The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine a spotlight on Michael Walsh, owner of Mine in Mystic, in our “Community Proud” series, sponsored by Charter Oak Credit Union.

For Mike Walsh, every object has a history, and every person has a story worth hearing. That philosophy has helped shape Mine in Mystic into much more than a shop. It is a place for discovery, conversation, connection, and the unexpected.

Mike was born and raised in Connecticut. After moving away, he was convinced he would never return. Years later,  a job opportunity eventually brought him back, allowing him to be closer to his parents and raise his children near their grandparents. As he got older, Mike developed a greater appreciation for Connecticut and everything it offers, from its rural communities and coastline to its history and culture.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would stay in one place for 35 years,” Mike says.  “But, I really love it here and feel truly blessed to have planted my roots here.”

Before opening Mine, Mike spent 17 years with a company where he eventually became CEO.  After leaving that company, Mike purchased two small companies and then the recession hit.  He realized that to keep those companies going it would require him to travel non stop.  At the time, Mike had four young children at home and the time away from his family and other things made him reconsider what he wanted his life to look like.

Mike had thought about opening a store for years.  Staying in one place and building something from scratch was very appealing to him.  Many people around him thought he was crazy but he jumped in and leased a space without really even knowing what kind of store he was going to open.   He had spent months walking stores, talking to store owners and just parking on streets and watching pedestrian flow.   He began to formulate a plan on what he felt was a niche market he’d enjoy.  His love of art, craftsmanship, fossils and minerals, music and everything whimsical and unusual, along with the whole reuse, recycle, repurpose market were the foundation of his business plan.

He began by testing his idea with a temporary store on Stonington Road. For one month, he listened carefully to customers, studied what interested them, and used their feedback to shape the business. Four months later, Mine officially opened.

The store’s early inventory included some items acquired from another shop that had closed.  From there, Mike began searching for merchandise wherever he could find it. He said, “listening to the market drove the direction of Mine.”  Fifteen years later,  Mine has grown into a distinctive destination filled with antiques, artwork, books, records, jewelry, furniture, collectibles, and items that resist easy categorization.

Mike and his life and store partner, Lyndsey Luna, moved Mine from its original Stonington Road location approximately two and a half years ago into a much bigger location at 40 Washington Street in Mystic.

Mike describes the merchandise at Mine as “semi-curated,” with something available at nearly every price point. Visitors will discover items ranging in price from one to one thousand dollars. The goal is always to offer interesting, well-made items at fair prices.  Mine has rapid inventory turnover adding new things to the floor every day.  Many items are priced well below market value.  “We want people to get a great deal and we want dealers to be able to come in and load up and make money on what they purchase.”  

When acquiring items, “We always find treasures,” Mike says.  We never know what our next discovery will be.  

Over the years, those treasures have included diamonds, rare books, artwork, albums, and countless unusual objects. Mike has developed an eye for quality and takes particular pride in his innate ability to recognize valuable books, art and found objects, a skill that years of research and experience has helped hone.

One of Mine’s most recognizable discoveries came through an anonymous artist who creates the fish and other American Folk art pieces displayed throughout the store. After the artist found Mine, Mike traveled to meet him and stepped into an outdoor gallery that immediately felt like the perfect fit. The artist prefers to remain unknown, adding another layer of mystery to pieces that have become closely associated with the shop.

The business has given Mike an education that could never be found in a classroom. He is constantly researching, learning, and uncovering stories connected to the objects that pass through the store. He has gained a remarkable amount of knowledge about history, especially local history and objects of all kinds, and says he learns something new every day.

That curiosity extends to people as well. Mike genuinely enjoys meeting others, asking questions, and listening to what they have to say. When he was a CEO, he frequently attended shows because he enjoyed engaging directly with people his company was selling to. Mine has allowed him to now make those connections every day.

“We welcome absolutely everybody”  “We also want young kids to come in to the store and check things out.”  “I want them to pick things up, check things out, ask questions and learn.” Mike says. “Our store has a crazy mix of demographics and we love it.”  Everyone has a story, and everyone’s story is interesting if you take the time to hear it.”  We try to greet everyone that comes in to the store and that has gone a long ways in helping us develop relationships with our customers from all over the country and beyond.”

“We’ve made a million friends through this place,” Mike says.

Mine also serves an important purpose for individuals and families managing estates. Many people inherit belongings without knowing their value or what to do next with them.  Mike and Lyndsey give honest guidance to individuals and acquire estates and partial estates, as well as, work with other dealers, estate companies, auctioneers and clean out companies to help people in these situations.  Instead of throwing everything away as many estates do, a lot of Mine’s work reflects their appreciation for recycling and reuse. Much of Mine’s inventory consists of merchandise that might otherwise have been discarded or left unappreciated. Instead, well-crafted and beautiful pieces are given another opportunity to become someone else’s treasure.

Mike has watched many independent antique and resale shops disappear over the years, but he is encouraged by a renewed interest among teenagers and young adults. Younger customers have become an important part of Mine’s business, bringing fresh enthusiasm for antiques, vintage pieces, records, books, jewelry, vintage clothing and objects with a history. Mike hopes distinctive, independent shops like Mine will continue to have a place in the future.

Community involvement has always mattered to him. Mike believes that participating in and supporting one’s community should be a responsibility shared by everyone.  Mine is involved with several local, national and international organizations.

“If we had stronger communities, we would have a lot fewer issues in this country,” he says.

Mike has lived in Mystic for approximately 35 years, while Lyndsey has called the area home for about 18 years. The couple recently moved to Waterford, but they remain closely connected to Mystic through the store and the relationships they have formed here.

Outside of work, Mike and Lyndsey enjoy a quiet and peaceful life. Mike has traveled extensively and says he has experienced life to its fullest. These days, he is happiest at home with Lyndsey and their dog, Lily. Mike describes Lyndsey as his anchor and credits her with being an essential part of both his life and Mine.

Between Mike and Lyndsey there are five adult children.  Keeping up with them and being a lifelong sports fan keeps Mike busy. Growing up in a sports area divided between New York and Boston loyalties, he went back and forth as a child before ultimately landing with the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics and of course UCONN whom he has followed since childhood. He enjoys museums and art galleries, exploring new places, all ethnic foods, visiting the beach, and discovering artists and musicians he has never encountered before. His mother was a dance teacher, so he grew up surrounded by and enjoying nearly every kind of music imaginable.

Although he is constantly moving from the time he wakes up until after dinner, Mike does not consider himself a flashy person. He has little interest in accumulating fancy possessions for himself, despite spending his days surrounded by fascinating objects. He prefers a very simple quiet life and finds meaning in discovery, craftsmanship, history, learning, and time spent with the people he loves.

For Mike, the future of Mine is not simply about selling merchandise. It is about preserving history and the sense of discovery that makes independent shops special. He hopes customers leave with more than an object. He wants them to bring home a memory. Mike and Lyndsey often hear customers say that something they acquired at Mine is their most favorite possession.

Mike and Lyndsey are deeply grateful to everyone who has visited Mine, purchased an item, shared the store with someone else, or supported them in any way during the past 15 years.  They are so thankful for all of the help so many other shop owners, people in the business, collectors and others have given them.  As Mike says, there are a million threads that run through our business and everyone of them has been and is important.  Mike and Lyndsey’s generous hearts, curiosity, and genuine affection for people have created a business where treasures are preserved, stories are exchanged, and everyone is welcome.

The Chamber is proud to recognize Michael Walsh for his commitment to community, his appreciation for history, and his belief that both people and objects deserve the time it takes to discover their stories.