My Biz: Princess Pickers pick back roads of Iowa

Two best friends are putting a new twist on old items. Princess Pickers sells upcycled items at the Turkey River Mall in Elkader.

Robyn Mihm, of Fort Atkinson, and Tara Hamilton, of Waterloo, like to pick great finds at flea markets and garage sales from the back roads of Iowa and across the country, selling old furniture and vintage pieces.

The best friends travel the country negotiating for old furniture, vintage fashion and more.

Mihm and Hamilton met 30 years ago when they were both enrolled in the dental assisting program at Kirkwood Community College. Years later, the two began working at the same dental practice.

'I was surprised to see Tara that first day in West Union, but we've been good friends ever since,” Mihm said. 'We have always enjoyed shopping and in the last few years attending flea markets. We like the mix of vintage pieces and something new, and like to change our home décor out seasonally, so we never tire of shopping for new great finds.”

The thought of opening their own shop was always in the back of their minds, Mihm said, but they didn't know if it'd become a reality because of their work schedules.

'After spending a day in Elkader, it came to me to check with the owner of the Turkey River Mall to see if she had a room for rent,” she added.

The two split duties, with Hamilton accessorizing - putting the right touch on an outfit or a room - while Mihm said she is more comfortable with a paint brush.

'I've always loved painting. Not landscapes and such, but walls and furniture. We discovered chalk paint on Pinterest, and I've been obsessed ever since,” she said. 'I've painted cement, brass, glass, plastic, metal and of course wood. The furniture we feature is mainly Shabby Chic and French Country style.”

Mihm said the pair loves to upcycle anything they can.

'Which simply means for us, to use something for what it was unintended for,” she said. 'Recently we have torn apart old wooden pallets and used the wood for signs and flags.”

' Know a manager or company in business for more than a year that would be ideal for 'My Biz”? Contact Chelsea Keenan at Chelsea.Keenan@thegazette.com

At a glance

'Names

: Robyn Mihm, Tara Hamilton

'Company

: Princess Pickers

'Address

: 102 S. Main Street, Elkader

'Website

: On Facebook