WATSONVILLE — Two best friends of more than 40 years have decided to take their love of rare antiques and turn it into a business.
The result is Carriage House Collectibles, located in a small building next to the Tuttle Mansion at 723-F East Lake Ave. in Watsonville.
A grand opening celebration is set for Saturday from 1-4 p.m.
Dawn Bowie and Kelli Dicicco Siefke, both raised in Watsonville, have for years participated in craft fairs and foraged in flea markets and garage sales, looking for those items that have special nostalgic value.
After years of accumulating items, either from donations or their own finds, filling up a number of storage units, the two decided to share their finds with others and open up their own brick-and-mortar location.
At Carriage House Collectibles, there is “something for everyone,” Siefke said, from children’s toys, Victrola record players, dining tables, beds and more, including their own creations.
The two friends said the support they have received from their families and local businesses has been invaluable in getting the business up and running.
“Without their heartfelt support, this would not be possible,” Siefke said.
Bowie said a strong work ethic instilled in both of them at a young age has given them a desire to give back and support their local community.
“We believe in the community, and we want the community to thrive,” she said.
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Carriage House Collectibles is located at 723-F East Lake Ave. in Watsonville. After the grand opening celebration on Saturday at 1 p.m., the store will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For information, call 319-4885.
