Augusta business Bee’s Knees shifting gears to sell antiques

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - While the pandemic has caused lots of stress for some people, it’s removed mental blocks for others.

Some people have started businesses and others say the unique times have sparked change.

One local business owner says the pandemic highlighted in his life self-worth.

“It’s been a meeting place for first dates, birthdays and anniversaries,” said Eric Kinlaw, owner of Bee’s Knees.

Bee’s Knees holds stories from nearly two decades ago.

“The Bee’s Knees always evolved from what it was anyways,” he said.

Its been a restaurant, a bakery and a coffee shop, but now Kinlaw says it’s time to switch gears.

“It wasn’t about more it was about different. I wasn’t happy doing what I was doing. I was kind of doing it for other people and not myself. The pandemic made me realize I wanted to do what I wanted to do,” said Kinlaw.

He says since he was 14 years old, he’s had a passion for collecting vintage and antique items.

“I’ve always been a collector. I started collecting records when I was very young,” he said.

Now he plans to circle back to what he originally fell in love with – offering the community a different option.

“We are going to have décor, furniture, vinyl, just old things,” he said. “Most of it is my personal collection.”

It’s a collection he says was gathered back in the 1990s – antiques he says still bring him a sense of joy.

“Not doing it for others or other reasons. I just want to be happy,” he said.

If you would like to check out Bee’s Knees they say the new expansion will be complete by the holidays.

For more on the Bee’s Knees, visit http://beeskneesaugusta.com/#new-page or connect on Facebook and Instagram.

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