Meet The Family - The Last Third
Meet Sandy of RapidsVintage
Sandy has been a cherished part of the Salvage Sisters family since 2021, bringing her passion for vintage dishware and a heart full of stories to her booth. A retired RN who most recently served in the Mental Health department at SCH, Sandy is now spending her retirement doing what she loves most - hunting for treasures that stir nostalgia and spark joy.
Her booth is a curated collection of vintage dishes that transport shoppers back to their childhoods, filled with pieces she lovingly researches and selects with care. Sandy's enthusiasm for finding “just the right piece” is contagious - and every dish tells a story.
Outside the store, Sandy and her husband are seasoned travelers, spending the last three winters soaking up the sun in South Padre. Their hearts are also full at home, thanks to their newest addition - an energetic puppy named Sami. Sandy stays closely connected to family, including her 96-year-old mother in North Dakota and her daughter in Philadelphia.
So, what’s next for Sandy in 2025? She’s refining her product selection, which she calls an “ever occurring challenge when you love everything!” Her guiding philosophy is one that resonates deeply with all of us: "Collect things you love that are authentic to you, and your house becomes your story."
Well said, Sandy, well said.
Meet Genell - A Heart Full of Joy
Genell, along with her husband Jeff, has been part of the Salvage Sisters family for the past five years. They got their start on day one at our Baxter location, turning heads with their creative, eye-catching upcycled radios-turned-bars. Since then, they’ve made the move to our Waite Park location, where their focus has shifted to small furniture pieces and expanded into unique home and garden décor.
When she’s not refreshing her booth, Genell is all about her grandkids—just mention them and you’ll see her face light up! She and Jeff are also in the middle of a home remodel, so their days are full—but always filled by creativity and love.
This year, Genell’s goal is to keep her booth fuller and more refreshed, giving customers something new to discover with each visit. What does she want shoppers to know? “Salvage Sisters offers unique décor at affordable prices, all backed by a friendly, helpful team.” And if you get the chance to chat with her, you’ll quickly see—Genell’s sense of humor is just as delightful as her booth!
Meet Mitch
Bougie, vibe curator, and self-proclaimed "great and wonderful, handsome and smart" guy (we let him have that one). Mitch has been part of the store since 2023, and in that time, he's made the front of the shop his moody, stylish domain.
Before joining the vendor life, Mitch worked as a cardiac nurse. So technically, he has held your heart in his hands - talk about pressure! (And no, he won’t check your blood pressure while you browse.)
Outside of the store, Mitch is newly married and living the dream in full-on domestic bliss. You’ll usually find him elbows-deep in home projects, adjusting sprinkler heads with precision, people-watching like it's a competitive sport, or chasing after dogs that may or may not be his.
His life motto? “Life’s a garden, dig it.”
Just a heads up: if Mitch introduces himself with an over-the-top title, a dramatic bow, or finger guns, don’t worry. Just smile, nod, and keep shopping.
Meet Whitney of Meadow & Moss
Say hello to Whitney, one of the newest faces at Salvage Sisters! A true cottagecore queen, Whitney brings cozy charm and whimsy to every inch of her booth. Step into her little wonderland and you’ll find yourself surrounded by flowers – pressed, crocheted, and even featured in beautifully intricate 3D puzzles and books. Her space is a celebration of all things delicate and dreamy, with an ever-growing collection of pins, crystals, and other treasures that speak to the soul. If Whitney looks familiar, you might recognize her from the aisles of Coborns in Clearwater where she is the store manager. When she’s not balancing life between both stores, you’ll find her chasing after animals, getting lost in a good book, or managing life with Mitch, her newlywed adventure buddy. Stop by her booth - Whitney’s warmth, creativity, and cottagecore magic are sure to brighten your day!
Meet Jen of Enlightened by Jen
A part of the Salvage Sister family since 2024, Jen brings warmth, creativity, and a touch of magic to weekends at the store. Her booth is a haven of light - literally and figuratively - featuring thoughtfully repurposed merchandise and beautifully crafted custom lamps. Jen’s passion lies in transformation, which she captures with her favorite phrase: “I repurpose goods as well as stories.”
Step into her space and you'll find it staged for both The Perfect Day and The Perfect Night In. Whether you’re looking for something to nurture yourself or to set the mood for hosting others, Jen curates pieces that inspire comfort, beauty, and intentional living.
Beyond her vendor booth, Jen is also a Life Coach, devoted to helping people uncover and live their most fulfilling stories. Her approach is rooted in authenticity and empowerment - anchored by her personal motto:
“Don’t Compromise Yourself. You’re All You’ve Got.”
Come say hi to Jen on the weekends and let a little more light into your life.
Chris #41
Coming Soon!
Meet Jackie - Timeless Treasures
Jackie joined the Salvage Sisters family in 2023, bringing with her decades of creativity, experience, and a deep love for handmade home decor. A retired daycare provider of 36 years (whew!), Jackie has always had a heart for nurturing – whether it’s little ones or beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces for your home.
For over 20 years, Jackie has been a familiar face on the craft show circuit, showcasing her passion for painted furniture and handmade treasures. Her large booth is always bursting with charm, color, and personality.
Jackie specializes in painted furniture and unique home decor, with an ever-changing selection of handmade goods like her signature patched flannels, cozy pillows, and whimsical towels. When she’s not at the shop, you’ll find her busy behind the scenes prepping new items – her home is practically a mini store of its own, full of rotating inventory!
Outside of crafting, Jackie loves gardening and has a deep appreciation for flowers - a love that often inspires her creative work. Her goal for 2025? To finally make a dent in her impressive stash of inventory… though she admits it’s hard to resist a good deal when she sees one!
