BUFFALO, N.Y. — Almost five years ago, Nia Marcolini was looking for a new direction in life.
"I lost my job to COVID, and I wanted something to do with my time," Nia Marcolini, owner of the Blue Moon Vintage Bus, told 2 On Your Side.
Marcolini took her love for travel and her passion for vintage and antique items and turned it into a fun experience for all to enjoy.
"I just love the idea of connecting to my community and not being in one solid place," she said.
She decided on a "whim" to buy a school bus. What looked like a normal school bus would become The Blue Moon Vintage Bus. She said the person she purchased it from used the bus to transport hay and animals.
"The bus came from Pennsylvania. I saw it in the front yard. I offered him a price and he took it. I was visiting family. I did it on a whim! I said I think I am going to go and get a bus and I did," Marcolini said.
You can find all sorts of pieces from the 1950s to the 1990s. Marcolini said she gets her items from within the community.
"I want it to seem like you are stepping into your grandmother's living room, so I made it kind of fun, colorful, and welcoming. A lot of people think it's warm and inviting. It's a cool idea," she said.
Marcolini said mobile businesses could be growing in popularity.
"A lot of other mobile businesses have popped up, too, because of it. I think that's awesome. ... I'm glad I inspired other people to do it because we are a community and we are working together. ... I'm happy it's becoming a little mobile community," Marcolini said.
They even are finding ways to team up with the community. Right now, they are taking part in a Little Free Magnet Library.