Rose Lighting and Vintage owners Richard and Claudia Rose are an inspiration to anyone who wants to take something they love to do and turn it into a thriving business. For most of his life, Richard, a retired architect, has collected vintage and antique cast iron, vintage lighting, lighting parts, and unusual found objects. His wife, Claudia, is a retired music teacher, has always been interested in fashion – collecting early 20th century vintage clothing, dresses, and costumes. Together, the two have spent many weekends and vacations in antique stores and flea markets looking for vintage pieces for Richard to create lights and Claudia to add to her clothing collection.
Yet, once the pandemic started, the Roses took their side projects to the next level. They continued to look for pieces to add to their respective collections and Richard began assembling lighting from the various elements he had found over the years in their apartment’s guest bedroom. Once he had created one hundred lights, Claudia and Richard decided it was time to sell the lights and clothing together so they rented a modest space at Mongers Market in Bridgeport, CT in 2020.
When asked what makes their business special, the answer is obvious – the items they sell are unique.
“I offer one-of-a-kind lighting made from found objects, vintage, and antique lighting parts as well as lighting made from glass and metal light shades that I restore and rewire with vintage and new parts,” Richard says. “My lighting restorations and creations are unique and my work appeals to people that want vintage lighting in their homes or businesses.”
Claudia’s response mirrors the same sentiment – “My business offers one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted, or sourced vintage and contemporary clothing with a unique or fun flare. I especially love reworked patchwork and crochet. My target customer is someone of any age who enjoys looking a little different from everyone else!”
In 2022, the Roses felt Nyack was the perfect place to set up their first real storefront.
“Nyack has the best shopping in the County,” the couple says. “We have been visiting Nyack for more than 30 years, starting when it was a center for antiques, and now with a growing community of vintage and second-hand clothing stores. It was the perfect location for our new shop.”
Looking forward, the Roses hope to further grow and establish their venture in the Nyack community and beyond.
Follow Rose Lighting and Vintage Clothing on Instagram for store promotions, events, and other updates at @roselightingandvintage.
