Saturday, July 12, 2008

The story behind the junk. Part 1



I started my first business at age 19. Immediately after graduating from high school I went to work for a local clothing store. I was young, energetic, and totally naive. Within a few short months I concluded the company was doing it all wrong and offered my suggestions to management. They ignored my thoughtful recommendations and insinuated I was clueless. The nerve! It was at that moment I made up my mind to be my own boss. What was I thinking? Within 90 days I opened my first business.

I owned and operated Ki Clayton, women's clothing stores, for 25 years. When I finally determined I'd had enough of indoor shopping malls, making sure my belt matched my shoes, and the daily trek across town I struggled for months with What's next? I couldn't imagine working for someone else. I liked being my own boss! Owning a small business can be extremely painful at times, exhausting while raising a family, yet incredibly rewarding. I wanted more of the same. Just different.

Today I spend my time searching for unconventional shopping malls (void of chain stores), wear the same holey jeans several days in a row (sometimes without a belt), and while I may put thousands of miles on my pick-up...the scenery is magnificent. And the best part is, I'm my own boss!


Blast the junk tunes! The road is callin'.


Stairway to junk heaven.


I just love the displays!


You meet the nicest people junking! Meet Clarence.


Bed shopping. Sure beats slumberland


Just me and the chickens.


Not sure if the To Go is significant.


Car shopping was never this fun! My color, don't you think?


My latest junking fashion statement.

Stay tuned for parts 2 & 3.

Take care,

Ki
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13 comments:

  1. Cynthia Holt ZiemianJuly 12, 2008 at 2:58 PM

    Ki, love the junk journey! Looks like your getting the blogging thing down. I would love for you to link up with my 'rustandsplinters' blog. Keep up the great work!

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  2. UnknownJuly 12, 2008 at 3:50 PM

    Okay, you can tell us - was there whiskey mixed in with that cola? It's only Margo, me and a few thousand other junkers who aren't talkin'!

    Thanks for sharing your stomping grounds with us!

    Sher

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  3. AnonymousJuly 12, 2008 at 5:27 PM

    What a great story. Love the history--isn't that what we "junkers" like items/people with a fantastic history. Sitting on needles and pins for parts 2 and 3.

    LuAnn

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  4. debbrennanJuly 12, 2008 at 5:43 PM

    Kudos to you...loving your job and living your dream (and my dream too!!!! LOL!!!) Keep up the great work and inspiration!

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  5. debbrennanJuly 12, 2008 at 5:45 PM

    You are living my dream! Keep up the fantastic inspiration and work! Kudos to you!!

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  6. MargoJuly 12, 2008 at 5:51 PM

    Ki, it was great to hear some history, and those pictures are wonderful. Can't wait for parts 2 & 3. Heck, I'm sure you've got a whole nother story to write, with all the adventures ahead of you. Oops, my texan slipped out, sorry 'bout that.
    Margo

    View my blog at:
    http://robolady.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  7. CiNdEe's GaRdEnJuly 12, 2008 at 7:28 PM

    You are so lucky to have a job like that!!! I bet you find all kinds of wonderful goodies(-:

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  8. EveJuly 12, 2008 at 9:32 PM

    Honey you are so preaching to the choir here. My DH use to get upset with me because I always wanted to take the truck even to church. But you never know when you might need to haul something home. Of course 50 globes that are huge and covered collisium lights might be overkill...but these he packrated home...not me....I did find a use for one though. IF you are ever over my way,,you can find it on my gardening blog, under Cashmere Bouquet..Now the next 49..while there you can check out my ladybug bowling ball and my potman..

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  9. Wendy @ Ramblings from the Sunshine StateJuly 13, 2008 at 9:01 AM

    Great story and junkin pictures. I just love those beds!

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  10. misselaineousJuly 13, 2008 at 11:07 AM

    Ki, I'm really enjoying your blog so far...love the junkin' photos...more, more, more! Glad you decided to start a blog...I've been a fan for quite awhile, and your article in Country Home is always the 1st one that I look for. Did I miss something about Sue?...still junkin together, or have you gone separate ways? Looking forward to part 2..*elaine*

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  11. MicheleJuly 13, 2008 at 12:28 PM

    I love the truck...and all your other junkin treasures. Can't wait for parts 2&3!!!

    Michele

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  12. AnonymousJuly 14, 2008 at 2:22 PM

    You've got blogging down pat - great stories couple with great photos!

    Keep up the great work!

    Joy

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  13. Sue (Vintage Rescue)July 19, 2008 at 10:36 PM

    This is the most fabulous photo and sums it all up! And, OF COURSE, you're now hooked on blogging. It's so much fun and gratifying!

    Keep on junkin!

    XOX

    ReplyDelete

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