Turning something that could be recycled into useful and functional objects was the goal of Karen Studd, the owner and founder of the Salvaged Boutique. She started her business in 2013 as an at-home operation, selling through her Etsy shop. Her online shop began to grow rapidly, and in 2015, she opened a physical storefront in Lakewood, Ohio. Studd put a lot of hard work into setting up the store, not only selling what she makes but also offering workshop classes.

The business did not start easily for her, as she struggled to find a location for her brick-and-mortar store. “People do not really want to rent to a female store owner,” Studd said. Facing one of the biggest challenges for female business owners, Studd’s hard work and dedication are what eventually got her the store she wanted.

Studd put in effort and time to show everyone her passion for recycling old furniture into something new. “My sister and I used to do projects for our home, and we were inspired by Pinterest, pictures from magazines,” Studd said. She started with just a blog and a small online shop. Studd said, “ Our friends were buying from us, [and] they were spreading the word.” The online store grew, and the two sisters eventually opened a shop in Lakewood, OH.

Tracy Chesmar, a teacher at Lakewood High School, enjoyed walking into the store and experiencing what it has to offer. “Most items are one of a kind, unlike big box stores,” Chesmar said. Everything is homemade by Karen Studd herself and showcases her work to the community.

When entering the boutique, the atmosphere brings a fun, comfortable, and heartwarming vibe for customers. That’s what Mary Ellen Reddy felt when she first came into the store. Reddy said, “The vibe is fun, it’s that there are wonderful people there. They have an insight into what you’re thinking about.” The calm atmosphere often prompts people to think about what they want to buy or need for their households.

Not only does the atmosphere bring comfort, fun, and heartwarming vibes, but the helpful staff also adds to the welcoming environment of the store. The place feels like home, drawing people into the eye-catching store.

Karen takes many old pieces of furniture and adds her own twist, transforming an old, beat-up dresser into something so functional that it can be used again. “There is an emerald green cabinet…. The door had wood cut out, and I did all that in gold,” Studd said, describing one of her favorite transformations that she was able to add a touch of her favorite color to.

Small business shops like The Salvaged Boutique need more recognition for their interior design, which creates a lively vibe when browsing and shopping. “It’s a fun place to shop, and it’s unique, and it’s just fun, and it’s cool inside. They have a lot of stuff that you would never even think you would want or need,” Reddy said. The store offers many unique household items that could be the perfect gift for friends or family.

Lakewood is known for having locally owned stores, making it a place where everyone enjoys shopping locally. Studd said, “And we finally came up with Lakewood because it is so diverse and shopper-friendly.” The Lakewood community never fails to show its love for local businesses, just like The Salvaged Boutique.

Many items are different from those in big stores; The Salvaged Boutique is special and adds its own twist to its work. This makes the store unique for both new and regular customers, encouraging them to continue returning to the store. Exploring shops and discovering new gems is always an adventure in Lakewood.