Mom Knew Best for New Store Urban Relics

Located at 1810 S. Pinellas Ave., Urban Relics is a brand new specialty store with offerings ranging from upscale home decor to high end accent furniture. 

The new addition to the neighborhood is owned by business partners Joseph Brown and Paula Valentino.

How the store got to this point is somewhat of a blessing in disguise, according to Valentino.

A few years back, Valentino's mother moved to the area from Connecticut. In the process, Valentino discovered what she calls an "indescribable" venture.

"I'm finally sitting down after getting her unpacked and she tells me she has storage units that are going to be packed and transported here," Valentino explained with a brewing smile. 

Valentino says that her mom is an avid collector of fine things and furnishings — multiple storage units worth. The news of more goodies to unpack was somewhat overwhelming at the time.

"I was horrified," Valentino said. 

She considers her mother to be somewhat of a hoarder. 

For the past two years, Valentino has been selling the goods online. She recently began asking herself if there was an easier way to go about selling the products.

With previous talk of opening a business together, Valentino phoned Brown and asked, "do you think it's time?"

They agreed to go for it.

After some property hunting and research, Brown and Valentino landed in Tarpon Springs. The hometown feel and shopping districts made for an ideal location.

Since opening the doors in mid-September, Valentino says that business has been good. The store has an online presence with updated photos of the inventory, which changes week to week because each item is unique. 

"We've taken the plunge, and it's absolutely a blessing," said Valentino. "I'm loving life."

If You Go

Urban Relics is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on Sundays, by appointment only. Call the store at 727-678-5907.