Denise Meadors
Denise Meadors has been a vendor at River City since August of 2018. She has a big presence at the store with her two well stocked booths. They are filled with an eclectic mix of old and new items, beautiful florals and artful pieces that showcase her love of animals. Denise is a ray of sunshine when she walks into River City. She has a smile and kind words for everyone and shows a true interest in the staff, customers and her fellow vendors. Denise is a beautiful woman, inside and out. In fact, she was surprised to learn that the staff thinks she looks like Bo Derek.
Denise and her husband John, have been married for 48 years. They have two daughters, two granddaughters and three dogs. The Meadors clan is extremely tight knit, they work and play together. It is not uncommon for John, also known to the staff as ‘The Energizer Bunny’, to be with Denise at River City. We are also delighted when she brings her precocious, tutu wearing granddaughters with her to the store.
I know your Dad lives in North Carolina, is that where you grew up?
I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. When John and I got married, we lived in Danville, VA. We moved to Duncan, OK and then to Tulsa.
What brought you to Tulsa?
We moved to Tulsa so I could attend Rhema Bible College. Actually, my daughter and I attended college there at the same time.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Probably Hawaii. If money was no object and my kids could join us...it would be Hawaii. It is so beautiful there. I love the island with the pineapple groves...is that O’ahu?
How long have you been in the Resale/Booth business?
I have had a booth somewhere since 1985. I always had so much stuff! One day, John said I needed an outlet. That is how it began, 35 years ago.
You and John seem to work so well together, has he always helped you work your booth?
He has his own business, but he has always helped me. He doesn’t go to sales with me though, I usually do that with my daughter.
Do you collect anything?
I have never been a collector of anything special. I have always just bought things that appealed to me. However, when I began buying for a booth, it was different...I started purchasing items I knew would be easy to sell. So you will see a mix of things in my booths.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Mother!
I was never studious. In fact, I hated school and couldn’t wait to get out of there. My sister says, all she can remember me ever saying, was that I wanted to get married and have children. I went to college, but it wasn’t my thing.
What was your first job?
Kentucky Fried Chicken, I lied about my age to get the job. I told them I was 16 when I was really 15. I was fired after 2 weeks when they found out the truth.
What motivates you to work hard?
To get rid of things...and making money, of course.
What makes you laugh the most?
I prefer to be joyful. It’s a choice. My grandchildren make me laugh a lot. Actually, John can be pretty funny too.
Aside from necessities, what are 5 things you couldn’t live without?
1. My Grandchildren
2. My Friends & Family
3. My Dogs
4. Toothbrush
5. I do love a good steak
If you could share a meal with 4 people, living or dead, who would they be?
1. My Mother, she is deceased
2. Jesus, I would have some questions for him
3. Kevin Costner would be a really good one to eat with
4. The Grandmother that I never got to meet, my Dad’s Mom
What is your favorite junking story/find?
I was leaving a yard sale and noticed a really long, gold chain. I asked, how much for this? Paid $1 and it appraised for $1,900.
I have an old dental cabinet that I purchased years ago in Virginia. I still have it and love it.
I also bought and old post office sorter in Virginia for $100. I am pretty sure it worth more.