Ravenna – When Mike Boyd was just a boy he loved his iconic little red wagon and still does to this day. He and his wife, Ginger, have used it as a logo to represent their unique furniture shop, Reincarnation America. They have kept with tradition and continued to utilize red wagons in the pieces Mike creates.
They specialize in repurposed, custom design and installation along with furniture repair. While Mike makes pieces to answer the current supply and demand of what is trendy, he most enjoys custom pieces as is evident in the before and after photos on website and in the store. Ginger explained that if a customer gives free rein they will not only get a good product, but a creation with “artistic value.”
Over the last few years Mike and Ginger have been located in different areas of Portage County, but feel they have found a permeant home in Ravenna. Ginger said, “We tried different spaces to find the right fit.” Well the Boyds seem to fit in perfectly with the rebirth of the economy in Ravenna. Their shop has been an interesting and welcome addition to the growth of our town’s development.
Mike, a master plumber by trade, is the primary furniture designer for the shop. He makes those visions come true with discarded pieces that have been scavenged to be repurposed into anything from coffee tables to coat racks. “Hunting and searching together is a bonding experience,” Ginger said of how the couple finds the materials to be repurposed. Vintage tin, reclaimed wood from farmhouses, wrought iron rods and even old forks are an example of what they find together and then Mike turns it into what can be described as vintage-contemporary home decor.
As the front woman for the couple’s business, Ginger mostly runs the day-to-day activities at the store while doing an outstanding job of connecting with the community. She is currently on the Area Chamber of Commerce Event Committee helping represent the retail goals of Ravenna.
According to the Website, Reincarnation America “can transform a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly.” After having spent time in the shop you will soon realize how true this statement is. For example, you may see a wine table with an attached lamp that was once a motor crate in its first life. Want to know the history of your special piece? No problem upon purchase you will be provided with a birth certificate documenting the origins and time periods of the materials used to make your item.
There is a three pronged, curled emblem that represents the ideology behind what Reincarnation America stands for in their entrepreneurial practices. It is shown online and on business cards. “It signifies the symbol of life,” Ginger said. “Born, die, live again.” This is how they view what they create and sell: taking what some consider junk and seeing the possibilities it could potentially become for another to enjoy.
But, the Boyds don’t stop there, they also encourage the creative pursuits of fellow tradesmen and women by consigning pieces made by other visionaries. The purses for sale are hand-made by Canton Carol’s Creations. She takes worn out shirts and upcycles them into useful bags. The fun, colorful blossoms decorating the walls are from Our Flower Hub. This company crafts wall hangings out of car hubcaps and vinyl.
As for future goals, Ginger says, she wants to “share the love” they have found. “You scratch my back. I’ll scratch yours.” As hometown business owners the Boyds will continue to promote and support new and current establishments.
Reincarnation America is located at 267 West Main Street, Ravenna, OH, 44266 and can be reached at 330-774-7235. For more information check out their Website at www.reincarnationamerica.com.
