Small Business Spotlight: Gypsey Rose Antiques
Happy Friday, everyone! Today I have for you a Small Business Spotlight: Gypsy Rose Antiques.
Allow me to explain how this small business spotlight on Gypsy Rose Antiques came about.
Perhaps you have noticed that I am doing a lot of antique/consignment home shopping in my new town of Abilene.
Since our cozy Christmas decor went up, Mr. B has loved the cozy feeling of the house.
So, he issued a challenge to me…Can you make our house feel this way all year long?
It is a challenge because so much of the cozy feeling comes from tiny white lights throughout the house…lots of greenery…blankets….pillows…accessories, just like our outfits.
It also come from my chosen furniture which is mostly vintage/French Country style.
I have pinpointed a series of items I am shopping for in order to meet the challenge.
Now, you know why I am hitting these antique stores and it is so much fun.
In fact, if I were on the Abilene City Council, I would be promoting this town as an antique destination.
I have been so impressed with the few I have visited so far…and the list yet to see is long.
So let’s visit another Small Business Spotlight: Gypsy Rose Antiques.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: GYPSY ROSE ANTIQUES: THE GREETING
Once again, I met another kind, friendly, knowledgeable woman…meet Dolores.
She greeted me as I walked in and immediately offered assistance.
As a proper hostess in a home, she pointed me toward the warm beverages and treats to enjoy while visiting.
I have noted in the Small Business Spotlights how so many of these shops in Abilene do this…it makes me feel welcome and wanted.
One of the many reasons I recommend shopping with a cross body bag….hands free for that warm beverage.
Dolores explained that Gypsy Rose Antiques is like so many others who rent out spaces to vendors.
You can even just rent a wall!
Based on the outside of the store alone, I thought Gypsy Rose would be a small space.
But, no! It is huge and goes on and on into the back…there is so much to see.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: GYPSY ROSE ANTIQUES: THE HOME VENDORS
There are vendors at Gypsy Rose Antiques solely focused on home decor with more furniture and “accessories” than others.
So many have given great attention to how their space is laid out and some could easily be stand-alone shopes…but this type of space can be very smart for small businesses.
There was one decoration that surprised me.
It was a large vase full of old wasps nests!
Never in a million years would I have thought to use dead wasps nests as a decoration!
At the back of the store, I felt as though I had entered book stores or libraries in several spaces.
It is so large, I think someone could stay back there in a comfy chair and just read for awhile!
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: GYPSY ROSE ANTIQUES: CLOTHING RESALE
But, if you like shopping resale for fashion purposes, then several of the vendors at Gypsy Rose Antiques are ready to accommodate you.
Within the home decor, I saw accessory racks and clothing racks.
I saw clothing for men and women.
Mr. B would never were something from resale, but I would!
That means I do not spend time with racks of menswear…though there are some notable fashion icons who always look at menswear resale for themselves.
Trinny London and Ines de la Fressange would be two of those people.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: GYPSY ROSE ANTIQUES: TAKING NOTES
I am taking notes of pieces that I may want to revisit in some of these small business spotlights.
There is still much to think about with our space, and I have too many ideas swirling around in my head.
But, I want everyone to know that I will meet Mr. B’s challenge!
And the shopping and meeting new people in a new town is lots of fun!
Gypsy Rose Antiques is located at 107 Elm Street in Abilene.
Many of these places I am visiting will require a return visit soon!
Thank you to all of you who have enjoyed learning about Abilene small business.
And even a bigger thank you to those of you who have driven from other towns to support these businesses.
It has been fun to hear from the owners that you mentioned me!
The holidays have been so busy and I am doing my best next week to get back to a normal routine.
However, these days on a new adventure…what is normal?
Thank you for joining me today…..
GIVE THANKS & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
DON’T FORGET THE JANUARY CLEARANCE SALES!! MANY ARE ALREADY UNDER WAY!
For all your shopping, please use the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way.
Good morning Pam, what a fun challenge you have been blessed with doing. There are a few vintage stores I visit during lunch, but there are many more in my area i need to visit. I love that my husband wants to join me in the hunt. When we go, we mostly reminisce with, “remember that…..” I love walking into a home that is warm, inviting and cozy. With the absence of magazines in my home, I visit people’s homes on YouTube. My current favorites are Homeworthy and Bunny Williams. With the furniture you have, all the great vintage stores in your area, and your vintage/French County style you have such a fun challenge ahead of you. Thanks for sharing this store with us. Offering a hot beverage is wonderful and makes you want to stay longer. 😊 Have a great day.
