08/10/2026
Community Proud ❤️ Celebrating those who live and work among us. Brought to you by Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
Mike Walsh
MINE in Mystic
For Mike Walsh, every object has a history, and every person has a story worth hearing. That philosophy has helped shape Mine in Mystic into much more than a shop. It is a place for discovery, conversation, connection, and the unexpected.
Mike had thought about opening a store for years. Staying in one place and building something from scratch was very appealing to him. Many people around him thought he was crazy but he jumped in and leased a space without really even knowing what kind of store he was going to open. He had spent months walking stores, talking to store owners and just parking on streets and watching pedestrian flow. He began to formulate a plan on what he felt was a niche market he’d enjoy. His love of art, craftsmanship, fossils and minerals, music and everything and unusual, along with the whole reuse, recycle, market were the foundation of his business plan.
He began by testing his idea with a temporary store on Stonington Road. For one month, he listened carefully to customers, studied what interested them, and used their feedback to shape the business. Four months later, Mine officially opened.
The store’s early inventory included some items acquired from another shop that had closed. From there, Mike began searching for merchandise wherever he could find it. He said, “listening to the market drove the direction of Mine.” Fifteen years later, Mine has grown into a distinctive destination filled with antiques, artwork, books, records, jewelry, furniture, collectibles, and items that resist easy categorization.
Mike and his life and store partner, Lyndsey Luna, moved Mine from its original Stonington Road location approximately two and a half years ago into a much bigger location at 40 Washington Street in Downtown Mystic CT .
Mike describes the merchandise at Mine as “semi-curated,” with something available at nearly every price point. Visitors will discover items ranging in price from one to one thousand dollars. The goal is always to offer interesting, well-made items at fair prices. Mine has rapid inventory turnover adding new things to the floor every day. Many items are priced well below market value. “We want people to get a great deal and we want dealers to be able to come in and load up and make money on what they purchase.”
Over the years, those treasures have included diamonds, rare books, artwork, albums, and countless unusual objects. Mike has developed an eye for quality and takes particular pride in his innate ability to recognize valuable books, art and found objects, a skill that years of research and experience has helped hone.
The business has given Mike an education that could never be found in a classroom. He is constantly researching, learning, and uncovering stories connected to the objects that pass through the store. He has gained a remarkable amount of knowledge about history, especially local history and objects of all kinds, and says he learns something new every day.
That curiosity extends to people as well. Mike genuinely enjoys meeting others, asking questions, and listening to what they have to say. When he was a CEO, he frequently attended shows because he enjoyed engaging directly with people his company was selling to. Mine has allowed him to now make those connections every day.
Mine also serves an important purpose for individuals and families managing estates. Many people inherit belongings without knowing their value or what to do next with them. Mike and Lyndsey give honest guidance to individuals and acquire estates and partial estates, as well as, work with other dealers, estate companies, auctioneers and clean out companies to help people in these situations. Instead of throwing everything away as many estates do, a lot of Mine’s work reflects their appreciation for recycling and reuse. Much of Mine’s inventory consists of merchandise that might otherwise have been discarded or left unappreciated. Instead, well-crafted and beautiful pieces are given another opportunity to become someone else’s treasure.
Outside of work, Mike and Lyndsey enjoy a quiet and peaceful life. Mike has traveled extensively and says he has experienced life to its fullest. These days, he is happiest at home with Lyndsey and their dog, Lily. Mike describes Lyndsey as his anchor and credits her with being an essential part of both his life and Mine.
Between Mike and Lyndsey there are five adult children. Keeping up with them and being a lifelong sports fan keeps Mike busy. Growing up in a sports area divided between New York and Boston loyalties, he went back and forth as a child before ultimately landing with the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics and of course UCONN whom he has followed since childhood. He enjoys museums and art galleries, exploring new places, all ethnic foods, visiting the beach, and discovering artists and musicians he has never encountered before. His mother was a dance teacher, so he grew up surrounded by and enjoying nearly every kind of music imaginable.
For Mike, the future of Mine is not simply about selling merchandise. It is about preserving history and the sense of discovery that makes independent shops special. He hopes customers leave with more than an object. He wants them to bring home a memory. Mike and Lyndsey often hear customers say that something they acquired at Mine is their most favorite possession.
Mike and Lyndsey are deeply grateful to everyone who has visited Mine, purchased an item, shared the store with someone else, or supported them in any way during the past 15 years. They are so thankful for all of the help so many other shop owners, people in the business, collectors and others have given them. As Mike says, there are a million threads that run through our business and everyone of them has been and is important. Mike and Lyndsey’s generous hearts, curiosity, and genuine affection for people have created a business where treasures are preserved, stories are exchanged, and everyone is welcome.
To learn more about Mike and previous Community Proud recipients, go to mysticchamber.org/community-proud
