I’ve been asked many times about the origin of the shop’s name: Curiosity & Co… hmmm…it’s a curious name, right? Well, here’s the deal: I was a high school English teacher, and am still an avid reader, and Charles Dickens is one of my favorite authors. As you may know, he wrote a tale called The Old Curiosity Shop, in which an old man and his granddaughter operate a shop full of (you guessed it!) “curiosities.” I’ve always imagined myself hiding out in the “happy place” that was their dim little shop (assuming Jeannie’s bottle wasn’t available), so I had to pay homage. The name “The Curiosity Shop” has been used a bunch, so I thought and thought, until finally I came up with a version that I found acceptable. Hence, the name Curiosity & Co.
As I mentioned, I was a teacher. As it happens, I still am! Now I paint furniture all day in my cozy little shop, surrounded by vintage finds and “junk” that’s begging for a new life; and when given the opportunity, I teach others how to transform and repurpose for themselves. It’s very gratifying work, and I am immensely thankful that I get to “play” at my work every day. I thoroughly enjoy teaching the many wonders of the paints I use…you just can’t imagine the transformations that I get to witness! If you ever get a chance to stop by, I’ll show you what I mean.
In addition to the main shop, we have a large space in the Laconia Antique Center. This allows our customers the opportunity to pick up paint and supplies when the shop is not open.
I hope to see you soon!
