About Us
This is not your grandmother's antique shop!
Mitchell Sotka opened this boutique-style shop in 2003 to bring quality antiques, timeless design, and home-styling history together in an inviting way. Our shop has become a space where marvelous things from the past could be paired with contemporary pieces in a way that fits any individual's taste. This principal inspired our motto "A way of living". When you walk into our Old River shop, you'll be captivated by our ever-changing selection of eclectic and mesmerizing merchandise. Make sure to look in every corner, from ceiling to floor, so nothing escapes your view! Our collection ranges in age and style with pieces from the 18th-century to the present and some earlier pieces sprinkled in from time-to-time. Find furniture, decorative porcelain, collectible crystal, vintage barware, gleaming silver, decadent jewelry, delightful home decor, luxurious lamps and light fixtures, and fabulous fine art by local, nationally, and internationally recognized artists all within our curated collection!
Since 2020, we've been adapting to the digital-era and working hard to make our Website reflect our shop more intimately. This process is a journey we are excited to continue building upon. Currently, there is an extremely limited amount of items listed on our Online Shop. As we work on remedying this, we encourage you to call us if you're looking for something specific, stop in regularly, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram where we post some of the newest or most-interesting pieces weekly. We are located just 15 minutes West of Cleveland, Ohio in the charming Old River Shopping area in Rocky River, Ohio. While you visit us, consider popping into the other independent storefronts including galleries, boutiques, and fine dining options. There are many passionate people in the plaza! You could very easily spend a day enjoying all Old River has to offer.
Not only do we specialize in curating vintage and antique items, we are also skilled Interior Designers. We offer specialized design services to help you personalize and stylize your home to fit you! "A Way of Living" is not Our Way only sets the path to achieving your dream interior. Whether a room needs a bit of customized curation or something entirely new, our Interior Designer experts hear your vision and work with you to make it a reality. Our services include large projects, custom upholstery, One Day Rejuvenations, color-consultations, and much more! We have a fabulous fabric library with a lot of personality available for a yardage order to fit any project or simply dreamy inspiration. Visit the design section of our website to learn more.
Have lingering questions? Check out our FAQ Page.
Mitchell Sotka
Mitchell Sotka is the man behind our shop's unique vision and curation. Though he started his career in the medical field, he couldn't ignore his love of antiques and design. In 1993, he entered into the antique industry and gained experience in auction houses, galleries, and in traveling throughout the US and abroad. . Mitchell is responsible for every item you see in the shop; a curated collection of unique, beautiful, and quality crafted things that struck his eye. Mitchell also spends his time working on Interior Design projects for clients as well as Estate Sales when we have them. In his free time, Mitchell loves supporting other small businesses, sailing, and caring for his furry friend, Charlie. No matter where you see him, you will observe his passionate dedication and love for everything he does!
Lauren Bishop
Many of you may recognize Lauren already as she is often the first face you'll see upon entering our shop! She is our full-time Assistant Marketing and Sales Manager. With a background working in museums and art galleries across the US, Lauren specializes in both collections management (cataloging & caring for “the stuff”) and artwork installation. A lifelong love of antiques and all things vintage brought her to our store in Old River, where she enjoys curating the displays, cataloging new items, and photographing objects around the shop. Lauren is a mixed media collage artist, an avid hat collector, and loves to travel/spend time any place “historic.” As such, she has an archive of knowledge and experiences that make her an asset to our store!
Brittney Callahan
Many of you might've met Brittney when she first started with us in 2020. She was the friendly, masked face you'd see bobbing around the store in her vintage inspired outfits. Now, she operates our "West Coast Division" - which is essentially managing our digital presence. Brittney studied Art History and Studio Art before earning her MFA in Photography and her creativity applied to several different occupations over the years. She was thrilled to accept a position at our shop and use her skills to help curate our website and social media. Brittney's independent hobbies include sewing, sculpting, and salvaging items. Even before coming onto the team, she was living a similar philosophy to ours in collecting and repairing vintage clothing and jewelry. Although she misses being at the shop, she is grateful to still be a part of making our vision more accessible!
Solveig Elios
Solveig is our most recent Team addition and is leading our Interior Design projects! Although a Cleveland native, she studied interior design through working in a New York antique shop. Through her 30 years of experience in both New York and greater Cleveland, she has become an expert in color design and trend forecasting. She is well-versed in historical styles and contemporary styles alike. Solveig is always interested in making design and color evolve with a family's needs. Like Mitchell, she believes in enhancing a client’s style with a true reflection of them. In addition to her love of design, Solveig adores spending time with her husband of 25 years, Jim, and their three children. She also finds somehow finds time for playing tennis, practicing piano, and entertaining. And Solveig does it all with a fabulously warm smile that permeates every room!
Donna Baltas
Donna is one half of our vibrant Estates Sales duo. Even though it's hard work, she enjoys organizing, discovering new things, and putting together wonderful shopping experiences for anyone involved in a Sale. She finds joy in the challenge of assisting people on their quests to find unique or hidden gems. She brings her tender and caring heart into every home and channels her creativity. In her former life, Donna produced radio and TV commercial campaigns with several large Cleveland advertising agencies as a broadcast producer. In recent years she’s been busy with her grandbabies and involved with a nonprofit where she decorates hospital rooms of extended stay children. Don't be alarmed if you're attending a sale and hear someone break out in song - Donna's just spreading her joy!
Shelly Bishop
Shelly is the other half of the fabulous Estate Sales duo. Over a decade ago, she found Mitchell's shop and fell in love with his vision and taste. This mutual respect quickly translated to a lasting friendship. When Estate Sales first became a part of our business, Shelly's organizational expertise gained as a Legal Secretary and people skills refined in her years as a Case Study Manager for individuals with developmental disabilities seemed like a perfect match. Having personal experience with understanding the delicate emotions a family goes through at the time of a sale, she brings a complementary asset to Mitchell’s collaborative. Shelly‘s love of “all things old” began as a child when she’d accompany her mother to frequent antique shows. This appreciation for aged and well-made things has become a tradition with her husband.
Call Us:
440.333.1735
Email Us:
hello@mitchellsotka.com
Visit Us:
19071 Old Detroit Road
Rocky River, Ohio 44116
Store Hours:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: CLOSED