Check out Boerne’s exciting new nonprofit that opened in September!!! Faith and Funky Junk, co-founded by two amazing women, is set to become one of the area’s best sources for funding those in need. F&FJ is a thrft barn touting 6,000 square feet of quality merchandise for resale.
JJ Blackston, Founder and CEO, along with her long-time friend, Shelby Johnson, Founder and President, are certainly a dynamic duo capable of making dreams come true. JJ has a long history of working for the nonprofit Hill Country Animal League going back to 2005, first as the Clinic Manager and Director of Animal Services and later as the Thrift Store Manager handling sales and marketing. Shelby has been busy with her own company, Rearrangements by Shelby, and involved in interior decorating for 20 years in Boerne. That comes in handy with the store always changing as things sell. “We also want to help individuals and families in need whom we come across through vouchers at local businesses that can be used in our store.”
The two young women spent a weekend soul-searching at Shelby’s beach house and conceived the idea of a bigger, better thrift store that would fund other nonprofit enterprises in Kendall County. Shelby liked the idea of having Faith in the name since her dad is a pastor and he started Faith Bible church 25 years ago. JJ agreed that “it is God’s work” and thought Funky Junk sounded edgy and fun. The official mission statement is: “To provide programs that bring essential funds, services, and referrals directly to individuals, families and their pets in need.”
Prior to the shop opening in September, the entire facility was brimming with donations. Even the organization’s lease had been paid for a full year. A “soft” opening was planned for two days a week and now that the test run was successful, the business is currently open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The organization is already experiencing great success! The entire community has gotten behind it and the energy level behind this project is amazing. We really believe in this and it is going to be significant for Boerne," according to Melinda Walton, Chairman of the Board. F&FJ has an energetic Board of Directors that represents a variety of professions in the Boerne area including Tiffany Fresher, Vice Chair; Ann LaFeir, Treasurer; Rebecca Yarbrough, Secretary; and other Directors that include Dr. Steve Rapp, Ruth Ann Lucchelli, and Tom Frost III. Mary Castenada currently staffs the front desk and helps to keep the organization running smoothly. And … volunteers … we cannot do it without them!
Expect to hear about Faith and Funky Junk’s plans for various events going forward that will include weekend art and tent sales complete with music and food venues. The excitement during board meetings is palpable with so many fresh ideas being brought forward. The possibilities are endless!
Please visit this new enterprise and search for furniture, household items, jewelry, books, CD’s, clothing, shoes and artwork. It is all located at 39320 Interstate 10 West (the feeder road) in north Boerne next door to Boerne Marine. Donations are greatly appreciated---don’t toss it, donate it!