Inspiration. Two weeks ago we got the sweetest email from a reader in San Francisco:
Dear Apartment Therapists,
I've been reading you regularly since I got laid off from my corporate job a few months ago. I've thought for years about having a vintage lamp store, and last night I signed a contract to rent a space in a co-op shop here in S.F. My "store" is opening next week.
But in any case, I wanted to say thanks for the inspiration.
Lesley
We have been inspired by so many people and are honored to have had a small part in Lesley's store. Follow your heart! Work hard!
The Drugstore opened last week in SF, and it looks great:
Selling vintage decor and lamps, "all lamps are refurbished with new cord, plug and felt, or completely rewired if needed. They all have either new shades or undamaged, unstained original shades. This means one can buy a vintage lamp without it becoming another project that sits at the back of a closet."
Can you believe how quickly this girl works? We wish The Drugstore the best of luck! MGR
What a great-looking store. I'm in SF and will head there on my way home from work today.
Jennifer P.
Wow! Thanks for the nice write-up. I want to clarify that although I recently opened my own business restoring and selling vintage lamps, I am doing it in an existing collective called The Drug Store, where 9 dealers sell vintage home décor, furniture, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, and more. The Drug Store has been in business for 3 years and has recently added a gallery featuring contemporary art by local artists.
Thanks, too, for including the slide show of my space. (One reader already came in, and she left with a lamp!) Theres more great stuff throughout the store, with each vendor specializing in something different. Our next art opening is on Dec. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m., and the whole store is open late that night.
Congrats on actually doing what you want with your life! That's the best part of this story...
I have a couple of unique antique lamps made by 'Recler of California'. The bases are green Adam and Eve figures (complete with fig leaves). The shades are missing, but I would love to replace them. My parents bought them around 1953. Have you ever seen any lamps like that or heard of the company? Thanks for any info you can share. Your store sounds great, but I live in Canada.
Sandra