New Not Just Antiques store owners celebrate one year in business

When Maria Rosacia and Troy Lybbert took over Not Just Antiques in Bothell in March 2016, they weren’t sure what exactly was in store.

The couple had recently moved to Bothell from upstate New York following Lybbert’s time in the Army, as Rosacia has family in the Seattle area and Lybbert has family in Portland.

“We love the area,” Lybbert said.

They started with a booth in the store in 2014, and formed a strong relationship with the previous owner, Valerie Dodge. When Dodge mentioned she wanted to step away from the business, Rosacia, who worked in real estate, and Lybbert jumped on the opportunity for a change of pace in their new city.

“We thought, ‘We could do this’,” Lybbert said.

“I love this,” Rosacia added. “It’s more relaxing.”

In their first year of business ownership, they have balanced the traditions Dodge put in place such as complimentary cookies and coffee for customers with efforts to draw in both new vendors and new customers.

They have two dozen active consigners, and Rosacia said they are interested in more.

Last year, they started having flea markets in the parking lot, and they are planning to bring them back this year, starting in April.

Inside, the store is packed with everything from a metal parrot sculpture to furniture assembled in Portland from Indonesian wood, along with the standard jewelry, vintage clothing, books, housewares and electronics. The store welcomes both professional dealers and hobbyist dealers.

“It’s a little bit of everybody,” Lybbert said. “Almost all the vendors are from the area as well.”

Upon entering, you also might be greeted by the store’s mascot of sorts, a fish named Sushi who just got a large new donated tank.

“People always come and visit her,” Rosacia said.

For more information, visit notjustantiqueswa.com or call 425-415-6678.

The furniture pieces on the right at Not Just Antiques are constructed in Portland and made from Indonesian wood. CATHERINE KRUMMEY / Bothell Reporter