Meet Mitchell and Scott Antesky | Owners, designers and craftsmen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mitchell and Scott Antesky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We’re a unique breed of retail store, standing out like a peacock in a flock of pigeons. Our playground is the art of shopping, and boy, do we love to play! Every visit to our store is a vibrant, cheerful experience, drenched in color and filled with joy. We’re not into following the crowd; we dance to our own beat, even if it means tripping up sometimes.

Our path to owning a lamp store was quite unexpected. Initially, we were all set to wow the folks of Toledo with a scrumptious gourmet ice cream parlor. But, alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Still, we kept the faith that the universe would send us something spectacular that we could embrace and make, uniquely ours. And, boy, did it! After assisting with the design for a lamp from the previous owners at Toledo Lamp Company, they spotted our knack for style and suggested we take the reins of their biz. And that’s how we stumbled into the world of hand-crafted lamps!

Revamping an established business certainly had its share of challenges. Crafting fresh, funky lamps? Easy-peasy! Our team’s collective bald heads buzzed with brilliant ideas. When chatting with customers, we often proclaim, “We’re only limited by our imagination when it comes to design!” Striking a balance between striving for that lofty dream and pouring countless hours into perfecting the tiniest details, while also keeping a personal life and getting some down time in, was no easy feat.

Life’s a winding road, filled with bumps and hurdles of all shapes and sizes. Staying dedicated and persistent is a must. While some issues are a breeze to untangle, finances can be a real creativity-killing monster. Keeping an eye on the budget may seem like a drag, but it can also ignite some brilliant ideas on how to get things done better and cheaper than expected!

The thrill of embarking on the Toledo Lamp Company journey comes from finally doing what we love. Every day, we get to indulge in our passion for all things bright and beautiful, from opening up shop to tinkering with lamp parts. After slaving away for others for far too long, flipping the now open sign and welcoming visitors with open arms gives us an indescribable sense of joy. We’re over the moon to have made new friends and loyal customers who gush over our store, calling it their new favorite spot or even adding it to their wedding registry!
When we first took over the business, we had humble dreams of selling just a few lamps a weekend. But now, after three years and countless lamps later, we’re even more committed to our craft. It’s seeing the looks of wonder on people’s faces when they’re bathed in our light and their appreciation for our creativity that keeps us going. And with our new, larger location, we’re excited to create even more of our trademark, unexpected and upcycled lamps that will make people’s jaws drop!

Our brand new space is more than just spacey – it’s also the perfect place to keep those lovely connections we’ve made with over twenty local artists! They’re busy crafting one-of-a-kind treasures for our new gift “warehouse” section, which is stocked with everything from scented soaps to handmade ceramics, aromatic candles to gourmet coffee, and even tongue-tingling hot sauces and greeting cards. Plus, we like to keep things fresh with seasonal goodies – so there’s always a surprise in store!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Toledo, a city often overshadowed by its larger Ohio kin, is a hidden gem of great beauty and vitality. Its tapestry is woven with the threads of rich history and vibrant art, slowly flowing into every corner of the city and beyond. Though some may overlook its splendor, those who venture forth will be enchanted by its charm.

Exploring downtown on foot is a perfect way to discover the city’s history and culture
One of our favorite activities is taking a walking tour through downtown. The stunning architecture from the last century, blended with contemporary design, is truly magnificent. Although it’s sad to see that many historical gems have been destroyed, the district is being revitalized with live music, restaurants, and bustling nightlife. The warehouse district, where we live, is a personal favorite. It’s the hub of the year-round Saturday morning Farmers Market, and home to some of the best restaurants and most incredible loft living spaces in the city.

Nestled in the neighboring historic old west end which is a treasure in itself, filled with streets of lovingly restored Victorian homes on tree lined streets, is the world famous Toledo Museum of Art, and its a free adventure into some of the best collections of all types of modern and old masters works.

Heading back to the heart of downtown it’s time to take in a baseball game at Fifth Third Field, home to the famous Mud Hens, fame came to them additionally when Toledo native Jamie Farr spoke regularly of them and Toledo on MASH. Farr/Klinger also mentions Tony Packo’s café , a piece of history where celebrities’ of all sorts stop in to sign a hot dog bun then thousands of them are on display.

Our Toledo Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country with a large selection of animals and educational opportunities. During December the multi acre grounds are covered with over a million lights and it attracts tourist from around the area nightly.

If a night at the theatre is on your list, the area is brimming with options. Northwest Ohio actually has the highest concentration of local theatre of anywhere in the country with community shows sprinkled on every side of town and into the rural settings nearby. National tours and acts often visit the Huntington Center, The Valentine Theatre and the Stranahan Theatre.

You wont go hungry in Toledo with a plethora of local and national restaurants everywhere. Great steaks at Mancy’s, Italian fare at Ciao, Tekela Mexican Cantina and Ameera Mediterranean are some of the local hotspots.
Coffee is the life blood of the area it seems, with charming and cozy coffee shops like Maddie and Bella, with two locations, downtown and in Perrysburg.

Downtown nightlife is alive and well. With many options for hopping, The Durty Bird, The Blarney and the Bronze Boar are all just steps from each other making downtown alive with revelers many evenings a week.

Relax along the Maumee River front in downtown parks and on the eastside of the banks with the Docks restaurants and boat docks. Jump in a boat and cruise up the river to get the best view possible of the Largest mural in the country at over three and half football fields in size painted on grain silos adjacent to I-75. Its unique positioning along the river can make taking in its beauty and grandeur a challenge but since you’ll be in the vicinity, head over to Rossford and take in Hollywood Casino.

Nestled in the charming, historic Old West End, lies a treasure trove of Victorian homes on tree-lined streets and the world-renowned Toledo Museum of Art. And the best part? It’s free! Feast your eyes on an eclectic collection of modern and old masterpieces.

For sports fans, head back downtown and catch a baseball game at the famous Fifth Third Field, home to the Mud Hens, who gained notoriety thanks to Toledo native Jamie Farr’s mentions on MASH. Don’t forget to swing by Tony Packo’s Cafe, a legendary spot where celebs have signed hot dog buns displayed on the walls.

The Toledo Zoo is a must-see, consistently ranked among the best in the country. During December, they light up the grounds with over a million dazzling lights, attracting tourists from all over the area.

Theater lovers will be in heaven here, as Northwest Ohio boasts the highest concentration of local theaters in the country! National tours and acts also grace the stages of venues like the Huntington Center, Valentine Theatre, and Stranahan Theatre.

Foodies will have a field day in Toledo, with an array of local and national restaurants. Savor juicy steaks at Mancy’s, authentic Italian dishes at Ciao, and tantalizing Mediterranean cuisine at Ameera. And let’s not forget the area’s coffee obsession, with cozy coffee shops like Maddie and Bella dotting the city.

When the sun sets, downtown comes alive with a buzzing nightlife. Hop around popular spots like The Durty Bird, The Blarney, and the Bronze Boar, where you’ll find revelers partying the night away.

Take a breather along the scenic Maumee Riverfront, where downtown parks and the Docks restaurants and boat docks await. Hop on a boat and cruise up the river for spectacular views of the largest mural in the country, sprawling over three and a half football fields on grain silos adjacent to I-75. And while you’re in the area, why not check out Hollywood Casino in nearby Rossford? It’s the perfect way to end your Toledo adventure!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our accomplishments are a reflection of the values instilled in us by all four of our parents. From creativity and perseverance to a strong work ethic, these attributes have played a vital role in our success. Without Tom and Sharon and Elmer and Marlene, we would not be where we are today.

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