In 1987, friends Patty Kratochvil and Carolyn Dotson opened Threads of Memories Antique Mall in Brookings, South Dakota, with a simple idea: combine alterations with the love for antiques—and keep them in the community. Fast forward to 2021, Carolyn’s daughter, Emily Braun, took over the shop and continues the legacy with her own modern touch.
In this episode, Emily and I talk about the journey stepping into small business ownership in the Midwest, how she curates what fills the store, and the difference between antiques, vintage, and thrifted items. She shares why she values supporting local shops that complement hers, how her mom and Patty came up with the store's name, and how her popular “What’s New Wednesday” on social media helps connect treasures with new homes.
You’ll learn about design trends—like the ever-present enthusiasm for Mid-century modern, the comeback of record players, vinyl, and green Depression glass—and which items have phased out. Emily offers advice for downsizing or inheriting family heirlooms (including why some things aren’t worth as much as we hope), and a few lesser-known suggestions for where to donate pieces you might not be able to keep.
Of course, we talk food too. Emily shares memories of her mom’s deviled eggs, her dad’s famous meat marinade, apple crisp, and Thanksgiving at the farm. You’ll find her dad’s recipes for buttermilk waffles and the meat marinade, and Emily’s modified Pioneer Woman recipe for spinach dip on randomsweets.com. Plus, Emily lets us in on a hidden gem where she enjoyed a delicious chicken salad sandwich and the best pickle spear—a cozy spot off Highway 19 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota.
If you love antiques, small business stories, Midwest living, or simply the memories tied to the things we treasure, this conversation will feel like wandering the aisles of your favorite antique shop with a couple of friends.
Threads of Memories, Emily Braun owner
525 8th Street South, Suite 1, Brookings, SD
605-697-7377
Website: threadsofmemories.com
Facebook: Threads of Memories Brookings
Instagram: @threadsofmemoriesbrookings
antiques, vintage, repurpose, antique store, South Dakota
#midwest #oursweetmidwestlife #podcast #foodpodcast #southdakota #recipes #midwestern #midwestliving
Host and Producer, Staci Mergenthal
#ourSweetMidwestLife
Website randomsweets.com
Instagram @potatoesandmittens
Instagram @randomsweets
Facebook: Funeral Potatoes & Wool Mittens
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Pinterest @staciperry
Email: staci@randomsweets.com