markbell's blog

Most of the kids that come in to Omega Too will tell you it is a Lightsaber, but it is, in fact, a pen with shameless promotional information on the side. " Omega Too (.com) For Unique lights." Great for writing checks at our store for things like period correct sinks and faucets. You could even write down exact measurements you want your custom light to be built, and then hand it to us. It has endless uses really.

One of the coolest parts of my job is driving around in our old '51 Chevy 5-window pick-up. Sure making custom lights is rewarding. Sure doing on-site consultations on light choices is a great way to meet people. But there's nothing like seeing the smile, an old shiny truck with a dog hangin' out the window, brings to peoples faces. We thought it only appropriate that a store that sells restored old lights, should, of course, drive around in a restored old vehicle. But it is funny that most people spend so much time looking at the truck, they don't read the door.

Recently we have joined forces with our neighbors in Berkeley to keep business dollars in town. It helps the environment and keeps local jobs alive. (fingers crossed.) Hopefully this will catch on and keep mom & pop shops like us going through thin times.

So, yes, business has been slow this summer. But it seems gates are what folks work on while waiting for the housing market to kick in to gear. Luckily we have a couple amazing blacksmiths that make some great latches to meet everyone's needs. Left or right sided, you're choice. We also have heavy, powder coated pulls and hinges from Britian that will out live the next ice age.
We'll keep getting more in, you keep buying 'em. Thanks.

We had some success as of late with people coming in asking for "steam-punk" lights. For those of you unfamiliar with the term,it denotes works set in an era or world of steam power—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne. Think Flash Gordon meets Sherlock Holmes.

We've attached some of the latest things going on at omega Too. Our yellow pages ad, for one. Not very exciting maybe, but they have this new pay-per-call deal. if no one calls, no bill. If twelve people call, an itsy-bitsy bill, etc. We're giving it a try, because honestly most hip, interior designers don't search for custom lighting, or even restored vintage lighting via a big, old school, newsprint, brick. But we'll see...