Meet Lee Webster of Mina Fife in Newton Upper Falls

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Webster.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My training is in social work; I was a licensed mental health clinician for many years…but it wasn’t what I was meant to do! On the other hand: Beauty has always been appealing to me but especially enduring beauty — and the kind that may border on ugly — has been calling to me. For years I’ve collected various bizarre yet fabulous things and now they can be seen and purchased at Mina Fife.

Mina Fife is the real name of my paternal grandmother. Think of Mina Fife as your favorite relative — the one who lets you do exactly as you please! Even better: she encourages you to do wild things! She is brave, political and she has style. Although only an invented character, Mina Fife could have great influence on your personal aesthetic…if you are ready to take a risk!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This is a tough business right now. Most people prefer “neutral” decor and the term “clean lines” has become popular.

Even if antiques may appear “messy” to the outsider, they are in fact more GREEN, ie, environmentally friendly. In addition, they are usually of better quality than things manufactured today. Finally, they are CHEAPER.

The above arguments should make the antiques business a thriving one, but we need to get the word out!! Mina Fife is in a mall with several other antiques shops that are all suffering through the new, “clean” trend.

Please tell us about Mina Fife.
I am the owner, buyer and manager of Mina Fife. I am most proud of the fact that everything in the store is different from the things I see in other antique stores. Inside, there are few (if any) items that have been mass-produced. The fine objects, art and furniture are all “curated” and come from various places in the world. For example, there is an American credenza from the 1970s covered in multi-colored decoupage, a pair of French, carved art deco cabinets from 1930 and an Italian desk from the 1950s in the store. All of these items are beautiful AND useful. You will not see any of these things in any other store.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I was given a beautiful baby doll when I was 5 years old. I was blown away by her beautiful clothing, her shoes — everything about her. After a few years, when the doll had been played with every day, her dress was dirty. My mother took the dress and washed it in the sink while I watched. I was fascinated by how she did it so easily and how magically it transformed from a dirty dress to an almost brand new-looking one. It was beautiful!

Pricing:

• Prices range from $5 to $2000, with most objects being in the $50 to $200 range

Contact Info:

• Address: The Mall at Echo Bridge
  381 Elliot Street
  Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464
• Website: www.minafife.com
• Phone: 3392232200
• Email: Lee@minafife.com
• Instagram: MinaFife
• Facebook: Mina Fife

Image Credit:
Lee Webster