Shop owner’s treasures are all about utility
Charlotte Taylor shares what she loves
CAREFULLY SELECTED The items in the shop that Charlotte Taylor particularly enjoys are its glassware. Below, a few of the collectibles in Taylor and Ace. Angel Martinez photo
By Angel Martinez | Manor Ink
‘It was always a dream of mine to open a vintage store because I’ve been collecting things since I was a teenager. And I just wanted to share the things that I love with other people.”
That’s what Charlotte Taylor said about why she opened Taylor and Ace in Livingston Manor in 2019. Taylor’s husband is Ethan Ace, so she named the shop for the two of them.
“Growing up, I knew I liked to draw. So I went to art school, but I didn’t know if I wanted to make a career out of that, or how to do that,” she said. Taylor believes her lucky break after art school came when she landed an internship to work on the hit TV show “3rd Rock from the Sun.” That launched her career.
Useful items for every budget
Taylor selects her antiques and items so that they can be used by the buyer. “I want things to be utilized. That’s the main thing,” she said. “So I’m not going to buy things that are rusted or just not usable.” She finds things for the shop in many places. “I find things at estate sales, auctions, thrift stores and other antique places,” Taylor said. “Sometimes things in the shop have been on TV shows, which is pretty cool.” She explained that sometimes she is offered furniture and art from a set after a show closes.
Taylor and Ace are committed to making sure furniture in their shop is in good condition. “During the pandemic, I taught myself how to refinish wood furniture,” Taylor explained. “It takes days to refurbish one item. Ace does a lot of rewiring for the lamps, because you want to make sure that the lights will last a long time.”
A mix to invite interest
PROFILE SERIES
This is another of Manor Ink’s interviews with Livingston Manor business owners and managers who are women.
The shop is fun to visit. From paintings on the walls, drinking glasses, pennants, chairs and other furniture, vintage clothing, housewares in bright colors, Taylor and Ace makes you smile. The arrangement is tidy, and Taylor enjoys helping a customer find unique items. Her set design experience influences the appeal of the shop. “I love seeing things come together from scratch. I think it’s incredible to put it all together and make it beautiful.”
Part of the Community
Taylor and Ace bought a home in Swan Lake seven years ago, and spend their spare time fixing it up. “I couldn’t be happier living here,” she said. “Our property is next to a large tract of farmland that is just beautiful. I love it. I never want to live in a city again.” Visit Taylor and Ace online at taylorandace.com.