Picture this: It’s 1968. A pretty little girl wanders around the Skyview Flea Market, looking for a dirty teddy bear! “The dirtier the better,” Kristen Marquis says. “I thought if the teddy bear was dirty, it must be a valuable antique. That was a clue to the best years of my working life!”
Those years, though, came later—after a college degree and a stressful job in the computer systems field. “I was crying in my car each day after work. Finally, one day I asked myself why I was afraid to do what would make me happy. So, I rented a shop in a strip mall and filled it with things that gave me the same thrill I got when I discovered a ‘rare’ dirty teddy bear!”
This year, Kristen is celebrating 20 years doing what makes her happy—filling her shop, Marquis Etc., with “antiques, collectibles, and amazing junque!” Drop into Kristen’s shop at 149 Sacramento Street in old Auburn—and tell her Sheila sent you!
Yes I agree. Fun place to be. Keep going!
A “rare” dirty teddy bear really caught my interest!!! I’m looking forward to visiting this antique shop. I love discovering old, valued, wonderful things. The heart can send us on exciting adventures! Super happiness, Kristen.
I have been very fortunate to visit Kristen’s beautifully arranged antique shop many times. Not only is each item artfully displayed, Kristen supplies a historical and detailed information card on each item. She is extremely knowledgeable on each item in her shop.
A must see antique shop in old town.