We were very excited to sit down with Vicki Finlay, owner and operator of Junktiques – Home Décor this week. Vicki is extremely passionate about her business and her commitment to her downtown community is inspiring! We were amazed at all the unique treasures and how welcoming her space is. Check out our interview with Vicki below! 

What is your business?  

My business consists of new, vintage, and re-purposed items. A little bit of everything and a lot of nothing! You never know what you’re going to find in here! Junktiques is really about anything that is cool! 

When did your business open?  

Officially it became Junktiques in December 2017.  

What makes your business unique?  

Everything makes us unique! Our location is great because we are in the center of everything! Our customers are unique, all walks of life come here. I sell products that I love, make my soul happy, and I believe someone else will love as well. I don’t accept consignment items, so I won’t sell ‘just anything’. I strive in the ability to be fluid and ever-changing. I don’t have to follow rules such as opening and closing times and what I can sell and cannot sell, I carry pride merchandise year-round and myself, because when you come into my store I try to make you feel like you’ve come over to visit.  

What are some products/services that you offer?  

I offer new home décor, jewelry, hardware, vintage treasures, and an all year-round pride selection. I offer a huge variety and selection. I can find someone an item they need for a project that they may not have considered. So, its re-purposing an item from one use to another use and that’s what I’m good at.  

Why did you choose Downtown Red Deer as the location for your business?  

I didn’t originally choose the location, but if I was given the option to move, I wouldn’t. Downtown is vibrant, unique, interesting and always changing, just like Junktiques. There is no other place it would work, and I love the spot I’m in.  

What do you think makes Downtown vibrant?  

The people, the cafés, the atmosphere, unique & one-of-a kind stores, also the fact you can be outside. You are not inside a mall where you don’t see the weather or birds. It’s cold in the winter but it’s worth it in the summer because it’s the most beautiful place in the world.  

I love Downtown Red Deer because… Everything good happens in the heart of a city and Downtown is the heart of Red Deer!  

Junktiques – Home Décor is truly a pillar in our Downtown community. Vicki not only runs a successful and uniquebusiness; she is a champion advocate and stanch supporter of her Downtown and LGBTQ community. We invite you to stop in to Junktiques Home Décor and experience this hidden gem!  

‘You never know what you might find!’  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Junktiques-Home-Decor-261465131048237/  

Judith was in her early eighties and living on her own when she ran into health issues that made it unsafe to be alone. She is a poor senior and neither her or her family knew where she could go to live safely.

Her family physician set up an appointment with the RDPCN Elder Care Assessment Clinic which she attended with her daughter. Judith was very nervous and hesitant about this appointment. When she got there she found a group of supportive, empathetic, courteous and helpful health care professionals. They made her very comfortable and relaxed. The assessment was very valuable. It set a baseline for Judith’s present condition. Her medications were reviewed which helped Judith, her family and her Doctor know what was going on. They informed her of some valuable resources including physio at the hospital. In fact, the family states that they were very surprised how much they didn’t know about the senior supports available. Previously the fees she was paying privately for physio were draining her resources. The clinic bridged her with community supportive living options and she fell in love with Pine Lodge. Luckily for her they had space and she willingly moved in a few months later. Her biggest challenge then was to downsize her stuff.

Judith and her family know this move would not have been nearly as smooth without the Elder Care Assessment Clinic. They are shocked and amazed how her move and accessing resources for her health needs came together so well. The PCN connected her with the key resources she needed. Judith and her family found out there is a system for poor seniors, and the Elder Care Assessment clinic is a great way to connect with it. Judith is in a very good situation now.

Click below for some other stories from Primary Care Network:

I Did Everything the Family Nurse suggested and it Worked like Magic!

Achieving Mental Health is an Everyday Task