The Hodge Podge’s woman entrepreneur is Barbara Miller

Barbara Miller and her husband have been collecting antiques together for about 20 years. Through the years they have frequented yard sales, estate sales, and shops when traveling, and liked to find odd items that aren’t the typical run-of-the-mill. So, it only made sense for her to make a business plan and open her own eclectic shop filled with antiques, collectibles, handcrafted items, and primitives.  Three years ago, The Hodge Podge opened its doors in Daleville and Barbara’s plan came to fruition. “I have had booths with antiques and collectibles at other places and had been looking for a place to open my own store for a long time. I worked for the chiropractor who previously had the space and when he retired, I took it,” Barbara shared. 

Barbara moved to Botetourt County while in junior high school. Then, while in high school at James River, she met her husband. “The best thing about living and owning a business in Botetourt is the people,” Barbara said.  “I get to meet the coolest people whether they live here or are just traveling through.”  Barbara also enjoys bringing her dog Lucy to work with her each day. Lucy is an adorable addition to the business.

The Hodge Podge is a quaint and quirky shop. Customers can browse through several rooms of home décor and collectibles. Barbara has 45 different vendors that have rented space in her store to showcase their items at affordable prices. Limited items are sold by consignment. “I could have filled this space up 10 times over with the number of people wanting to rent space,” Barbara reported.  And that is great for business.  Barbara reported that The Hodge Podge has been well-received by the county. “Everyone keeps saying it’s a well-kept secret,” but Barbara doesn’t want it to be a secret.  “The Hodge Podge is here for the long haul.”

The Hodge Podge is open Tuesday-Friday 10am -6pm, and Saturday 10am-3pm. “We will stay open later if there is a need,” Barbara reported.  “We want people to know that they can find most anything here – antiques, primitives, collectibles, and homemade items from other local folks. We really want to promote other local people promoting their products.” Interested in renting space? Call the Hodge Podge and speak to Barbara. Be sure to check them out on Facebook!

— Story and photo by Robyn Whittaker Flint, Special to The Botetourt Bee