Flower Child, located in Columbus and Lakewood, is a true vintage store with items like furniture, art, and clothing dating back to the 1930s to the 1980s. The shop is more than just a vintage store; it feels like a museum filled with familiar pieces from the past. Walking into Flower Child feels like stepping back in time. The store is vibrant and inviting, immediately capturing attention and reflecting the unique character of Lakewood.
The term “Flower Child” is slang for a young person in the 1960s who rejected mainstream values for peace, love and nonconformity, often by promoting and embracing simple living, art and music. Flower Child owner Joe Valenti said the name is deeply personal “I was born in the 1960s in Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco, California so my parents were flower children.”
That philosophy carries into the business itself. “I’m the bridge between somebody who has passed away, I’m that middle person until the next person buys it … most people don’t come in here because of value, they come in because they love vintage,” Valenti said.
After 26 years on Clifton Boulevard, Flower Child recently relocated up the street to West 117th Street. While the original location had lots of charm, it was small and cramped. “We outgrew it, we were there for twenty-six years, and it came down to wanting everything on one level so that everybody can enjoy what we do. Anyone can come in a wheelchair, a walker, or a cane. It’s more inclusive, so everyone can get that same experience,” Valenti said…