The story behind MJs Boutique & Consignment LLC
Our Story It all started with a simple thought: Iola needed us. When the previous consignment store announced it was closing, Michele knew that losing an affordable place to shop would leave a hole in our community. So instead of letting that happen, she decided to do something about it. “I’m going to go buy it, because we need this in this community.” And that’s where the journey to MJs Boutique & Consignment began.
What started as an idea to keep affordable shopping alive in Iola quickly turned into a nearly year-long renovation project. The building at 113 W. Madison Ave. needed a LOT of love — and when we say a lot, we mean A LOT. The space was completely gutted and rebuilt. The floors were crooked, the walls were covered in paneling, and what we thought would be a little renovation quickly turned into a much bigger project.
Underneath the store was a crawl space that had to be filled and leveled before a brand-new concrete floor could be poured. About 80 tons of gravel were brought in — much of it moved by wheelbarrow during the winter!
Kenneth, Michele’s “silent partner,” took on much of the renovation work alongside Michele’s brother. Together, they tackled the building from the ground up.
New electrical. New plumbing. New HVAC. New insulation. A completely new storefront. New dressing rooms. And a wheelchair-accessible bathroom.
After almost a year of hard work, the old storefront was transformed into the bright, welcoming MJs Boutique & Consignment our community knows today.
More Than a Consignment Store From the beginning, MJs was meant to be about more than clothes. Our goal has always been to offer affordable shopping for everyone because we know how quickly the cost of everything adds up. We also wanted to find a way to help people in our community who may be struggling.
One of the ideas behind MJs was a community voucher program, allowing local businesses and community members to help provide clothing to those who need it. We wanted to create a place where people could shop with dignity while knowing that their community was behind them.
And Then Came MJs What began with an empty, aging storefront turned into something we dreamed about — a place filled with clothing, treasures, laughs, great deals and, most importantly, people.
Since opening, MJs has continued to grow and evolve. We are constantly bringing in new inventory, adding new ways for our customers to shop, and finding more ways to connect with the people who make our community so special.
We aren’t just a store. We’re a place where you might walk in looking for a $5 shirt and walk out with a whole new outfit. We’re a place where consignors can give their items a second life. We’re a place where shoppers can find affordable treasures. And, if you’re lucky, you might even get greeted by our littlest MJs employee, Baby. 😉
From Our Family to Yours MJs Boutique & Consignment was built because we believed Iola deserved an affordable, welcoming place to shop — and that belief is still at the heart of everything we do. Thank you for shopping with us, consigning with us, sharing our posts, telling your friends about us, and continuing to support a small local business. What started as one idea has become a community. And we’re just getting started. ❤️
Renovation progress at 113 W. Madison Ave.
From crooked floors to a bright, welcoming boutique — here’s a peek at the work it took to bring MJs to life.
Three quiet principles
I. Provenance first. Where a piece has been matters as much as how it looks.
II. Condition, honestly. Age is beautiful; damage is disclosed. Every listing tells the whole truth.
III. Fewer, better. We would rather show you twelve remarkable things than a hundred forgettable ones.
Considered, then chosen
Each acquisition is inspected, researched, and — where it needs it — gently restored before it ever reaches the floor. What you take home is ready to be lived with.
