Brandon has a secret, and it’s hidden behind the kind of storefront you’d probably drive past twice before wondering what’s actually going on inside. Creative Junk Therapy (CJT), a nonprofit creative reuse center (772 W. Lumsden Road) is doing something a bit radical. It’s convincing people that their trash is, in fact, treasure. And unlike your uncle who says that about his collection of broken lawnmowers, CJT is actually right.
Here’s the pitch. CJT collects discarded materials from local businesses and residents, including the stuff your average Goodwill would turn away with a polite but firm “absolutely not”: scrap metal, loose rubber bands, single orphaned crayons, e-waste cables, and wood scraps. They sort it, stock it, and redistribute it to educators, artists, makers, and students at prices that won’t make you cry in the parking lot. That’s not charity. That’s a system.
Photos via Creative Junk Therapy
But it’s not just a shop. The space also includes an art gallery, dedicated class areas, and a Make N Take room where you can walk in, grab some salvaged materials, and make something with your actual human hands. Classes and workshops cover a range of creative projects, so whether you’re a kindergarten teacher hunting for supplies or someone who’s convinced that a broken chair has a second life as a coffee table, there’s definitely something here for you. The gallery wall even features work made from reclaimed materials, so the whole place eats its own cooking.
Their motto is “Imperfection is our Specialty!” which is either a philosophical stance on the inherent value of discarded things or the most relatable organizational tagline in Tampa Bay history. Possibly both.
Photos via Creative Junk Therapy
The vision doesn’t stop at the retail floor, either. CJT is working toward large-scale public art installations made entirely from reused materials, and they’re dreaming of a full creative mall where makers can build, sell, and sustain their craft. It’s ambitious, because it’s supposed to be.
The store is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. They’re closed Mondays, presumably because even people saving the planet need a day off.
If you’ve ever felt vaguely guilty tossing out a half-used pack of binders, Creative Junk Therapy would like a word. Specifically, they’d like your binders.
Photo via Creative Junk Therapy