Mark Dickerson and business partner Kevin Miehlke, opened the doors of J&B Treasures Consignment on July 1, 2007. The 800-square-foot shop offers a cozy shopping environment in the heart of Donelson, in the old George Kelley florist location. Dickerson notes, "You never know what you might find in the shop's old flower cooler or back room. People have said they usually make several paths through t
he shop before seeing it all." When asked why they decided to open a consignment store, Dickerson comments, "Having two sons I wanted more time with them and my family. I have always been a collector at heart and personally have a large collection of antique furniture, glass and Precious Moments collectibles. I also felt Donelson had a need for a consignment/antique shop." Donelson Area Antique Store Closings - After seeing several antique stores closing in recent years, Treasures marks a bright spot for antique enthusiasts in the Donelson/Hermitage area. Dickerson said he does not know of any other shops within fifteen miles of his. Based on the store's instant popularity with repeat visitors and contracted consignors, the Donelson area demand for antiques is significant. Dickerson states, " Treasure's fills a need in the Donelson area with the recent and past closing of shops like Old Character,Two Sisters and the Antique Emporium." Owner's Connection to the Nashville Antique Business - Dickerson commented about his prior antique experience stating, "For the past twenty years, I have either operated a(n) (antique) booth or worked part time in local consignment or antique malls. This has given me an opportunity to see many sides of the business such as operation, buying and, most importantly, reconciliation." Working with Frank Ward and Estell's - Dickerson adds, "I have been very fortunate to work with some of the greats in the business past and present here in Nashville. Early on I worked in The Office of Attorney General with Nashville art deco great Frank Ward of local shop Highbrow Inc. I can remember during breaks we would talk of the beautiful art deco furniture and Frank's buying and search of these items. We both moved on to parenthood and Frank to art deco fame. "I also worked with the late Dean Finchum of the Madison Antique Mall. Mr. Finchum was such a kind man with a wealth of knowledge in antiques and collectibles. Working with Sandra Larson of Estell's taught me her great skill of merchandising. "My most recent experience was out of the antique and collectible business but smack in the middle of marketing. I worked with the late local Nashville Business leader Bud Chamberlain and family at Idea Art paper company. I can't explain how lucky I feel to had the chance to interact with him and his marketing and catalog production team of Jack Pentzer and Rebecca Pierce." Treasures Wish List - When asked about the consignment pieces Treasures desires, Dickerson states, "We are seeking antique furniture from the 20s to the 60s, collectible glassware such as Carnival, Hob Nail and Fenton, china such as Lenox and dishes like Delft, collectible pottery like Hull, Haeger and McCoy. We also are asking customers to bring in collector jewelry like bakelite and costume pieces." Collector Wish Lists - Treasures offers a book customers can sign to list what they collect or are looking to find. The store owners hunt for the item(s) and notify the collector when the treasure is located.
