The proprietor of a new gift shop on the West Side of Connellsville believes the future is "rosy" not only for her shop, but for the entire city.
Judy Lucarini, who originally is from Carnegie and now makes her home in Connellsville, opened the Victorian Rose Gift Shop, located at 917 W. Crawford Ave., recently.
After spending 15 years in the corporate world, Lucarini decided she wanted to do something different. Although this is the first time she's had a store like this, it isn't her first time owning a business. She operated a catering business in Beaver County for eight years.
The unique gift shop offers a variety of gift items, which Lucarini actually makes herself in the shop, including tapestry pillows, wreaths, crocheted doilies and baby blankets.
"I love making things for people. I actually started out just making these things for gifts for people."
According to Lucarini, that is what sets the Victorian Rose Gift Shop apart from other stores.
"I think it's a totally different type of shop for Connellsville. It's bright and kind of has a different aura about it," said Lucarini.
The atmosphere is not the only thing bright about the store. Speaking of the impending development on the West Side at the intersection of routes 119 and 201, Lucarini said all of the exciting things happening in Connellsville makes her believe the future is also bright.
Because of the time of year, Lucarini said she hopes to able to get some traffic in her store from people walking around town, coming off the Youghiogheny Bike Trail and going to the church across the street. For that reason, Lucarini has decided to keep her shop open on Sundays.
The Victorian Rose Gift Shop is open six days a week and is closed only on Wednesdays. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays it is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the weekends.
She also reports to have the cheapest greeting cards around at just 35 cents per card.
Lucarini's signature item is keepsake wedding cake tops with dome cover for couples to keep in their china closets, on their mantle or in another prominent area in their home. The tops are made to order and color coordinated for approximately $40.
Lucarini said she began making the tops after she made one for her daughter's wedding. In addition, she makes keepsake wedding invitations plates that make a very unique gift for the wedding couple.
"I'm a keepsake person," said Lucarini. "I guess I'm too sentimental."
As the name suggests, Lucarini also has a large supply of Victorian-themed gift items that make a perfect gift for any occasion, said Lucarini.
"I love old things. I love Victorian things," said Lucarini, as she picked up a small Victorian lamp that despite its expensive looks sells for under $20. "This (the lamp) would make a very nice gift for someone."
Lucarini also keeps a selection of sturdy, wooden toys for children in stock from Pippy's Toybox, a Connellsville-based company that offers specialized wooden toys for children of all ages and named for one of Lucarini's relatives.
In addition, Lucarini also shops around at antique shops to pick up odds and ends to sell at her shop. This is important because it allows for Lucarini's stock to constantly change offering customers different items all the time.
"It's a unique gift shop. It's not your every day gift shop," said Lucarini. "If you don't see something you like, you'll see something someone else will like."
Despite her optimism, Lucarini said the ongoing construction on Eighth Street (Route 119) on the West Side has impacted her shop.
"They started the construction right when I opened. I think it has really hurt me," said Lucarini.
Notwithstanding the problems, Lucarini said she is very pleased with things so far. She believes once people realize she's there and give her a try, they will be back.
The secret to her success has been the encouragement of her friends and family, and especially from her boyfriend, Timothy Hall.
"Without his love and support, I couldn't have done this," she said.
For information on items offered at the Victorian Rose Gift Shop, call 724-466-2441.
Fauth can be contacted at 724-626-3537.
