Business & Merchant

Last Updated on Friday, 29 January 2016 02:53

Monongahela Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) is pleased to name Queen Anne’s Lace as its January Business of the Month.

Pictured are (l-r): Thomas Graney; Robert Kepics; Ben Castor; Donna Castor, owner; Doreen Walters; Cis Fraser; Michelle DeHosse; Don Fraser; and Chris Grilli.

Although she has been buying and selling antiques in various venues here in Monongahela since the 1990s, owner Donna Castor first established Queen Anne’s Lace in 2009 with a room in the antiques co-op Collectiques. Donna admits she bought herself out of her original space. “I had so much in storage,” she says, “that I finally said, this is stupid. Look for a bigger place.” When 144 Main Street became available, she made the move from Monongahela to New Eagle. Although she admits she’d likely get more traffic closer to the Monongahela business district, she’s happy enough with her location across from the Bautz Funeral Home in New Eagle.

“I love this building,” Donna says. “I love the ambiance, the old tin ceiling and the original hard maple floors. I love the brickwork that shows through the plaster, and the old storefront windows.”

Unique features and plenty of soft lighting add to the ambience and charm. Behind the counter hang signature black shopping bags in several sizes. When a customer makes a purchase, it’s bagged with a pouf of tissue and, if you want it, ribbon. Why? “Little things mean a lot. I want people to feel like they’ve bought something special,” Donna explains.

Shoppers at Queen Anne’s Lace will find antique, vintage, and new merchandise displayed in vignettes meant to stir the imagination, to show how a rough wooden tool carrier becomes a pretty centerpiece for a spring table, or a discarded window becomes a charming mirror. “It’s all about re-using and upcycling,” says Donna.

Donna paints and refinishes furniture, creates wreaths and silk floral arrangements, and is always willing to share ideas with her clients. “I do what I can to help them see what a thing can be, not what it is,” she says, “I don’t usually go to homes to help with decorating decisions, but I’ll look at pictures and make suggestions, and not just for what I have in stock. I’ll send them to a different antiques or consignment shop. We have to help each other survive in an economy where it’s not easy to do well.”

Donna’s had a lot of help with Queen Anne’s Lace, with husband Ben always lending a hand. Cousins Chris and Janis are always willing to help out when they’re needed. And Donna’s friend Jonette has “the eye” for creativity. “It’s always good to have someone else’s opinion to keep things fresh,” says Donna.

Queen Anne’s Lace is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We sell, buy, and consign. If you have a treasure to sell or consign, please consider us,” Donna says. “We’ll do our very best for you!” The shop is closed February 11 through 23.