Small Business Spotlight: Local woman restores antique lamps, creates custom designs

Kate Elkins

Business Name: Lamp Doktor

Years in Business: 2 years

Location: Carlisle

Contact: LampDoktor.com or 717-377-8229

Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?

A: During my many years managing lamp stores in Texas and Florida, I toyed with the idea of starting my own business. After moving to Cumberland County, I noticed that there really wasn’t any place that offered my unique combination of skills in lamp repair and restoration, along with making creative custom lamps. I knew there had to be a way to provide my lamp expertise to the community without being tied down to a storefront, and I found the perfect collaboration with Bedford Street Antiques. They offer my customers the convenience of being open seven days a week for drop-off and pick-up.

Q: How did you get your start?

A: I grew up with eight brothers and loved helping them fix things, so I’ve always been handy with tools. In my 20s I got a part-time job at a lamp shop in Texas. I found I really enjoyed the mix of customer service, fixing lamps and, especially, restoring antique fixtures. I ended up managing the repair, restoration and custom lamp service at that shop and later at one in Florida.

Q: What does your business sell or provide?

A: I repair and restore an extensive range of lamps, fixtures and chandeliers, specializing in antiques, with period-appropriate parts. I also create custom lamps out of just about anything: a favorite vase, a family heirloom, a treasure from your travels, and turn them into beautiful focal points and conversation pieces. I love to see my customers’ faces light up when they receive their one-of-a-kind lamps.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?

A: Currently, one of my exciting projects is restoring the light fixtures from the 1920s-era Embassy Theater in Lewistown, which is being brought back to its former glory. The fixtures are coated with decades of grime and rust, and the wiring is brittle. I love a challenge. Many of my projects require quite a bit of research to ensure that the restorations are accurate. Thanks to my years of experience, I know where to source unusual parts and, if I can’t find them, I’ve been known to create some. I have also volunteered to help with the Mount Tabor Church restoration. There is a special satisfaction in getting older, often dangerous lamps functioning safely again.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?

A: We love to visit the many state parks. After living in Europe for years, we chose this area because it reminds us so much of southern Germany, where we lived for many years, and offers not only beautiful scenery but so much history as well.