Find your next treasure in the Chagrin Lee District
By Nate Paige
Makya Murray, owner of Reclamation
Thrifting can very well be considered an art of sorts – just ask Makya Murray, owner of Reclamation, a resale/consignment shop at 16704 Chagrin. Murray’s primary interests include theater and costume design – and thrifting. Her keen eye and passion for unique finds are reflected in Reclamation’s carefully curated and endlessly interesting inventory, which includes clothing, shoes, furniture, purses, drinkware, and more.
“I’ve always been a huge thrifter,” says Murray. “I love to travel and find unique pieces of furniture and antiques. I’m also into high fashion, but I can’t afford it. I would always find pieces at thrift stores and remake them to resemble runway fashion. That became something I was really into. Also, I recently found out how sustainable thrifting is and how it’s really good for the planet. It can be a better option than buying new clothes.”
Previous work experience in resale shops helped prepare her for her business. “I worked in a few resale stores, and I managed a thrift store for a while, but I’ve always had my own ideas for a space. One day my mom said, ‘You have great ideas, why don’t you think about opening your own space?’ She invested in me and helped me open this business.”
Murray’s focus and business acumen are acute, considering she’s only 20 years old. She chose Shaker Heights as the location for the business because “I really love the space, and I’ve always viewed Shaker as a really trendy area.”
The majority of Reclamation’s inventory comes from donations. Consignment contracts are drawn up for high-end pieces. To date, Murray’s most popular items are women’s tops and jackets. She is currently trying to expand her inventory of winter coats. As a relatively new businesswoman, her clientele comes mostly from friends and family, and former co-workers, and increasingly from passersby, too.
In the short time the shop has been open, Murray has also received visits from the owners of other local businesses including Master Marr’s Taekwon-Do and Picnic Hill Market Caf , as well as from members of the Shaker Arts Council’s “Imagine Chagrin” storefront art initiative. This is in addition to interacting with her immediate neighbors – Faithfully Fit Fitness and Africa Art & Clothes – in last October’s Vendor’s Market event.
“I’m really excited about the future of the store and where it’s going, and I want to constantly change and improve. I want this space to become a staple to find cool stuff; really unique furniture pieces, and awesome, curated thrifting pieces.”
For more information, call 216-999-7508 or follow Reclamation on Instagram @shop.reclamation.
