Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Harriman King.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story basically started when I was a child. Growing up in the 80’s my parents took me to yard sales, flea markets and antique auctions. I never cleaned my room and remember my father threatening to shovel my toys into a trash bag. I had a love of stuff. I still have lots of stuff; although now it’s called clutter. Since opening my own shop; I find I’ve been more open to purging my collections more often. I want to live clutter free (ha ha ha).
Long story short, I worked in the waste management and recycling industry for 20 years. I worked for the City of Lewiston, ME, Town of Franklin, MA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. I used to work at a landfill, recycling center and in a corporate setting at Genzyme promoting waste reduction and recycling. My love of “picking” was always a hobby as I set up small booths at various antique co-ops over the last 12 years or so. I met my husband in Grafton over coffee while trying to sell him Mary Kay….oh boy. He was hooked on picking when he sold a rusty tool he labeled as a “sharp pokey thing”….
We’ve been picking ever since….My layoff from Genzyme in 2016 allowed for us to take out a huge line of credit on our mortgage and invest in our business. You never know what life will deal you. I wouldn’t change anything. I truly believe everything happens for a reason. I love that my husband is as involved in our business just as much as me even as he works full time outside the shop. My ultimate dream is for him to be able to quit his job and join me soon in doing what we both love.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Someone once told me “Morgan, you willed this to happen”. Our road continues to be fraught with behind the scenes challenges that we creatively seem to come up with solutions for. We have taken a huge leap of faith with not only starting our first business; but with it being in a gas station with its various environmental challenges but equal the charm. Suffice to say, we have a fairly large debt load. Banks are not really jumping around giving money to folks who have never owned a business let alone want to buy an old gas station. In order to make our dream a reality, we are in the process of completing major renovations on our historic home built by Ethan Allen in 1830 in order to sell this summer. Selling our home will enable us to sleep better at night.
My Father-in-Law passed away last year before he could see us open our business. We are going to live with my Mother-in-Law. Living together will provide all of us with company, support, doggie day care, lots of humor and the best food (I don’t cook). Plus, we will be mortgage free. Remember when owning your own home was cool. Then you realize you are house poor and can’t wait to pay off the mortgage. In the future, we plan on adding a small addition for more dog’s lol.
Other than the financing aspect, the day to day business has been seamless (except that one time my hard-drive crashed). Our customers and our amazing vendors create an awesome atmosphere I get to surround myself with everyday. We recently won “runner-up” as best new retail in Worcester Magazine. That was icing on the cake for our brick and mortar.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our 4000 square foot antique shop is comprised of vintage, handmade and modern items curated by over 45 artisans. We are located in an old gas station/auto repair shop which was in operation for 112 years. In the 1930’s our shop was a Ford dealership and still has the original tin ceilings and showroom windows. The main shop has beautiful steel beams which my husband white washed giving the atmosphere a farmhouse/industrial feel. The garage door is open in the warmer weather bringing in the sights and sounds of “downtown” Grafton.
Our vendors have amazing finds ranging from farmhouse décor to shabby chic. There is literally something for everyone. We also have stained glass, pottery and jewelry artists.
We are within walking distance to the Bushel n’ Peck Deli, The Grafton Inn (best steak tips), Grafton Country Store and my favorite shop “Quite Fetching” dog barkery and boutique. OUR SHOP IS DOG FRIENDLY which we pride ourselves on.
What were you like growing up?
I was a pack rat; plain and simple. I was also a tomboy who grew up in the small town of Orrington, Maine playing marbles, riding my bike for hours and not coming inside until the street lights went on. I miss the innocence of childhood in the 80’s. Nostalgia is embedded in my very being. I grew up an old soul watching the Golden Girls and The Waltons (still do) and hanging around adults and their conversations.
As a latch-key kid, I grew up an independent, creative and most important empathetic human being. My Mom owned a gift shop when I was little. Being around customers was embedded early on. In my current occupation, that exposure to the public has made it easy to relate to people and their fascination with the past. Most of us had wonderful childhoods and our antique shop brings positive feelings of such cherished moments; briefly brought back on by recognizing something from the past.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4 Worcester Street
Grafton, MA 01519 - Website: www.offthecommonantiques.com
- Phone: 508-839-1700
- Email: morgan@offthecommonantiques.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/offthecommonantiques
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/offthecommonantiques
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here
