“It originally started when we made a door with layers of chipped paint into a coffee table. I was ready for other employment and everyone kept saying ‘You should make this into a business!’” A love of reuse and big dreams was sparked in Karen and Fred Burns, who opened the Ugly Duckling in 2016. “We were so cute when we opened. We thought we had a ton but we really had nothing. We’ve come a long way.” They have since grown into using the main level of 312 Main Ave for retail and the basement for custom framing and classes. The shop carries products from around 40 different vendors, with some curated or made by the owners, which now also includes Rachel Dunham.
When asked to describe the store, Karen shared “Ugly Duckling is a box of chocolates – you never know what you’ll find. We have one-of-a-kind items that have been repurposed, upcycled, or hand-crafted with a splash of vintage and antique.” A favorite product that has passed through Ugly Duckling’s doors were windows that came out of a church building that predated SD as a state. “It brings us joy when someone finds their dream piece.”
Beyond retail, the shop also offers custom framing, which is Fred’s specialty. “We’re pretty proud of the frame shop. It’s an important part of the business. People who come in for framing don’t know the rest is here, then they’ll shop and vice versa. It’s a good business mix.” In particular, Karen loves when customers see a finished project. “You get a gasp! There’s nothing like that wow moment!”
Looking ahead, Ugly Duckling has plans for store refresh this winter. The newest owner, Rachel, will be moving to Brookings from Lincoln and adding cabinet painting services. Karen shared her excitement for Rachel to join the team. “It’s important to us that the face of the business is here to share the stories of the products. It’s a lot to do this on your own.”
In parting, Karen requested the community back their small businesses. “Remember your Downtown. Take the time to stroll and find out what hidden treasurers are here that you’ve never noticed before. Don’t complain that ‘there’s nothing here’ when you haven’t even spent time looking locally. We need your support.”