When former fashion industry executive and entrepreneur Paula Minnis was seeking inspiration for the next chapter of her career after moving to Boulder with her family, she knew that unearthing a sense of purpose would be key to fully investing in a new venture.
“One of the many lessons that my experience in running a social enterprise taught me is the importance of finding meaning in your work,” says Paula.
With experience spanning fashion, retail, and brand development roles—as well as founding a lifestyle brand focused on providing sustainable employment opportunities for refugee women in Dallas—Paula hoped to discover a local need that aligned with her skills and background. She connected with friends and acquaintances—brainstorming ways to bring her love for interior design to purposeful use in her new community. When a local realtor friend mentioned the abundance of high-end furniture pieces that she often saw left behind when her clients downsized or made cross-country moves, an idea took root for Paula that immediately felt right.
Paula opened The Refinery in May 2024 as a furniture, art, and home consignment destination. Located on Prairie Avenue just off Pearl Parkway, it’s a business characterized by its distinct blend of styles, warm aura of welcome, and diverse mix of treasures sourced both locally and around the globe.
“I credit the incredibly cool, eclectic, and discerning style of Boulderites with what truly makes The Refinery special,” says Paula. “Boulder consignors have amazing taste, and our furniture collection is a reflection of that.”
Inspired by a daily sense of discovery and the beauty of imperfections, Paula works to help her customers find unexpected pieces to help foster a sense of home in their abodes. In addition to pre-loved pieces sourced from local consignors, Paula carefully curates additional items to complement this focal furniture. Purposefully seeking out ethically made and unique accessories—from artisan baskets to vintage textiles, quirky tchotchkes, and ceramics by local artists—Paula admits that it is also an opportunity for her to shamelessly indulge in seeking out fun home items to style and “zhuzh” throughout the store.
“I’m all about the mix,” says Paula. “I love combining different styles and eras, like an antique chest with a midcentury modern chair, an art deco mirror, and a vintage Moroccan rug. I also love a little quirk. Every home should have at least one funky piece that makes people do a double take.”
The joy that Paula feels in the design aspect of her work is matched by her enthusiasm for encouraging people to be mindful of how they furnish their homes.
“I hope to discourage the mindset that furniture is disposable,” says Paula. “Instead, we should try to continue to keep it in circulation for others to enjoy. It’s just about being intentional in what you buy, taking good care of it, then finding it a new loving home when it’s time to move on.”
As Paula looks forward to celebrating The Refinery’s one-year anniversary, she notes that she has been inspired by the many designers, artists, businesswomen, and leaders in the community that she has met along her path. She aspires for The Refinery to become further engrained in the fabric of Boulder—giving back through an expanded partnership with HomeAhead, a local furniture bank that helps furnish apartments for people transitioning out of homelessness while continuing to build her own community as well.
“I’ve been so touched by everyone’s warmth, support, and enthusiasm,” says Paula. “It lifts me up every day.”
To learn more, visit RefineryBoulder.com