Joanne Williams
Editor
(Joanne Williams/TCJ: Maggie and Allen Golomski have created an eclectic store and a space for family at their brick-and-mortar business on Olivet’s Main Street.)
The bones of a new resale shop in Olivet are the bonds of family. In fact, a family gathering space makes up the backroom of Revved Up Resale, 106 N. Main Street (home of the former My Happy Place shop, which moved across the street).
The large windows of the shop look out on downtown Olivet, and are witness to a resurgence of sorts, some, in thanks to Dawn Davis of My Happy Place, and Revved Up owners Allen and Maggie Golomski.
As the Golomskis were fixing up the shop, which will open soon, friends from Bellevue told them they were looking for a new storefront. Allen and Maggie told them there was a nice one, the former Independent Bank. A few days later, the Dentons hung up their sign, “Tasty Mae’s Donuts and More” coming soon.
Meanwhile, Allen and Maggie are getting their unique shop in order, with the willing help of their family, Jack, 11, Sophie, 12, Aadon, 10 and Aaron, 18, all budding entrepreneurs. Maggie is from Bellevue. Allen comes to Michigan from Florida, first working as a corrections office in Calhoun County and now, coaching sports in Olivet. Maggie was formerly in human relations at a Lansing company.
Inside the store, “We even built an area for the kids to hang out with their friends,” Allen said. A couch, game table and big screen television decorate the area. The table has also hosted family dinners and allowed the Golomskis to talk shop.
Allen has a background in the motor sports business. He became familiar with eBay when he was sourcing and then began selling motorcycle parts.
“eBay was consuming everything I had,” Allen said, so, when they decided to go with resale all the way and then finally open a brick and motor as well, their path to the Olivet venture was sealed.
“We have thrifted all of our lives,” Maggie said. They have shopped thrift stores, bin stores, storage units, estate sales and the like.
Everything is family run, Allen said, from the cleaning of items to the shipping, which often features a personal touch for buyers, like comical stickers.
Their Facebook site describes the shop featuring “random weird stuff, shoes, clothing, and vintage and antique finds.” And if a customer can’t find something, they will find it for them.
Maggie says they will also offer advice on estate planning and estate sales advice. They have learned a lot over the years and are ready to share their knowledge as well as their flare for finding unique items.
“There is a collector for everything,” Allen said. And a story for each found item, Michelle said.
The store has different areas right now, featuring shoes, men’s and women’s wear, collectible antiques, glass, jewelry, handbags and more. There is no need to overstock and “overwhelm the shopper,” Michelle said, since online sales compliment the physical stock.
“I adore them – they are so kind, so sweet,” said Davis. “I am super excited about their store. It is so much different than mine.”
Variety is the spice of life, as these three shops prepare for the community, Peacock Creations appeared at the same time, just down the street, and, when one shop closes soon just near Revved Up Resale, a coffee shop has been announced by Jordan Hisler called Rusted Plow.
