Entrepreneur Creates Art From Antiques
Judi Wolford has a knack for seeing a possibility where others don’t — whether it’s turning a worn-out couch into a work of art or taking a vacant store and bringing it back to life.
On June 14, Wolford, of Battle Creek, will open a new downtown shop, Antiquities & Eccentricities, at 28 West Michigan Avenue. Wolford also will move her busy furniture business, Creative Covering Fabrics & Upholstery, from its spot on 1499 East Michigan Avenue to a workshop space in the new store.Wolford said she had to procure a special use permit to sell antiques, because a city ordinance that limits the use of antique and “second hand” shops is currently in place. Getting the special use permit approved, she said, was an easy process, and the neighboring downtown businesses have been extremely supportive and welcoming.Wolford’s sales and fabric consultant, Karen Spring, said the shop has a lot of potential, including the possibility of a lunch and coffee cafe. The pair hopes to evolve into a destination shop for people from around the area.“We already have a great client base because the furniture we create is so unique and customized,” Spring said. “The idea of this store is to showcase the furniture, but also be a place to find something funky and fun or a really unique gift.”Image via lovetoknow
danakeith on June 4th, 2008 5:15 am
good thing if they really have unique and customized furnitures, coz these days a lot of it (furnitures) comes with almost the same designs.
Angela on June 4th, 2008 1:43 pm
I love seeing good things like this happening in my home state. With how bad things are in Michigan right now, little things like this are very inspiring.
Angelina on June 5th, 2008 4:56 am
I don’t get the purpose of a city ordinance that limits the use of antique and “second hand” shops. In my city, there is no such thing. You should be free to buy whatever furniture class you want to buy. It’s not as if it can harm the big industry. In the first place who are going to buy a 2nd hand if she can afford to buy a brand new thing. Unless of course the thing is one of a kind.
Flor on December 21st, 2008 2:05 am
Thanks for the great tips.
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