Overtime's History

My name is Janice DeCitise and I live in Brunswick,NY in Rensselaer County, with my husband, Chuck. Jointly, we have four children (all grown) and seven grandchildren.

Chuck is now retired and helps me with the business. He has been extremely supportive of my business venture.

The business began as a result of my long-time love for (and pursuit of) antiques, so Chuck and I went to auctions, estate sales and scoured the countryside looking for treasures. It didn't take long for our house to be overflowing. Chuck jokingly suggested I go into business. A week later when he came home from work I had my DBA on the table and was waiting for my tax paperwork to come through. I think he was very surprised!

I began Overtime Antiques by renting a small space in a local antiques center, so I would be able to still keep my full-time job. After a few months, I moved to a larger space in the same center. Within six months, I had rented a second space in the same center and a space in a second center. I was hooked! I had dreamed about my own shop for a very long time.

I have always loved Greenwich, a quaint village about 30 minutes from my home which is loaded with unique shops and great places to eat. On a relaxing day out with my sister, we headed to Greenwich for a day of shopping.

Unbelievably, we stumbled upon a storefront for rent. I was so excited, I called the number immediately from my cell phone. Chuck and I saw the shop the next day and wrote a check for the rent! The location was perfect and the time was right, so I gave four weeks notice at work and the rest is history. I opened in early May, 2002.

I started by carrying a mix of country and Victorian antiques, reproductions, and decorative gift items. Since Chuck retired, he goes to estate sales and auctions and brings me back wonderful finds. The clientele at my shop seemed to more interested in the reproductions, primitive painted furniture, barn board furniture, etc., so over the past few years, I have been specializing more in unique furniture made from old pieces, barn board, or new made to look old. Since retiring, Chuck has begun building special order pieces for me! We travel several times of year to the Amish Country seeking unique country gifts such as candles, linens, and much more. Because of the change in merchandise, my business is now called "Overtime Antiques & More "A Country Shoppe."

If you wish to contact me, feel free to call, email or write c/o Janice DeCitise to the address below.