Stop by her booth – you’re bound to find something special, and maybe even catch Jackie restocking with something new!
Meet Tanya – Everything Happens for a Reason
Since joining Salvage Sisters in September 2024, Tanya has brought a fresh burst of greenery—and a whole lot of heart—to the store. A first-time vendor, she never imagined herself running a booth. But one day, while admiring a cute basket, a simple thought crossed her mind: “Where could I use this to sell plants?” And just like that, her plant obsession bloomed into a new adventure.
Her booth, Welcome to the Jungle, is a vibrant display of life and growth. For Tanya, it’s not just about the plants—it’s about the joy of new shoots, fresh buds, and knowing she’s nurturing something with care. That growth brings her happiness, peace and purpose.
Outside the store, Tanya is a proud mom to both children and dogs, and an avid traveler. She travels in honor of her late mother, finding comfort and connection in every new destination.
Though she’s only been with Salvage Sisters a short time, Tanya’s passion quickly earned her a larger booth—and she’s already dreaming even bigger. Whether she’s doing a quick “splash and dash” watering or soaking in the store’s music and friendly atmosphere, Tanya is always grateful to be part of this warm community.
Tanya is proof that sometimes, the best journeys start with a single sprout.
Meet Crystal – Photographer Extraordinaire
Crystal joined our Salvage Sisters family in October 2024 in our Brainerd location, bringing with her a creative eye and a passion for capturing the beauty of the world around us. After retiring from a fulfilling 30-year career in the Financial Aid Department at Central Lakes College, Crystal turned her lifelong love of photography into a vibrant new chapter.
As our resident photographer extraordinaire, Crystal’s work is hard to miss - her stunning large-scale canvases draw you in the moment you step through our doors. Each image has the power to transport you to the exact place and feeling where it was captured, making her display a favorite destination in the store.
Outside of Salvage Sisters, Crystal enjoys traveling, camping, spending time with family, and doting on her new granddaughter. And, of course, photography continues to be a passion she pursues both professionally and in her free time - a true testament to doing what you love.
Looking ahead, Crystal is excited to expand her offerings with unique, giftable photography items that blend art with creativity. When asked what she loves most about Salvage Sisters, she lights up: it’s the uniqueness of the store - just like each of her nature photographs.
We’re so lucky to have her as part of the team!
Meet Eric & Janelle - The Makers Behind E&J Design
What started in 2020 with a stimulus check and a dream, has grown into a full-blown laser design studio. Janelle creates stunning marquetry-style art, custom gifts, ornaments, and home decor using natural wood, marble, and glass. Eric brings it all together with his expert finishing and framing skills - every piece gets that perfect final touch. With six kids and two Goldens, life is busy - but they wouldn't have it any other way! They are thrilled to be part of the Salvage Sisters family since September 2024. Come say hi next time you're in - they’d love to meet you!
Meet Anne of Poured & Restored
Anne joined the Salvage Sisters family in January 2025, bringing with her a deep passion for handcrafted, natural goods and a creative eye for thoughtful gifts. Before setting up shop with Salvage Sisters, Anne was a consigner at several area boutiques, building her brand and following. Originally from Bemidji, she spent nearly 20 years managing her family’s bridal and floral business, where she developed her love for artistry, detail, and customer care.
At Salvage Sisters, Anne’s business Poured & Restored specializes in handmade gift items, including candles, wooden floral arrangements, photo holders, and a growing line of natural skincare products like tallow lotions and lip balms. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her offerings to include all-natural, non-toxic products.
When she's not in the shop or developing new products, Anne is all about family. She’s a proud mom to a busy son who keeps her on the road with hockey, baseball, and golf. She loves nothing more than cheering him on from the sidelines. Anne also enjoys cooking and finds great joy in feeding her family. During their downtime, her family loves to hunt, fish, and spend time in the great outdoors.
In 2025, Anne’s goals are to grow her product lines, elevate her displays, and continue sharing her passion for natural, handmade goods with the community.
Meet Sondra - “One Small Positive Thought Can Change Your Whole Day”
Sondra joined us in February 2025, bringing with her a heart full of creativity. Before becoming a part of our vendor family, she owned and operated her own store for three years in Pine City, where she built a loyal following for her beautifully repurposed and upcycled home décor.
Through her company, Midwest Charm, Sondra transforms forgotten treasures into stunning pieces with new life. She also proudly carries some of the best tools for DIY home design, including Sweet Pickins' Milk Paint, Roycycled Treasures Decoupage Paper, and Connie Lines and Designs Rice Paper.
When she’s not styling her booth, Sondra’s main focus is on family and growing her online community. Be sure to follow her journey on Facebook and YouTube @MidwestCharm for tips, transformations, and plenty of DIY inspiration.
Meet Mary of Seed to Glass (or as she sometimes calls it, Soil to Shelf!)
Mary is the passionate, plant-powered force behind Seed to Glass, where everything grows with intention—and just a little sass. Her motto? “Grow, Damn It, Grow!”
With a deep love for organically grown medicinal plants, Mary handcrafts all-natural home and body care products that reflect her respect for nature and a commitment to wellness. What began as a hobby quickly blossomed into her calling. Whether it's a full plant or a fresh herbal salve, you can trust it was grown, crafted, and bottled with care.
Mary thrives in her home greenhouse, where her creations first take root before finding their way to farmers markets, Salvage Sisters, and beyond. She’s endlessly curious, always experimenting, and happily admits she’s still figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up.
Beyond her botanical goods, Mary adds her signature flair with a splash of vintage and upcycled furniture and planters in her booth—another reflection of her eye for beauty, sustainability, and creativity.
Since February 2025, Mary has been helping us grow in more ways than one, and her dedication to supporting other small businesses and sharing her passion with the community is truly inspiring.