A lover of vintage oddities and all things curious, Deb Opyd—aka “Miss Junk”—has a knack for finding the unusual and interesting. Before opening her “funky, hip shop,” Relics, in 2008, the Wisconsin native spent a few years as a proud, single mom and two decades as a fashion/decor stylist in commercial photography, working for companies like Kohl’s, Land’s End and American Girl Doll. While enjoying a crazy, whirlwind backpacking trip through Iceland and France in the early 2000s, Opyd bumped into “the nicest man” in a Parisian laundromat, quickly fell in love, and went on to marry her now best friend, Ben Faramarzi. When he accepted a job with Caterpillar, the couple moved to Peoria, where Opyd established roots in her new community selling a diverse range of eclectic treasures. Today, her store near the corner of Glen and University stocks a colorful assortment of local accessories, décor and gifts, as well as a continuously changing collection of unique antiques.
- Favorite treat:Mexican ice cream from the new Mexican ice cream place [Las Delicias Helados y Paletas] on Main Street.
- Proudest moment: Saying goodbye to my daughter as she left for the Peace Corps last summer. She is serving as a teacher and building libraries in South Africa.
- Most humbling moment: Visiting a customer’s home and seeing them display the things they find at my shop.
- What’s your idea of perfect happiness? A full tank of gas, a map and my husband in the car.
- What is your most treasured possession? An 1870s male mannequin made of wire with cast- iron shoes. It came from an old men’s clothier in Quincy, Illinois.
- What is your favorite occupation? Treasure hunter, 1700s Far East spice trader.
- Who are your heroes in real life? Independent, grass-roots business owners who work hard every day and take a lot of pride in their community.
- What is your motto? Bloom where you are planted.
- What’s the best thing about being you? I’m spontaneous. If you call me at midnight to do something, I’m okay with that.
- If you could spend one hour doing absolutely anything, what would you do? Hunt through a junk store. a&s