I will check out the YouTube you recommend d, Betty! Have fun visiting the places in your area!
What a great place! I can’t imagine getting out of there quickly. There’s so much good stuff, I’d want to spend an afternoon. Frequently!
I look forward to watching you take on your new challenge of keeping that cozy feel year round. That’s a goal of mine as I decorate as well. I’m not French country in style, but I still love a mix that exudes welcome, comfy, and cozy.
Thanks Pam!
You are so welcome, Cindy! It is so much fun to take the followers on these journeys with me! I will keep you up to date.
Bunny Williams has beautiful (likely out of print) books about romancing her Connecticut “farmhouse” (estate) back to life. It’s a fascinating read. I got my copy from my library. I think she’s mega talented and would give you great ideas, Pam. I furnished much of my condo with secondhand purchases, because the rooms are smaller than my house was, and the ceilings lower. Vintage furniture was better proportioned for the space. It saved some money, but I replaced upholstery with designer linen, so not as much as it could have. But the quality of these pieces is stellar compared to much of what is sold today, and we got a unique, and dare I say cozy, home we love. Creating a home is, I think, a true joy and privilege.
Antique shops are the best if they’re true antique shops and this one appears to be.
My Aunt Ruth and Uncle Al owned one in small town in Massachusetts from the 50s to the early 80s. Lots of European and Asian pieces they bought from dealers who traveled extensively. They were an extremely interesting couple who babysat me quite a bit in the 50s and tried to teach me about early Egyptian vs Japanese jewelry and style. I wasn’t too interested in 4th grade. I’d love to visit this Abilene shop right now, however! Looks like I could spend a week there!
Thank you, Linda. Very helpful comment!
I want to go back when I have more time. I think I could get lost in there!! Thanks Paulette!
You are really finding some great shops in Abilene! I enjoy vintage and second-hand shops. For my 1940 cottage, I focus on finding the jade colored teapots, quilts and vintage patterned tablecloths of the 30’s and 40’s. Having a narrow focus has helped to build a cohesive collection, but one that adds just the right touches to lend a cozy feel. I love teapots for flower arrangements.
What a great idea for teapots! Thanks so much, Connie!
Just got back from the hospital for a procedure. Still feeling the anesthesia. I enjoyed your visit with Gypsy Rose shop. I loved the opening picture of the book holders with the Westies on them. Those would be hard for me to pass up. I can’t wait to see what you do for your challenge!
What a fun shop. I saw a few things I would have loved in my cottage back in Michigan, particularly the wheeled horse. My late husband’s parents retirement hobby was going to county auctions. In addition to furniture they bought lots–boxes of mixed items and they had some wonderful finds. I had to downsize when I moved here but still have some of the pieces. I could spend all day in a shop like that. I look forward to seeing how you make your new house cozy. My house always looks so bare after I take Christmas down which will happen this weekend so I could use some inspiration.
I think it’s the Danish or Norwegian word, Hygge (pronounced Hoo-gah) that is the decorating and life-style idea of cozy. It includes soft items and candles and lights. I keep up some white birch branches with lights, but after Christmas, they look a little stale to me for some reason this year. I will be interested to see what you do, especially with lighting. Meanwhile, Happy New Year to all!
Oh, this is so much fun! I can’t wss Asia to see your house evolve. Isn’t it great to have a husband who delights in it, too? I have a very antiquey, cozy home. When we refurbished our cottage into a year round home, I was able to sell and donate from our primary home more easily, knowing that I was going for the cozy cottage look. I have several pieces of furniture, art, and dishes that were in the cottage when my parents bought it in the 1950s, so those pieces had already been here since the early 1900s. Almost every painting, dish, quilt, pottery piece, cupboards, etc have a story. I feel very lucky to have so many inherited pieces, too. I use my mom’s silver and my gram’s fiesta ware for everyday meals. By the way I never could have left that wonderful store without that unusual teapot! Have fun. It is a delightful journey for you.