Star Photo/Kayla Carter
Johnny and June’s owner Jennie Kodak describes the business’ departure from its downtown location as both happy and sad.

Johnny and June’s Vintage Boutique announced the closure of it’s downtown business on Facebook this month.

“At the end of July we will be closing our doors and starting new adventures,” according to the Facebook post dated July 10.  “It’s both a happy and sad day at Johnny and June’s.”

Owner Jennie Kodak doesn’t consider this a sign of failure. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

“Usually I reach goals and then after I get them, I want to move on,” she said.

The store’s patrons will still be able to purchase items selected by Kodak through the Corner Nest Antique Mall at 100 W. Elk Ave.

“The shop will be going away completely,” she said. “I have an antique booth that we will be keeping. People can definitely find some of our merchandise there.”

Kodak is a graphic designer by trade and also has a full-time job at Eastman Chemical Co. She considers Johnny and June’s to be a hobby.

“This is a really busy hobby,” she said.

Kodak will shift her focus slightly by working for a designer she made a connection with through the boutique.

“I have a vendor named Eliza Dean,” she said. “Everybody that comes in here has to have one of her pieces.”

Because the Nashville-based Eliza Dean business has grown so much, Kodak was forwarded the opportunity to work more closely with the brand.

“She is so busy that I’m going on as her creative director,” Kodak said. “I’m going to be doing all the fun stuff that I get to do here for her.”

Kodak looks forward to having more freedom to travel, design marketing campaigns and conduct photo shoots.

Still, Kodak is going to miss all the positive interactions she had through the downtown store.

“We love being here and meeting all the customers, working with all the local vendors and getting to know the owners of other businesses,” she said. “Those are my favorite parts of the job.”

The store’s merchandise is dwindling quickly as Kodak has been advertising discounts on Facebook for about a week. She invites the public to come bid the business adieu and allow her to thank them for their support.

“Thank you to our awesome customers, amazing friends and supportive business owners,” the Facebook post said. “We’ve had so much success and friendship and will miss everyone so much.”

Kodak also offered some advice to anyone who may be looking to pursue an endeavor similar to her boutique.

“I would recommend that they get started with an antique booth first,” she said. “Just make sure to have an open mind. It’s good to always find ways to be creative. If you have a goal, you should make all the strides necessary to really reach for it.”

Kodak also invites the public to join her on her next adventure by following Eliza Dean on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Search for @shopelizadean.