The Lost Crate found a new home

By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI

abartolomucci@vindy.com

The Lost Crate opened its doors for the first time on May 2 to sell a variety of furniture.

Growing up in a family of small-business owners, this is the first business Rhonda Broyles has owned. She said while it’s exciting, it is scary at the same time not knowing exactly what to expect.

Broyles goes to flea markets or auctions to pick out new and antique furniture to flip with chalk paint. Broyles puts on a chalk paint and wax to give the piece of furniture a new look.

“I do my own pieces and I’ll sell them retail. I also do custom painting,” said Broyles.

Broyles plans on teaching classes to people who want to learn how to chalk paint and hosting birthday parties. She has been thinking of the possibility of hosting a paint and sip event to see how many people are interested.

“I name each of my pieces. They have a name of somebody that I know,” said Broyles.

Broyles has been posting her finished pieces on Facebook as a way of advertising. Many of her friends look for pieces with their names and comment how exciting it feels to them. Naming the pieces is a unique way to draw in the attention of people and make them feel included.

The Lost Crate is located at 6241 Market Street in Boardman and is open 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday.