Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future

Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future: Support My Consignment & Antique Shop

Dear Friends, Patrons, and Community Supporters,

I am reaching out to share an exciting new chapter in my journey: the creation of a consignment and antique shop that will preserve our antiques, and serve as a vital educational resource for our community. With over 25 years of experience in appraisals, antiques, and fine art, I am passionate about bringing the past to life and teaching others to appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of bygone eras. Now, I need your help to make this vision a reality.

Why This Shop Matters:

People often throw away valuable items, unaware of their historical significance or the stories they hold. My shop will provide a solution by taking in consignments and preserving pieces that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Through restoration, education, and appreciation, we will breathe new life into these treasures, ensuring they are preserved for future generations.

I will curate a collection of 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th-century antiques, offering everything from furniture to artwork, each piece with its own story to tell. The shop will not only be a space for buying and selling but also a place to learn about the differences in construction and materials used across these centuries. Understanding the evolution of craftsmanship is vital to preserving our history, and I aim to teach people how to recognize these distinctions.

Educational and Environmental Impact:

• Rescuing and Restoring: By accepting consignments and focusing on restoration, we will save countless valuable antiques from being discarded, preserving history instead of letting it be lost to time.
• Understanding Craftsmanship: Through hands-on workshops and classes, I will teach visitors the unique characteristics of 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th-century construction methods, from hand-cut dovetails and mortise-and-tenon joints to early machine production techniques. Visitors will learn to recognize the difference between solid wood, veneers, and other materials that define each era’s craftsmanship.
• Promoting Sustainability: Antiques embody the spirit of sustainability—each piece has already stood the test of time and, with the right care, can continue to be appreciated for generations. This is the ultimate form of recycling, and it’s something I plan to teach the next generation.

Why I Need Your Help:

Opening a shop of this caliber requires significant financial backing—approximately $5 million to purchase and renovate a building in Kensington, MD. Owning the space will enable me to keep the business sustainable without the risk of rent hikes, ensuring the shop remains a community staple for years to come. Funds will also be used to build a welcoming environment where antiques can be displayed, appreciated, and studied.

Although I’ve worked tirelessly, even opening stores in 2000 and 2007, each time external events caused me to pivot. The store I opened in 2000 had to close following the devastating aftermath of 9/11, and the second store I launched in 2007 was brought down by the 2008 financial crash. After the 2008 crash, my finances and mental state were burnt out, forcing me to reassess my path. This led me to learn more about sustainable living and preservation. Working with The Christ Child Opportunity Shop showed me the power of combining business with a mission to make a positive impact on the community and environment.

Now, after weathering those storms and gaining invaluable experience, I am ready to bring this dream to life—one that will save history, share knowledge, and build a thriving business that benefits everyone.

What Your Support Will Do:

• Fund the purchase and renovation of the store, providing a permanent space to showcase and preserve valuable antiques
• Allow me to source, restore, and consign pieces from the 17th to 20th centuries, ensuring these treasures find new homes
• Create an educational hub where people can learn about antique craftsmanship, the history of design, and sustainable living practices

How You Can Help:

Every dollar makes a difference. Whether you can contribute $10, $100, or more, your support will help build a space where history is not only preserved but also taught and appreciated. For those able to make larger contributions, I will offer exclusive perks such as private tours, one-on-one shopping experiences, and invitations to special events with guest experts.

A Chance to Give Back:

For those fortunate enough to have the means, this is an opportunity to give back to your community by supporting a business that will save priceless pieces from being lost and educate others on the value of history and sustainability. Together, we can create a space that enriches the lives of everyone who visits, while preserving the treasures of the past for future generations.

Thank you for considering my request. I am deeply grateful for any support you can provide—whether through a financial contribution or simply by sharing this campaign with others.

With appreciation and excitement for the future.