Lynn Tompkins has been collecting “treasures” for most of her life. Now, she has been able to fulfill her dream of opening a store — Forget-Me-Nots — in Forked River.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” she said.

Walking into the vintage resale shoppe, Tompkins, a Bayville resident, was in the process of purchasing Victorian dishware from a local.

The store features antiques, estate finds, jewelry, collectibles, home décor and furniture.

“Quality stuff,” Tompkins said. “I’ve been collecting my whole life. I’m new to opening a business.”

Tompkins used to rent a display case in Yesterdays and Todays in Toms River.

A former Island Heights resident, Tompkins said the town drew her interest in vintage.

“It was just an instant love,” she said. “Everything’s vintage there with the old homes. It’s just a different way of life.”

For four to six years, Tompkins has made her own jewelry. She purchases vintage jewelry, takes it apart and creates something new. 

“Estate jewelry is very interesting to me,” she said.

The items sold at Forget-Me-Nots are “delicate and intricate,” she said. “Nothing today is made the way it was back then.”

Most items she purchases at estate sales, antique shops, yard sales and flea markets.

“I don’t predetermine what I’m going to buy,” she said. “Mostly everything in here, I love myself.”

People can also sell their items to Tompkins. In that case, she’ll do research to determine its value.

Forget-Me-Nots is open six days a week: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and closed on Monday. 

The store is located at 136 S. Main St. For more information call 609-549-6441.