The Many Faces of Mimi
Kelly (owner) opened Mama Goose, a second-hand children’s clothing store, in December 2003 in a tiny storefront on Seneca Street. In June 2008, she and the Mama Goose team moved up the street to the Bishops Hardware Building, quadrupling the physical space of Mama Goose as well as the merchandise offered. In 2010, when the Bishops Home Pro Center closed its doors, Kelly decided to expand once again and open a new store. One of the staff members brought up the idea of home furnishings and the idea for Mimi’s Attic was born. Kelly loves all things second-hand, but holds a special place in her heart for used furniture and décor.
Meaghan (manager) grew up in the historic district of Seneca Falls, NY. Her family home was a pink Victorian with 6 bedrooms, 2 living rooms and a sprawling front porch. Oh, the decorating possibilities! It was there, as a little girl, that Meaghan discovered her favorite pastime – rearranging the furniture in her room. In addition to redecorating, Meaghan has always loved to organize. She enjoys “thinking outside the box” and coming up with organizational home solutions that maintain an environment of warmth and comfort. Meaghan’s educational background includes degrees in both Integrated Health and Wellness and Business Administration. She took on the role of Mimi’s Attic Manager in December 2011, and is thrilled to be a part of a small business that inspires creativity and change. Whether it‘s clearing out, rearranging or redesigning your space, Meaghan will be delighted to assist you. She would like to help you find the right pieces for your taste and lifestyle, and believes that your living space should warm your heart and feed your soul.
Ethel "Mimi" Hinkel, Kelly's grandmother and the inspiration for Mimi's Attic
Mimi (inspiration) made her first home as an adult in a small, newlywed apartment in Brooklyn in which she took great pride. She later moved with her five children to a farm house while her husband served in World War II, and then finally settled into her long-time home in the downtown of Danville, Pennsylvania. Widowed at a young age, Mimi spent most of her adult life as a single parent, a full-time school teacher of French and English, and matriarch to many. Everything in Mimi’s house was pretty, especially from the eyes of a little girl: copper roosters on the walls of the kitchen, well-stocked vanities in the bedrooms, matching bedspreads, pewter figurines, cast iron doorstops, roll-top desks and happy plants in every room. Probably most impressive to a child was the large, mahogany dining room table with lion’s feet. At this table, Mimi hosted many dinners. They began with a leisurely “cocktail hour” and ended with blueberries and milk or sherbet and chocolate syrup. The children were in charge of filling the silver pitcher with ice water and “crumbing” the linen tablecloth after dinner. Mimi loved yard sales, thrift stores and flea markets, and she passed down this passion to her children and grandchildren. Some of her favorite things to seek out were antique tools and silver. She appreciated quality and style, and, like so many of us, enjoyed plucking out items of distinction.
Our Staff
Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have. Ask them anything — if they don’t know off-hand, they’ll find out!
Contact us
Mimi’s is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Buyers are on site Tuesday through Saturday. Reach us by phone at (607)-882-9038 or by e-mail at info@mimisatticithaca.com.
Find us
Mimi’s is located at 430 W. State Street/MLK Jr. Street, along with Mama Goose and Ithacamade. Click on the map below for directions.
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