My Biz: Longtime antiques store in Marion gains new owner

MARION — Susan Stutterheim had always hoped to be a business owner, but she didn’t expect to do it later in life.

“I retired two years ago and began volunteering for five different organizations,” she said. “While I enjoyed being a volunteer, I felt there had to be more to retirement.

“A friend of mine called one day and told me about an antiques shop in Marion where the owner was wanting to sell out due to health issues. After meeting with the owner, I decided it was my opportunity to give it a try.”

Stutterheim, 68, took over ownership of Antiques and Artifacts in July and said the last few months have been full of learning.

“I learn new things every day. It's all about learning,” she said. “For me it's all about learning from the people who come in the shop every day and about the items that come in. I try to do research and learn everything I can about what's in our store, so I better understand the history of things.”

Using Facebook is just one example. Stutterheim said she had not used the social media platform until she took over ownership of the shop and now uses it to promote the business.

She said it was a challenge getting set up immediately.

“Instead of having a month to prepare, I had two days. It all worked out, thanks to the help from other antique dealers here in Marion. Everybody is just real supportive of each other,” she said, singling out Bill Burns, who’s been in the antiques business for 35 years.

‘Something for everyone’

The store an eclectic mix of furniture, vintage lighting, collectibles, kitchenware, crocks, trunks, midcentury modern items and art.

“There is truly something for everyone. The four dealers bring new items in weekly,” Stutterheim said, noting the inventory ranges from the 1880s to the 1970s.

“People come in and have something they are looking for, whether it be a specific postcard from 1920 or a table from the 1950s, and whatever it is they come in looking for, all different things, we have it usually.”

If not, she and others come up with ideas on where to find the item.

She said she’s seen a wide range of customers and has been pleasantly surprised by her younger customers.

“We have people come in looking for things for their wedding, or they just purchased a home, but they want to have things in their house to be vintage,” she said. “It's just so much fun.”

“We also we are getting a large number of people coming through who are from out of state,” she added. “Some are other antique dealers, but most of them are just traveling through Marion.”

Love of antiques

Stutterheim knows what it’s like to find a treasured item when you visit an antiques store.

“My love for antiques started when I was young, looking at all the beautiful glassware in my grandmother's and aunt's curio cabinets and their oak furniture, which is still my favorite,” she said.

“I bought my first piece of antique furniture when I was 20 and still have it. I enjoy the ‘hunt’ and the history behind what I look for. It is a wonderful learning opportunity.”

Stutterheim said she also loves talking with customers.

“The best part of the job is the people who come into the shop,” she said. “I enjoy their stories and, on occasion, the information they share with me.”

She said that one of the team members from the History Channel’s “American Pickers” stopped by the other day.

“Dave from ‘American Pickers’ made the comment that we had a really cool shop and that he would be stopping in when he was in the area. That made my day.”

And at the end of the day, Stutterheim is pleased with her choice to become a business owner.

“So, I'm starting over at an older age,” she said. “I want older people to know there are plenty of opportunities out there. They don’t need to be afraid to try something new and different. Just be willing to learn and listen and just go for it.”

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