In response to the coronavirus pandemic that has swept throughout the globe, many business owners have had to demonstrate resiliency and adapt quickly to the current situation. Junk Girls, a brick and mortar located in the heart of Downtown SLO, was no exception.
Jenny Kompolt and Melissa James founded Junk Girls in 2009. Feeling the need for a new career path after working in the corporate world for 18+ years, these two put their collective skill sets together to do something meaningful that would make a difference for both themselves and their community. Jenny and Melissa use art as a creative outlet to craft treasures out of vintage and forgotten objects. What one person might see as junk, they see as an opportunity to build, create and share newfound treasures.
Before the California Shelter At Home order was announced, Junk Girls closed their physical doors for the safety of their customers. However, while COVID-19 caused their physical doors to close, a virtual one has opened! They have brought many of their products to their website at Junk Girls Online where you can find stamped jewelry, handmade art, household items and gift cards. In addition to creating a larger online presence, Junk Girls has begun a “Live at 5” on Instagram to connect with the community in a personable and engaging way. Thinking outside the box has been their go-to mentality throughout this process.
When asked to give advice for other retailers in the area, Jenny explained that they partnered with Hands Gallery, French Quarter and HumanKind Fair Trade to conduct a giveaway for customers.
“Reaching out to other [community members] and working as a team was amazing to collaborate. We put together a wonderful package that we shipped to our winner. It created a community aspect [and] I would say [to my peers], don’t be afraid to collaborate and reach out. Everybody has such an important value to add. Be open to working together. People want to help [and] we all want to see the downtown survive. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from places like the SBDC, peers, other businesses, friends, and even through conducting polls on Instagram to learn more about your audience… We all feel like we need to have a purpose right now.”
To view their new online store, visit: http://www.junkgirlsonline.com/.
Written by: Olivia Van Hoy
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