Who We Are

My journey, then to now…

My Mother introduced me to Thrift Store shopping when I was a young adult in my 20’s.  I vividly remember my first visits to the local thrift stores wondering why she would come and why on earth was I even there?  Answer to both questions...simple... she loved the “hunt”, I had a driver’s license (Mom didn’t drive) and Dad was busy.  I would follow and watch Mom go through the store, skillfully selecting clothes, furniture, useful household goods and art, on occasion.  She had perfected the “hunt” and wanted someone in the family to appreciate the art of recycling..I was it!   Her frugal and resourceful use of the household budget certainly gained Dad’s appreciation, an Army Sergeant on a meager salary and nine mouths to feed.     

As I got older and acquired a better appreciation for finding treasures, I discovered a world beyond thrift stores.  I now frequent estate sales, consignment stores, auctions and the like. Years of collecting and following my heart and love for masterfully crafted “old” wood, china and decorative items are evident throughout my household.. an array of pre-owned, period and some hopefully, future antiques.  Each piece has its own story that I love to tell.

I retired from the Federal government in 2016 and remember hearing that our passions or hobbies could be turned into a business.  I had long since fallen in love with the “hunt” so, what the heck, I decided to give it a try.  Thus, the birth of Black Roses Antiques and Collectibles.  I turned hunted treasures into inventory for my online listings and eventually found the perfect booth in a brick and mortar to open shop...Fredericksburg Antique Mall and Clock Shop, Fredericksburg, Virginia.  Located at 925 Caroline Street in the heart of old town Fredericksburg, Virginia, I occupy booth 69 located on the lower floor. The store is home to an array of antiques and collectibles hosted by over 50 dealers.

As mentioned above, Black Roses Antiques and Collectibles, LLC is my trade name.  I chose the name because of its unique double meaning.   A black rose is a mysterious bloom, the color black is often synonymous with death and mourning.  But black roses can have a more positive meaning. They can stand for the beginning of new things and major change.  Black roses can inspire confidence by signaling the birth of a new era and can bring hope and courage.  

Beyond retirement, I wanted to rebirth, change course, from a “career” to the pursuit of my passion.  Through my “finds,” my goal and hope is to bring “treasures” to your household, with stories of their own that you will love to tell.

In addition to my brick and mortar location, you can also find some of my “treasures” online at the newly established  “Blackrosesantiques.com” or on eBay as surfer14 (in the advance search). As an eBay member since 1999, I have an outstanding rating as both a buyer and seller. 

I welcome the opportunity to serve you both in person or online.     

Brenda L. Rich, Proprietor

BlackRoses

Antiques and Collectibles, LLC