From antique furniture and dishes, to vintage linens, boutique & upcycled clothing and everything in between, you’re going to love the vibe and everything that Matilda Jane’s has in store for you!

By Tara L. Simmons

If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience with a variety of amazing merchandise, look no further than Matilda Jane’s in Hillsboro.

Some of you are familiar with the owner of Matilda Jane’s, Deb Cox. Deb has been collecting antique and vintage items and selling them at markets for over 35 years, predominantly the 3rd Sunday Market in Bloomington. She has been a vendor at markets in Louisville, Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee too, plus some closer to home. She has even hosted her own various markets locally. Her unique handmade primitives may be part of the decor of your home, purchased at area boutiques.

But like the rest of us, Deb is not getting any younger, and she found that loading the big, bulky items on a trailer, hauling them to markets, then packing up what didn’t sell and hauling it back home, unpacking it… just to do it all again a few weeks later…was becoming exhausting. Plus, she and her husband recently downsized their home and she didn’t have the storage space for everything. The solution…open a store!

She named the store after her late grandmother, who was named Matilda.

“She didn’t have a middle name, but we called her Tilly Jane,” Deb explained. “Hence, the name Matilda Jane’s.”

Open just since April, Matilda Jane’s specializes in vintage goods, women and children’s clothing, and sundries. A large majority of the items for sale are from her own personal collection, including antique furniture, vintage linens, crock dishes and more, but she has also collaborated with numerous local crafters to provide a truly unique shopping experience, offering many items that are one-of-a-kind. So when you shop at Matilda Jane’s, you are not just supporting one small, local business, you are supporting thirteen total small, local businesses!

Area artisans represented inside the store include:

  • RavenLunatick: T-shirts, accessories and primitive crafts
  • Blue Jean Opal Redeemed Clothing: Upcycled clothing. Each piece includes
    a Bible verse.
  • Meme’s: Also upcycled clothing. The creator is a retired school teacher from Springfield.
  • Prim Designs: Handcrafted jewelry.
  • Lyndsey Lindsey: Fabric necklaces that are really cool!
  • HB Designs: Western hats, some with designs burned into them.
  • Farm Glow: Soy candles and melts.
  • 4 Sisters Silver: Silver and turquoise jewelry and unusual upcycled furniture.
  • Anita’s Creations: Primitive crafts.
  • Crafty Shack: Ecofriendly homemade laundry detergent.
  • Shoal Creek Manor: Sustainable cleaning products, skin care and personal products.
  • Gua Leather: Leather wallets, trays, journals, key chains, passport holders, etc.

I think that pretty much covers the majority of the inventory categories, but really you just have to go in and see the place for yourself. Plus the inventory is always changing. And I can tell you one thing for sure, nothing lasts long at Matilda Jane’s. So if you see something you like, you better grab it up because it most likely won’t be there next time.

And don’t be surprised if you find Deb at her sewing machine when you walk in because she uses any spare time at the store to work on her primitive crafts and upcycled clothing. Don’t worry though, she will happily stop and help with anything you need, or engage you in a friendly conversation while you shop.

“You know, you don’t always have to buy everything brand new,”Deb said. “Second hand, upcycled, reloved, renewed… whatever you want to call it … is more eclectic, more personal. It has a history. And you just feel better owning or wearing something like that.”

Whether you are shopping for yourself, or for a unique gift, Matilda Jane’s is a must-stop shop. Plus you will really enjoy the true vibe brought by the building, which was formally a stable. Matilda Jane’s is located at 715 S. Main in Hillsboro, right across from McDonald’s. They are open Wednesday-Friday, 10-4 and Saturday 10-2. Make sure to follow them on Facebook for updates on new items, special hours and more. If you see something you like on their Facebook, Deb can ship it to you also!