of changes during the 10+ years I’ve owned Junk Mama’s General Store.
One of the biggest was changing the name from Earth Mama’s General Store, where customers were a bit confused as to what exactly we sold. I also did away with the thrift part of the store and brought on only vendors. Now I think of my business as more of a boutique gift shop. We sell a variety of items from new to slightly used or vintage items. About five years ago I bought into a paint supplier, Dixie Belle Paint Company. I offer classes taught by my friend and talented artist, Virginia Bittinger. Virginia teaches all the classes I offer at the shop (she is the creative part of my business). Our classes and Dixie Belle Paint line have brought my business to another level, from just shopping to being a creative outlet. I have seventeen vendors that rent space in the cute little house that was built in 1916 by the Perry family. When you step onto the front porch of the little yellow house, you can feel the history and once you step inside, there is a warm and cozy feel to the shop with original hardwood floors, plaster walls and high ceilings. The old house located in the historical district of Fayetteville is one reason shopping at Junk Mama’s General Store is so unique.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Working with a bunch of women isn’t always the easiest. Lots of personalities and opinions. It’s taken me several years but I can say that I have a great group of women who love to be Junk Mamas.
We are located in the historical district of Fayetteville and can’t have signage on the main road so it’s been a challenge trying to get my business name out into the community. I still have new customers weekly saying they didn’t know I was here.
2020, let’s talk about that for a minute. Believe it or not, it was one of my best years in business. We offered porch pick up of items we listed on our FB or IG pages and also of our Dixie Belle Paint. There were a lot of people staying home, wanting to do something and so painting (and shopping) it was. Dixie Belle sales saved us in 2020.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We (Virginia Bittinger & myself) offer classes at the shop. Virginia is the creative artist behind all our classes. Our line of Dixie Belle Paint (DB) has brought us a lot of new customers. Virginia is a great teacher and is very patient. There is no need to be creative or crafty, she’ll make you look like a pro. I love to be crafty but I need a lot of direction, which Virginia helps me with. I can paint and use the DB but I can also really sell the product. It’s a great company (USA based) and so easy to use. We have both been to DB conferences in FL to learn the product and better our knowledge of their products. Not only do we use the DB products but we know how they work. We offer furniture painting workshops every month as well as crafty classes.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding someone who isn’t necessarily like-minded as yourself. Virginia and I work so well together because she is creative and I’m more business minded. We have a great partnership that works well to build the business.
Reaching out to other local businesses and collaborating on ideas and/or events to promote business has worked for me as well.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Junkmamasgs
- Facebook: Junk Mama’s General Store
