Holy Angels offers books, religious items

By Roni Gehlke

Name of business: Holy Angels Books and Religious Articles

Type of business: book, religious items store

Owner: Andrea Vitalie

Founded: 2006 in Antioch. She had a smiliar store in Bay Point for seven years before that.

Address: 702 W. Second St., Antioch

Phone number: 925-778-7575

Hours: Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday noon to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday

Number of employees: one

Products and services: Catholic and Orthodox books and religious items. Products include rosaries, statues, books, orthodox icons, confirmation and baptism dresses. They also carry a wide variety of gift and related items for baptisms, confirmations and weddings.

How did you get into the business: "By the grace of God," Vitalie said.

She said she had been working for a company that had been downsizing and knew she was going to have to find another line of work. She had always been interested in opening a similar business and decided to give this idea a try out of her home while still working her regular job.

Then one of her friends from church told her about a place in Bay Point where she could open a storefront of her business. She had opened other temporary stores in Pittsburg during Christmas in the past and thought the idea had merit, so she followed her prayers and opened her store.

Then when she decided to move to Antioch, she found a location that she had thought would be perfect with just a few minor adjustments. The building was larger and was in a great location. The cost of the rent was a bit high, but she worked out a deal with the owner of the building and was able to move in.

"The lord sent so many helpers to set my stores up it must have been his will," she said.

Best part about the business?: "Being able to evangelize and being able to help people with their faith," Vitalie said. "This way I am helping them to be closer to God."
Worst part about the business?: "I can't really think of anything," Vitalie said. "Everyone has had hard times. I'm just happy to be here and to provide the bookstore."

Key to success: "God and my faith in God," Vitalie said.

Biggest misperception about the business: Vitalie said that when people walk into the store they can't believe how many books she has inside. "I do have a very large assortment and there are just so many sources out there with information for people to learn from," she said.
Future plans: Vitalie said on Sept. 26 she will host a Mariologist speaker at the store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

— Roni Gehlke