Meet Kathleen Lenihan | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kathleen Lenihan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kathleen, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Junk for Joy, Costume & Vintage is an integral part of Magnolia Park’s small business community in Burbank.  For nearly thirty years, this family owned and operated shop has offered exceptional customer service to everyone from costume designers, stylists, artists, filmmakers, cosplayers, drag queens, burners, re-enactors, and the pure vintage enthusiasts.  Given its enormous collection, the shopping experience at Junk for Joy is akin to a treasure hunt!  Rising textile waste in the world’s landfills motivates Junk For Joy to repurpose, reclaim, and inspire its community to be green consumers by shopping small and shopping vintage.  Junk For Joy’s mission is to spread joy by providing an outlet for personal creative expression through its curated collection of one-of-a-kind costumes and unique vintage apparel.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I retired from twenty-six years of teaching kindergarten, when I suddenly found myself searching for a new purpose. In high school, I costumed Bishop Amat’s production of “George M. Cohen” and continued working with wardrobe for the theatre department well into college. My BA, in Art & Art History, featured mixed mediums and played with art genres. I applied this same approach when designing creative (and budget friendly!) costumes for the school plays. My favorite part of the process was collaborating across different departments for the united purpose of creating a unique character. When my children were young, I sewed all their costumes for school plays, in-class reports, and cosplay conventions. Halloween costumes were 100% homemade, never repeated, and always original. I knew the founders of Junk For Joy and when they decided to retire, I realized my new purpose was circling back to my original interest.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When ever friends are visiting the the city, I always direct them to Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank! Start the day with a latte and pastry at SIMPLY COFFEE on Lima St. Walk north to Magnolia Blvd stopping first into BELL COTTAGE to pick up some gifts for loved ones back home. Next, say hello to MiloSunshine, our resident shop dog, and find one-of-a-kind men’s and women’s vintage at JUNK FOR JOY! Carry on to SLOAN VINTAGE for sweet vintage dresses followed by THE HOLDING COMPANY for cool denim. At this point, hunger is probably setting in and lunch at ALL ABOUT POKE is a must! Walk off your delicious poke bowl down to BEARDED LADY’S MYSTIC MUSEUM and check out the vintage ouija boards and occult novelties. About a mile further, THE CROOKED PATH is the best place for crystals, enchantments, candles, and a tarot reading. Finally, relax over craft beer, vegan bar food, and fun board games at TONY’S DARTS AWAY.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Junk For Joy dedicates this shoutout to our regulars — the customers who support us all year long! These people began as a casual customer or frequent visitor and then became part of our J4J family. They make us smile every time they cross our threshold. To these special people: YOUR JOY is the reason we open our door every day!

Website: www.junkforjoy.com
Instagram: @j4j_costumeandvintage
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junk-for-joy-costume-vintage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/j4j_costumevntg

Image Credits
The image of Kathleen Lenihan in the store is courtesy of Mykle Parker. The images of the shop are courtesy of Chloe Lenihan.