Uptown Finds, located on Madison Avenue in Lakewood, offers a wide range of unique and outstanding items at great prices. More than just a vintage shop, owner Dionna Griffie connected the store to a cafe she also owns.
From her home, Dionna Griffie began sharing her prices with customers on Facebook Marketplace. Primarily selling vintage furniture, Griffie enjoys the stories behind her finds. “The history of different pieces. My favorite pieces are anything wicker; I feel like you [can] compare it with any aesthetic,” Griffie said.
Her online success eventually manifested in a physical storefront. On Nov. 26, 2022, Griffie opened Uptown Finds in Lakewood. The shop showcases her passion for unique, standout pieces.
Paw Say Htoo, a college student who loves shopping at vintage stores, loves the atmosphere and the variety of things available. “I love going around Lakewood, especially when there are different vintage stores around here, and the atmosphere is always uplifting when the owners are friendly and passionate,” Htoo said.
Griffie finds many of her vintage pieces by traveling to different states, seeking out various treasures to bring into the store. “A lot of my larger pieces probably come from out of town… I usually find good stuff in Michigan and Pennsylvania. I definitely travel to find a lot of stuff,” Griffie said.
Resident Mooshar enjoys exploring Lakewood’s small business scene. “Uptown Finds are outstanding; not only do they have a shop to look at, but you can also get a drink from their cafe,” Shar said.
In addition to Uptown Finds, Griffie opened La Mocha Cafe right next door. The dual space allows customers to enjoy a beverage while browsing everything from vintage clothing and jackets to furniture and household items.
Htoo, who has lived in the community since 2011, said the warm welcome from shop owners makes Lakewood special. “Ever since coming here around 2011, I’ve been noticing how Lakewood shop owners treat one another. It never caught me to notice how welcoming they are until I started to roam around the part of the small shops. So when visiting Uptown, I felt the same comfort,” Htoo said.
As a black-owned business, Griffie has received a lot of support from the community and makes them feel welcome. “You want to be able to structure your business, cater to all people and make everyone feel comfortable and everyone feel welcome,” Griffie said.
Shar agreed that the neighborhood’s variety is its strength. “Lakewood is diverse with the people and the shops around here, you’re able to see lots of different things everywhere you walk,” Shar said.
Uptown reflects the city’s creativity, diversity, and strong sense of community. The lively atmosphere and welcoming storefront make it a place where residents and visitors can feel connected and comfortable. Uptown Finds truly represents the spirit of Lakewood’s small business community.
