Meet Kelley Price | Resale shop owner and recycler of sorts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelley Price and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelley, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My business model was developed from my venture when I decided to go to graduate school. I contacted my friends and offered to pick up any items they had slated for donation. I hosted a garage sale and was able to pay for my first semester of grad school. I kept this tucked away in my mind and when the timing was right, utilized this model to start Junk Junkies!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My initial quest with Junk Junkies began in 2000 when I decided to take my first leap of faith. I started the business concept at my home and set up my shop in my garage.  I built up inventory by offering a haul off service to people at the end of garage sales. The first week I sent out postcards (yes snail mail) offering free haul off. That weekend I had 8 loads to pick up. I didn’t even have a truck, but everyone knows someone with a truck lol. So Junk Junkies was born! After a few months, I transitioned into a brick and mortar in Old Seabrook and then later purchased a location. In 2005, I was faced with a life event which led me back to corporate America. I returned to the field of hospice where I had spent most of my professional career. I spent the next 8 years being reminded of the priorities in life and at the age of 50 made a conscious decision to give myself the gift of living my best life!

Junk Junkies, “a garage salers’ utopia”, has been nestled in the historic Main Street district of La Porte, TX at 208 W. Main St. since August, 2013. It is an eclectic resale shop which offers a variety of items at prices affordable to all. Whether you are looking for a project, that something in particular, the “I’ll know it when I see it” item or a one of a kind gift …Junk Junkies is the place to come! Junk Junkies is also a great place for recycling, upcycling and repurposing. New merchandise is shared daily and junking is encouraged Weds – Sat 10a to 5p and Sunday 12p to 4p. In the spirit of “recycling”, Junk Junkies continues to provide fast, FREE, removal of household items. Junk Junkies recycles items as merchandise and those items not utilized are donated to local community-based thrift stores. To schedule a pick-up or obtain more information, call 713-824-2504. Pleases like and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/junkjunkiestx/ and Instagram @junkjunkieslaportetx.

In addition to my store front, part of my mission as a small business is to develop a sense of community. From the time I opened my doors, I have collaborated with other small businesses in hosting events….from Art Walk to Sidewalk Saturdays and since 2017 Junk Junkies has partnered with the City of La Porte as a co-host for Main Street Trade Days in La Porte. This event brings together 100+ vendors(small businesses) of antiques, collectibles, repurposed, vintage, handcrafted and cottage foods the first Saturday of every month from 10a to 2p. Follow this link for more information www.facebook.com/mainstreettradedays/

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m not one for hustle, bustle, touristy kind of venues so, I would of course take them to our quaint small town of La Porte! Many eclectic shops and eateries, a food truck park, the beach, nature trails for walking and biking….all with a laid-back atmosphere! #visitlaportetx. I would then spend time with them in the outdoors or simply stay at my place and catch up!

Sorry I can’t be of more help lol. My friends wouldn’t be coming to sight see….they would be coming so we could spend quality time with each other.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My inspiration came from the many people who allowed me to walk with them on their final journey. As a hospice Social Worker, I had the privilege of hearing many life reviews and a common theme was “I wish I would have…”. So, it is these individuals I owe my thanks as they unknowingly provided me the insight, motivation and courage to pursue my own business. I am forever grateful for the lessons I was gifted and as my journey unfolds, their message remains the center of my focus.

Instagram: @junkjunkieslaportetx

Facebook: facebook.com/junkjunkiestx

Other: Google Business: Junk Junkies