Small Biz Spotlight: Junkworks Antiques

Josh Goldman carefully wraps tape around a shipping label on a small flat rate box. "It's about the people." he says. "You meet some of the nicest people here." 

The Civil War era forks he's mailing today were sitting untouched for decades before he rescued them. Destined for Ohio, they will complete someones collection. 

In June 2014, Goldman and his mother, Lynne Erting opened Junkworks Antiques in Charles Town. 

"I just liked the old school main street." Goldman says pointing out his storefront window peppered with relics from the past century. "I could tell this was a place where we would do well because other new businesses were opening." 

But for Josh Goldman, junk is not just a business. It's a lifestyle. His passion for antiques is rooted deep in his childhood. He's been collecting, buying, and selling most of his life. This past year, he took the next natural step and opened his doors on Washington Street.

While he's had a steady flow of customers stop by and shop his brick and mortar location, he's been selling online as well with the help of social media. Shortly after moving in, he quickly sprung Facebook and Twitter accounts to share his one of a kind finds. 

"It feels really good when you see a whole community of people who love the same things as you." 

Last month, Goldman harnessed the 'hashtagging' power of Instagram which opened new doors. "It's just so easy to find people that are looking for something specific." And with 175 unique followers in less than a month, he's on pace to have antiques trending like never before.

When he's not manning his showroom, he's out in the elements looking for new items to fill it. He shares this experience on all of his social platforms. Followers can see the items that will soon be in his shop, before they are picked from the forgetton dark corners of the four state area. 

"I just love bringing this stuff back to life." he said, as he stands behind his antique counter. "If it's damaged or going to be thrown away, I love giving it a second chance. It's still good stuff."

Those second chances are taking shape in Charles Town. "The people here have been so nice. Even if they just come in to look around."

And it's easy to look. Junkworks Antiques holds itself more like a local museum, with Goldman and his mother on hand to give you the history of each piece as they found it. Only here, you can take those amazing items home. 

You can follow Junkworks Antiques:
instagram.com/junkworksantiques/
facebook.com/Junkworksantiques
twitter.com/junkworkswv

Or visit them at 120B W Washington St Charles Town, West Virginia