Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Bandealy and Jessie Kuhny.
Keisha and Jessie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Jessie and I met in 2006 while working at a French Bistro in downtown Chicago. We forged a fast friendship and gradually started going to flea markets, thrift stores and estate sales together. My mom is an antique dealer, and Jessie’s grandmother loved taking her to antique stores as a child, so going together was both nostalgic and fun. We bought pieces here and there and started to fix them up and sell them on Etsy for additional income.
Gradually, we built a solid following, so when our Chef decided to close the restaurant and open his own business, we thought, “why not us?” We transitioned full time into a workspace in Ravenswood and sold solely online for several years. When we had our process down, we expanded into a brick-and-mortar in North Center.
After a few more years, we discovered many of our pieces were purchased for use in nurseries, and as we are both mothers, we jumped at the opportunity to expand the concept and built “Mint Mini,” an offshoot to “Mint Home.” Mint Mini was created for children with a simplistic design approach in mind. Personally, I am the mother to an autistic child, so it was important for us to create a space for all types of children with varying sensory profiles that could be simple, soothing and calm. We use neutral color palettes, refurbish furniture largely from the mid-century period with simple lines and little ornamentation, and carry products that are ethically produced and sustainable.
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?
I don’t know any small business that hasn’t had its share of struggles. I’d say, overall, it’s very difficult for many of us to compete with large corporations that have huge advertising budgets and the ability to purchase a mass quantity of goods at extremely competitive rates. But, over the years, we have gained many loyal customers and, I dare say, friends that fully support what small businesses like ours bring to their community. They help us thrive despite these obstacles.
Please tell us about Mint Home and Mint Mini.
Our product is furniture from the mid-century period. We source it from all over the Midwest and then take it back to our workshop in Ravenswood for a full refurb. Our pieces are sanded raw, stained/painted, sealed and buffed. Joints are tightened as needed, tracks are rerouted when missing. In short, we give the furniture a whole new life!
I think what makes our furniture special is that every Friday, Jessie and I pile in our non-climate controlled van and go looking for it. When we find it, we muscle it in and move on to the next pick; laughing the entire way. We are two very satisfied and happy women. So, by the time the furniture goes into the respective stores, it’s a pretty happy piece of furniture as it has listened to us laugh for two solid weeks.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Keisha: I used to collect vintage atomizers, so I used to love it when my mom would let me pick one out at the antique store. I especially loved it when they had old perfume in them.
Jessie: In my grandmother’s house the basement was pretty epic. We had a bar down there and a play area with all these old toys that belonged to my aunts and uncles growing up. We had a puppet theater, a bank setup, and an entire grocery store. Even the way that area of the house smelled is ingrained in my memory. I think that’s why I love old toys so much!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2117 W. Irving Park Rd is Mint Home and 4949 N. Damen is Mint Mini
- Website: minthomechicago.com and minthomemini.com
- Phone: 7732936369 MH and 3125046111 MM
- Email: minthome@yahoo.com and hello@minthomemini.com
- Instagram: @minthomechicago and @minthomemini
Image Credit:
Photo of Keisha and Jessie by Melissa Salvatore of A Little Photo Studio
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago 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.
