“In the junk business, you have to have an eye, a gut feeling for the good stuff. You also need the knowledge to know just how good your find is and you need to love the interesting and varied array of antiques. Unless you are already wealthy, you cannot make it as an antique dealer if you specialize in a niche area. Telling is not selling, you need to be able to sell and you need to accept the mistakes you make. I always say the junk business and antiques business is a gamble, but a much safer gamble when you’re armed with knowledge and experience.”

Valerie Arnett, also known as “Junker Val,” is the owner of Junker Val, a unique variety Home Goods Store specializing in Vintage Clothing, Antiques and Jewelry and is based in Fort Worth, Texas. Val’s services include Estate Liquidation Services, Appraisals, and buying and selling Antiques. Her store is just as unique as her charismatic personality, you’ll be greeted by her, her friends, sometimes a musician playing tunes right outside the door and some wonderful refreshments. If you’re bored on a Sunday afternoon, be sure to stop by to check out what Val has added to the shop in the past week and enjoy snacks and wine! Although the shop is only open on weekends, it’s a brilliant destination for antique and junk enthusiasts, you never know what you’ll find! You’ll also be greeted by Beckett, Val’s “Wonder Dog.” Junker Val is open only on the weekends and the store only accepts cash.

As a professional Estate Liquidator, Val’s own personal experiences (some not the best) has led her to start teaching others how to conduct professional Estate Sales. “It’s a business that requires a great deal of professionalism, knowledge and most importantly, compassion,” Val says. Her classes consist of hands-on experience and she requires you to “work your ass off” at a few Estate Sales that she hosts before being able to turn yourself loose and begin building a responsible and respected business.

The Flea Market Upbringing – “I became interested in the Antiques and Junk business at an early age because my Dad would take me to Flea Markets as a child. When things got rough in life, Val would frequent local Flea Markets, Estate Sales and Antique Shows where she would not only learn first hand, but also buy and sell her treasures. Val’s success in the Antiques and Junk business didn’t happen overnight, it took her 7 years and she was working nearly 7 days per week to build a business and confidence to provide services and treasures that others would truly appreciate and most importantly, pay for.

Best Garage Sale Find - “Mixed in with common costume jewelry was a 14K necklace with a gigantic amethyst stone and a ring to match, that was my best garage sale find ever!

Val says, “I am not rich, probably never will be, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

JunkerVal’s shop is located at 3458 Blue Bonnet Circle in Fort Worth, Texas. You can also check out her upcoming events and new finds on her website, JunkerVal.com.