By Eric Killough
Freelance Reporter
Special to the Tribune
Shortly after becoming a mom Mackenzie Musgrove decided a change in working environments might be in order. Working all day and spending a fortune on daycare for her then 6-month-old daughter, Musgrove did not like the idea of someone she didn’t know raising her child while she was at work. From this desire for independence comes a new store in Pratt, “Flippin Finds.”
Describing herself as having always been creative, Musgrove happened upon some discarded end tables on the side of a road in Ruidoso, New Mexico and a light bulb went off in her head.
Musgrove said, “It all started with free furniture sitting on the side of the road. I had been praying and searching for every possible option that would allow me to stay home with my daughter. God put it heavy on my heart that day as I was driving past those end tables, so around the block we went. I loaded those end tables in my car and rushed home with so many ideas and such humbling peace, knowing that I was exactly where I needed to be. Soon after, one wall of our garage was completely full of furniture finds.”
It was later that Musgrove more clearly defined her personal mission statement and philosophy towards this new “flipping” enterprise she had embarked on.
“What started as nothing more than a way to stay home with my daughter, soon became the way I managed through my divorce. It was something that I quickly related to furniture and was a huge part in my recovery. Finding something scratched and bruised or even missing pieces on the side of the road, items that no longer served a purpose for its original owner, was easily relatable to a newly single mom feeling cast out and damaged by someone. Those pieces of furniture on the side of the road are one coat of paint, one replaced drawer pull, a little glue, time, and patience away from becoming something beautiful again. With my journey I was able to relate that to recovering and truly building my passion in furniture flipping.”
Many people in the Tri-County Tribune coverage area know Musgrove from her having purchased local Pratt business “Balloons and More”, a store that specializes in party supplies, shipping, packing, gift wrapping, decorations, wedding decorations, candy bouquets, stuffing balloons, and ‘more.’ It was at that locale on First St. in Pratt that Musgrove began establishing a larger presence in furniture flipping, working her craft in the open spaces of that location with her work on full display and selling well. Musgrove is closing her business at that location and moving her operations to a new location on South Main St. in Pratt, under the new name. Flippin Finds will still handle many of the services locals enjoyed at Balloons and More including balloons, personalized laser engraved gifts, T-shirts, cups and shipping services with both Fed Ex and UPS.
“When I started my furniture business under the Balloons and More banner, I was coming into what could have been described as an already saturated market, so I made it my mission to search out unique and functional furniture to set my store apart. With Flippin Finds I will continue to strive for those perfect and one-of-a-kind furniture finds.”
Musgrove said the location opportunity for Flippin Finds on South Main St. in Pratt was definitely a God thing.
“When you say ‘right place, right time’ there is no better definition. My husband and I were at a Hamm Auction when Brenda (the owner of the building now owned by Musgrove) told the lady next to me that she was ready to sell her store and be a grandma,” she said. “Without hesitation I jumped in, and we scheduled a visit to the site for the next afternoon.”
The rest is history, and Musgrove is now the proud owner of the building that once housed Brenda’s Treasures. Musgrove is busy making what she describes as “drastic changes” which include the removal of all the carpet and flooring, extensive interior cleaning, and fresh paint being applied to the walls and trim. Musgrove is hoping for a good stretch of weather in order to face lift the exterior of the building prior to its grand opening.
“All furniture flippers do it for their very own reasons and that’s what makes us each unique. I do believe that my story and the way I came closer to God through furniture flipping was what truly sets me apart in my relatability to my customers and sharing my passion through each piece of furniture and each client that I meet,” Musgrove said. “The process I use in finding furniture is most importantly cost and condition. I also consider its uniqueness and what I see in it from the moment I first look at it. Refinishing time varies for every piece. I’ve refinished seven pieces in one day, and at other times it’s taken me seven days to finish one piece. It all depends on my mindset and how clear my headspace is when I take on a project. Excitement for a particular piece also makes a big difference.” Musgrove does accept custom furniture flips from customers and enjoys the opportunity to connect with clients. Musgrove concluded, “Until this year I did all the flipping on my own, but with taking on a store front and custom orders I’ve brought my mom on to help with painting and furniture preparation. I’m hoping to provide a safe environment where our customers can be unique and free to express themselves.”
Flippin Finds carries a full line of Dixie Belle paint products which includes materials used from start to finish by Musgrove as she works on her furniture. Musgrove recently became a certified retailer and is looking forward to offering paint classes at the new location. A grand opening is scheduled for March 4 with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Weather dependent, the celebration will include a hot dog feed along with a few giveaways throughout the day and tours of the new store.
Flippin Finds is located at 607 S. Main St., Pratt. More information may be found at their Facebook page listed as Flippin Finds Pratt Kansas at www.facebook.com/flippinfindspratt or by calling (620) 672-6694.
