Nick Lorenz is a Weirton native who owns a local antique shop in the city of Morgantown, West Virginia called Furnishings For U. Construction runs through the male side of his family; therefore, having a passion for antique items is something that is foreign in his lineage.
Having a business as unorthodox as an antique shop in a place that’s notorious for being a rowdy, party college town comes with its challenges. Often times Nick finds himself passing time in the confines of his small shop with nothing to do. Antiques aren’t necessarily a top priority for college students, and a lot of his business comes from people visiting the city.
In the absence of human interaction, he finds comfort in being with his dog, Luka. Luka accompanies Nick in nearly all of his excursions whether it be to the shop, store, or even the local bar. Nick also has a girlfriend, Tasha Marker, that resides in the apartment with him and Luka. After a long day of work, all three congregate together in their house in the First Ward of Morgantown. This is where he finds most of his community.
Although his life might sound lonely from the outside, Nick finds value in Jesus, close relationships, and running a sustainable business in an environment where people are interested in things other than what he’s selling.
Various items in the shop have direct ties to Nick. This plate was created by his grandfather.
Luke very rarely leaves Nick’s side. They’re together more than Nick and Tasha, Nick’s girlfriend. Whenever the shop is open, Luka is in it, often times laying on the antique sofa that he’s claimed for himself.
Nick embraces his nephew who comes into the shop during WVU’s Decide Day for upcoming freshman. He will be coming to WVU next year and plans to stop into the shop to volunteer.
Every time a customer enters through the door, Luka pokes his head from over the couch and greets them. Luka spends most of his time with Nick, so the presence of someone new is always exciting.
Nick waits for his girlfriend, Tasha Marker, to come home from work. She often works late nights as a life insurance agent.
An entire wall of the shop is littered with tools from the collection of Nick’s grandfather.
The opposite wall features a painting that was previously owned by Nick’s grandmother.
Nick’s cousin died in a car crash earlier when they were adolescents. Nick keeps a picture in his home as a memoir
Tasha and Nick watched over Tasha’s niece, Brooklyn, throughout a duration of her early childhood because of a family situation. Brooklyn wrote his letter to express the impact that they had on her life.
Often times, Nick prepares drinks for him and Tasha when she arrives home. On special occasions he will start a fire for the two.
