Mary Padian, affectionately known as the “Junkyard Queen,” became a fan favorite on A&E’s Storage Wars for her quirky charm and creative eye. She first appeared on Storage Wars: Texas in 2012 and later joined the original California-based series, where her knack for turning discarded items into treasures made her stand out among the cast.
You might remember Mary Padian from the hit reality show Storage Wars. She was the one with boundless energy, a knack for spotting hidden treasures, and a personality that made her stand out. Well — prepare to gasp, because here’s what she’s doing now.
From “Junkster” to Entrepreneur
Mary first appeared on the spin-off Storage Wars: Texas in 2012 and later joined the main show, where her eye for repurposing discarded items earned her the nickname “The Junkster.” Looper+2The Famous People+2 Before her TV fame, she ran a little shop called Mary’s Finds in Texas, refurbishing thrifted furniture and home decor for resale.
While the physical storefront eventually closed, Mary didn’t stop. She shifted to an online model of Mary’s Finds where she continues to curate vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces, often sourced from auctions and estate sales.
Life Beyond the Auction Floor
Mary’s not just collecting vintage treasures — she’s also creating social good. She’s involved with the nonprofit Ubuntu Life, which helps Kenyan women craft handmade goods whose proceeds support children’s neurological care in Kenya. She even helped design a “Joy Bracelets” line to raise funds for the cause.
On top of that, she remains active on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes of her business, her finds, and her lifestyle. Her Instagram reportedly has hundreds of thousands of followers, proving that her fans haven’t forgotten the “Junkster” charm.
Why She Stepped Back from TV
Fans often ask: “Why isn’t she on Storage Wars anymore?” Well, Mary hasn’t publicly explained in full, but the moves point to her choosing her business and roots over full-time reality TV. After seasons of appearing regularly, she returned to live in Texas and focus on her own ventures.
The Bottom Line: Mary Padian Today
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She’s still thriving in the vintage/antique market, albeit in a new format (online vs storefront).
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She’s also a philanthropist — using her platform to support sustainable & meaningful work.
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She’s remained authentic: her passion for upcycling is as strong as when we first saw her on TV.
So yes — remember Mary Padian from Storage Wars? This is her now, and frankly… she’s doing better than ever.
Today, Mary continues her passion for upcycling through her online store, Mary’s Finds, where she sells vintage and refurbished items. While her original Dallas storefront has closed, her digital presence remains strong. She frequently shares updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her projects on Instagram, keeping fans engaged with her latest finds and creative endeavors.
Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, Mary is deeply involved in philanthropy. She supports Ubuntu Life, a nonprofit organization that empowers Kenyan women by selling their handmade crafts to fund healthcare initiatives for children with neurological conditions. Mary has even collaborated on designing “Joy Bracelets,” with proceeds benefiting the charity.
Although Storage Wars has seen various cast changes over the years, Mary remains a beloved figure in the reality TV world. Her dedication to sustainable living, coupled with her philanthropic efforts, showcases her multifaceted personality. Whether she’s uncovering hidden gems in storage units or supporting meaningful causes, Mary Padian continues to inspire with her creativity and heart.
