"Local Tuesdays" - a weekly series on cool resources in the Columbus, OH area
Store - Flower Child Columbus
Owner - Joe Valenti
Address: 989 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Phone: (614) 297-8006
Website: http://flowerchildvintage.com/
Facebook: FlowerChildColumbus
What gave you the idea for Flower Child?
I started collecting antiques in college. I grew up on classic TV, and I love history and nostalgia. My friends liked to say if it was ugly, I owned it!
How long have you been here?
The original store, in Cleveland, has been open fifteen years. This is Flower Child’s sixth year in Columbus. We have two stores and forty people total who work in them.
How do you find the pieces you feature?
A lot of it is personal connections and clients looking to upgrade. It’s really the Land of the Misfit Toys.
The rooms are arranged as sort of a mid-century IKEA. I want customers to be able to envision the pieces together, and how they will fit in a home.
Why Columbus, Ohio?
The original plan was to open a second store in Chicago. I got off at a wrong exit in Columbus and ended up in the middle of Gallery Hop. The environment was great! I’m glad - it was a happy accident.
What’s one thing you’re really excited to share about Flower Child?
I believe in making people happy. The store brings up memories; “My mom had this,” “My aunt had that,” “We played with this when we were kids.” You can’t buy a memory, and it’s great to share that.
In fact, that’s what makes Flower Child such a good “first date” store!
Really?
Yes! If your date walks in here and can’t find a good memory - Of Mom, a holiday, something - run!
Is this what you thought you’d be doing when you were a kid?
I wanted to be a garbage man, then an art teacher. I left a good steady career for this, and now I run all day. But you can’t buy happiness, and I’m happy!
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone looking for a unique item?
It depends on what they’re about. Something will inspire you. Color, shape - that’s what it’s about. So many people come through Flower Child. There’s the outrageous and there’s the meek, but everyone finds what they want.
Thanks Joe for sharing Flower Child!
You can check out the shop in Columbus or Cleveland Ohio,
and be sure to visit Flower Child on Facebook
LOCAL TUESDAYS Past Features
Flower Child
Smartypants Vintage
Tigertree
Wholly Craft