HOLDEN — Deb Osipov has been crafting and selling her Punkin Patch items at craft fairs and was a vendor in a boutique near her Holden home.
“It has been a lifelong dream of mine to have a vintage shop,” Osipov said.
When that store recently closed, “the opportunity presented itself,” giving her the chance to open Hodge Podge.
“I knew I would regret it if I didn’t give it a try!” she said.
Craft fairs had given her plenty of direct experience, and at the former boutique she maintained a booth.
“Sterling Street Market gave me a weekly opportunity to interact with people browsing and buying my work. Previously, I had only had tables at seasonal craft fairs. Both venues showed me how fulfilling it is to actually meet the people who enjoy my work.”
With the closing of one door, another opens, as the saying goes.
“When the previous shop was closing, I was sad to think I didn’t have an accessible way to sell my crafts. The idea truly hit me when crafting one night,” Osipov said.
“All of a sudden, I realized there would be a storefront available and I could not only support local crafters, but add my passion of upcycling vintage items. I met with a few close friends I trust and shared the idea of Hodge-Podge.
“Having the support of my friends and work family, I decided to take a small loan and go for it,” Osipov said.
“I spoke to the building owner to express my interest, and we worked together to make it possible. April 1, I began the transformation of the shop space to make it my own. I work full-time, so when not at work, I spend my off time picking and working at the shop to get it ready for opening May 6.”
While there are some similarities to the previous shop, “I believe my community connections and the quality of the vendor items I will be offering will help greatly.”
With the space opened up, letting in more light and creating a work area that can support vendors working on projects or offering classes, the opportunities grew.
“I am very fortunate to have very talented vendors that are crafters, creators and collectors,” Osipov said.
“People have been reaching out since the word got out that I was opening the shop. Many of them I do know personally, but I have signed on some vendors I did not know previously. I am very strict about noncompetitive business, so each vendor will be offering unique items.
“I have a mix of retirees, public service workers, two mother/daughter teams, a father/ daughter team, a female veteran, full-time workers, and a couple doing estate clean-outs.”
What started as a hobby could be her new career.
“My vision is to be able to retire from my full-time job as director of marketing for Oriol Health Care and focus on Hodge Podge becoming my sole focus. I love my career, and I am working toward my 25th anniversary. I have given myself a year to see how the shop does to make my future decisions.”
Osipov sees Hodge Podge as offering more than a collection of items.
“I will be offering the Hodge Podge experience. I will be offering beautiful wares from local crafters and artisans, ready-to-gift baskets for special occasions and businesses, antiques, vintage collectibles, penny candy bags, and an atmosphere where people should feel comfortable stopping in and enjoying a seat and chatting by the fire,” Osipov said.
“I will also be hosting make-and-take and how-to workshops such as chalk painting, decoupage, lighted wine bottles and kids crafts. I will work on items in the workshop when it’s not in use for a class or event. The first couple of workshops will be a Bee Bath and a Father’s Day gift workshop for kids of all ages.”
Osipov opened the store May 6.
“The shop will be continuously evolving with items and consignors, so I may not have a grand opening event until June. People may follow Hodge Podge Holden on Facebook to watch the progress and opening info. I have been posting photos and vendor spotlights since my entrance on April 1.”
Customers will be able to see some of the new items as they arrive.
“I will be posting new items and events on a regular basis since our stock will be changing weekly. I am also planning a Collector’s Showcase Event for June. I will be highlighting a private antique collection for sale that will only be available at Hodge Podge for one weekend.”
“This is like living in a dream. I feel so fortunate to be able to do this, and I hope the community enjoys all that we have to offer. I have several people to make proud, especially my daughter, Emily,” Osipov said.
Customers can check out the Hodge Podge Holden Facebook page for information on new items as well as updates on opening hours and special events. Osipov plans to be open Thursday through Sunday to start at the 140 Reservoir St. location.
