{Fifty-Two Weeks}

I started this project not only for myself creatively, but for the women in our community! These next 52 weeks you will meet women that are an inspiration to our community, who go above and beyond for their families or our small town, who may own their own business, or are just an inspiration to those who love them. Each woman has their own story, their own calling, their own struggles, and their own accomplishments. I couldn’t have said it better “I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say because of you I didn’t give up.”-unknown

{Week Nine of Fifty-Two}

“Color outside the lines.”

Being the creative person I am, one thing I love to do is paint. It is my release from stress, and a way I can create something. This week’s lady is one who can take old, junkie, worn out things to new and improved one of kind things. She is full of creative ideas, has an amazing attitude about life, a heart of gold and loves all things junk. She is an inspiration for me and for all her clients and followers. Week nine of fifty-two goes out to the inspirational and super creative Merilee Miller of Flippin’ Junk.

If you have ever been out to Flippin’ Junk you have seen all the amazing antiques and all the junk turned into reusable, fresh, and creative things. Not only can you find that one of a kind piece of furniture, but Merilee can also do custom orders. She has been open since December of 2013 and I asked her what made her want to open her business. “I have a passion for creating” she said.  When opening a business you have to have a name, and so when I asked her what made her choose the name Flippin’ Junk she said “I wrote down thousands of names, and knew I wanted a name that meant something. So when it came down to it Flippin’ Junk was it. It means changing something worn out, outdated, one of a kind, and updating it into something beautiful and that not everyone else has.” I love this quote ““The things you are passionate about are not random. They are your Calling.” This fits Merilee to a T!

Merilee not only makes amazing things but I love her paints. The store sells General Finishes Milk Paint, Modern Masters Metal Affects, and now she can order General Finishes Chalk Style Paint. I redid my bedroom set with the milk paint and with the metal affect and it was a lot of work but it turned out beautiful. It has been over a year since I did my pieces and they still look brand new. This is why I love her products, the paint lasts when done right. “It is super easy to use, it’s the most durable paint I have come across and this is why I sell it. I believe in it!” Merilee says. The milk paint comes in 28 colors and all are amazing to work with. Merilee’s favorite color to paint with is patina green. It is teal in color and beautiful. I would say this is her signature color and it is the best seller in the store. 

Merilee has also done vendor/junk shows. She has done two at the Kounrty Junkin Show in S.D. “They are a lot of work. I pretty much have to load the store in a trailer and it takes a lot of time. It’s a great experience and I have learned a lot.  You can find some pretty cool things at these shows but I find a lot of my unique things from picking. “I have traveled a lot of miles out of state. When I started I would go to auctions and sales. Now I have made a lot of contacts, and several people contact me to buy or pick through their things. Old farm houses and out of state sales can have a lot of unique and antique pieces and furniture. I can look at a piece and know what it could become. That’s when I know this piece belongs in my shop. Thanks to my husband for putting in a lot of work and hours with me. Without his support and understanding I wouldn’t be as successful as I have become.” Merilee says

There a lot of Junkers out there, as I call Merilee and all have their own unique way to transform a piece. One thing about Merilee is she stays true to who she is. She may find an idea on pinterest or from a vendor but always stays away from copying the local competition. This is what is so amazing about this woman she is one of a kind. “I don’t want my business to get huge, just to stay in business. So many times more than not I run into furniture picking and it has been done poorly. I pride myself in my work. I may take a piece and have to strip it, replace parts, or even finish work that wasn’t complete. I want my pieces to leave my shop 110% complete and use able.” Merilee says. You can see the pride she takes in all her pieces. From small projects to big she makes them with love. I asked her if it hurts her business being so far out of town. “I have weighed both the pros and cons. Yes it would be nice to be in town and be able to leave work. I think more of the community would know about my shop in town, but it is also nice having it attached to my home.” Merilee said. 

I am truly grateful to this women and her many talents. She has taught me not only how to create beautiful things but also how to strive in the world with a creative mind. She is an amazing business women and has inspired me to be a better person in this thing we call life. She not only has her own business, she and her husband are in the process of adopting a little girl. They have opened their hearts and home to a child who has been through so much in life. This is a true inspiration and I know this little girl will grow up in a better place with a mother and father who adore and love her.

Getting to know Merilee….

What is your greatest accomplishments….My two children and my husband. My husband and I have also taken in a little girl who has been through so much. We can give her the life she deserves.

What is you biggest fear….To loss a child and my business failing.

What is the most important lesson you have learned in the business….It's ok to say NO!  I've gotten so far behind because I want to please everyone!  Well I haven't actually mastered that yet, but I'm working on it.

What do you love most about your job….I can create! Love doing a piece and create it how I want it and somebody loving it. 

Who inspires you and why….Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper.

What is your favorite thing to create….Copper and rust patina from Modern Masters.

What is something on your bucket list….Go to Mexico and sit on the beach and just relax!

What is your favorite quote….Just one? “Color outside the lines.” and “Seek beauty in the imperfections.”

One word to describe “Merilee” and why she inspires you…..

“Visionary!  When she sees dreams about something she wants, she looks past all of the obstacles in her path and focuses on her end wish.” –Rikki Horr

“Merilee has a heart the size of Wyoming. She always puts others first and has a smile a Mike long. So proud to call you friend” –Anne Saunders

“Awesome and Very Creative! She works very hard on everything she does has to be perfect or it’s not good enough.” –Paul Miller (Husband)

“Creative DIVA! She has made many things to decorate my store and my house. My favorite memory is taking my mom out to Flippin’ Junk and picking out all the items that Merilee swore wouldn’t sell because they were "ugly" and we all used a good laugh about that.” – Janna Wagner

“Amazing! She runs and owns her own business, has time for a 4 year old daughter, is always friendly and ready to help. I never understand how she has the energy!” –Windy Elliott

“Down-to-earth. I love working with someone that sees the beauty and potential in items that would have normally been discarded. When you can see the beauty in junk, you can see the beauty in whatever life throws at you.” –Off The Beaten Path

“Ingenious!  Merilee was really one of the first in this area to look at an old, worn down object and see the new life it was meant for.  She has such talent for seeing beyond the broken, chipped and scuffed exteriors and transforming each piece into a work of art.” –Stacy Wood

“Generous! Merilee inspires me every day to treat others with kindness and respect. Although we have similar small businesses, she could have easily treated me as I was her competition. She has always supported me and welcomed me with open arms. She has been my friend through furniture and paint questions and we have been able to share our ups and downs of our businesses and some of our personal lives. I am so thankful for her friendship and all the love she gives to everyone around her.” - JoEllen Hockley

 If you haven’t been to her store I would highly recommend it. Stop in and say “Hi!” you will not be disappointed.

Flippin’ Junk

325 Cold Springs Rd.

Douglas, WY. 82633

307-351-2659

Thank you again Merilee for letting me capture you and show the world what an inspiration you are to so many in our community.