Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Perkins.
Martha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
There are three friends that upcycle antique and quality furniture in our workshop/store that has two parts to the building. One is the workshop side where the work is completed and the other is the showroom of finished pieces. Colonial Treasures started in 2004 in a small town north of Greenville and The Unique Nook began as a consignment shop in Greenville, MI eight years ago. Searching for a larger customer base Colonial Treasures relocated to Greenville, MI. which is where Deb and I (Colonial Treasures) met when I became a vendor in The Unique Nook. Eventually we joined forces to both upcycle furniture and after three location moves landed at 112 S. Lafayette Street in downtown Greenville. The third person to join us this year is Suzi, an artist who paints on canvas but now enjoys learning the skills to restore and paint furniture. We named the building we share “Peddlers” so customers can easily find us.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There has never been a smooth road! Starting with the financial downturn around 2008, gas prices spiking, three business locations moves, changes in foot traffic, high utility prices, high rent expense, the struggle to keep up with advertising and how to use Facebook to reach customers, and the economy ups and downs. It’s a testament to our determination that we’re still in business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Martha was a Finance Manager for nonprofits for over 30 years, Suzi was a nurse, and Deb was in customer service and a bar tender. We are all early retirement age now and this is our second careers.
How do you think about happiness?
Seeing the transformation of a solid wood piece of furniture in rough and ugly condition change into a beautiful thing that customers love and compliment. Upcycling the furniture that a craftsman created many years ago be saved to live another 100 years is very rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.colonialtreasures.com
- Facebook: 310 Peddlers, The Unique Nook, Colonial Treasures Workshop
