Shop Small OKC at the Museum: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Store

November 05, 2018 by Stephanie Kazenske

We need to talk about museum gift shops. I personally think they are just the very best. One day I will do an entire series of blog posts on how shopping at a museum gift store is such a smart move. Seriously. You have a focused shopping experience… its the best of the best. And it most certainly is a local experience. How better can you support the texture of your city than supporting the culture of the city? Your purchase supports a local small business in a big way. You don’t need to save museum shopping for a museum touring day - you can buzz in and find the best stuff all curated in one easy spot. I dare you to prove me wrong. I just can’t think of a disappointing shopping experience in a museum gift store. Art, science, history, nature - in big cities or small towns - a museum gift shop knows how to appeal to my heart.

Case in point? The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Let’s just start by pointing out that this is an easy place to get to and find free, easy parking in the Adventure District. No need to even tour the museum or buy a ticket (although, I personally do love a good wandering through. And this museum is quite lovely and diverse.) If you are in a pinch, you can visit their robust website as well… but if you can stop in you definitely must! It is a beautiful store!

When I stopped by to do some shopping, I have to tell you, I was stunned at how large the store is. It’s 4000 square feet of some of the most distinct merchandise you can imagine. Its all the stuff you wanted to buy on vacation but didn’t know how to get back home. Its truly stunning artwork, jewelry, clothing, books and even home furnishings. There is a robust made in Oklahoma section, and there is seasonal decor including Christmas decorations and original ornaments. Pendleton blankets! Gorgeous coffee table books. Kids toys. I could literally go on and on. Not to mention, they have art work and beautiful bronzes. Their Native American made jewelry is one of the largest I have ever seen. Simply stunning.

This is the kind of store where you can buy something for everyone. From a coffee mug to a future family heirloom, there really is something for everyone. Personally, I fell in love with this jacket… and this blanket. (And about seven other blankets.) And a couple of the squash blossom necklaces… and the Frankoma Pottery. Sigh. I was actually overwhelmed at how many things I legitimately wanted to purchase just for myself after walking through the store.

But the icing on the cake for me is the people who work in the store. They embody the true Oklahoma spirit - friendly and helpful. Exactly what you would expect to find in a store where your purchases support our collective Western culture.

I asked store manager, Laney Carey, to tell me in her own words about this fantastic gem so you all could get a feel for the the museum store and learn a little about the personality behind the shop.

NCWHMS: The Museum Store at The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is a premier destination shop of the finest handmade Native American jewelry, western wear and accessories in Oklahoma. Our wide range of exclusive collections from our authentic art to handmade jewelry represent the traditions and crafts of the old west combined with fashion-forward design, luxury goods, and handcrafted quality. Inspired by the Code of The West, we honor the virtues and passions of the western lifestyle that is uniquely American.

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is a private museum with private funding. The Museum Store’s sales go toward preservation of the museum.

We want to be known as a destination shopping experience with great parking. Great place to shop for yourself and unique gifts. We have Made in Oklahoma products, Pendleton, authentic hand-made Native American Jewelry.

We still provide personal service to our customers and gift wrapping.

Also would like to make sure everyone knows they do not have to purchase a ticket to shop at the museum store. Offer close parking.

Also we really have worked hard to update our website with products that change daily.

Store.nationalcowboymuseum.org

So, follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest or visit them on their website. Their phone number is 405-478-2250 x 228. But most importantly, add them to your short list of local shopping. You can thank me later!

Shopping Small at Nuvo Home

October 26, 2018 by Stephanie Kazenske

Do you know how many times I have perused the Anthro home catalog or browsed Apartment Therapy or just gone down the deep rabbit hole of Pinterest… you know, all the amazing bohemian images of perfectly curated vignettes. Do you know we have a place in Oklahoma City where you can find all of this? Feel the fabric, sit on the sofa… plan your space out and order just the right piece in just the right color.

Do you know that you can find that whimsy and you can most likely be the only person you know with that amazing quality piece of furniture? Or take home one of the many accessories that are so well displayed? The perfect pillow, throw, or lamp… An amazing tassel even. I love her rugs and I think she stocks some of the most unique bedding. (and I am still dreaming of a dreamy fur throw I saw that makes me want to curl up with a book and tea…)

You need to make sure Nuvo Home is on your radar. Tracee Strong, the owner, is passionate about what she sells. She is warm and inviting and she is the kind of store owner that really cares about her customers.

If you need a gift, she’s got you covered. If you need to add some seasonal whimsy to your home, she’s got that too.

And art! Simply stunning art. Local art. And you can find an amazing light fixture as well. Honestly, its like walking through all the styled images you might have found on the internet. The whole experience is delightful. It is like stepping into the pretty pictures.

Tracee brings those pretty pictures to real life — she plays fun music, she will let you browse solo or will listen to your story, and sometimes she has her adorable dog, Dazy, with her. Nuvo Home is an asset to Oklahoma City. She brings all the beautiful eclectic things to us so that we can add beauty to our homes and life.

I sent Tracee some of my Shop Small OKC questions so that you could get to know her and Nuvo Home a little better —

Shop Small OKC: Tell me a little about your small shop

Tracee Strong: Nuvo Home is almost 4,000 sf. Its small but I have big aspirations for the changing retail industry. I believe the way I can survive is to give the best service possible by offering free in-store consultations to better serve design needs. I carry inspiring furniture, art, rugs, and lighting that will help propel the customer into an easy re-styling process without being overwhelmed.

Shop Small OKC: When did your store open?

Tracee Strong: November 16, 2016, I’m 2 years old this coming month :)

Shop Small OKC: What is your store’s specialty?

Tracee Strong: Helping design clients and interior designers by offering the best design solutions available for the best price.

Shop Small OKC: Why did you go into small business/open your store?

Tracee Strong: My design mentor Patricia Fransen passed away from cancer in early 2016. She taught me that I can do anything I put my mind, heart, and soul into. She was my biggest inspiration in opening my own store.

Shop Small OKC: What accomplishment are you most proud of as a small shop owner? Tracee Strong: Just opening my own business. That in and of itself has been my biggest accomplishment. The future can only tell if its been financially worth it but nothing can take that way from me. I truly believe the best is yet to come.

Shop Small OKC: What is the biggest challenge of being a small shop?

Tracee Strong: In the home furniture side of business I not only compete with big warehouse stores(West Elm, Pottery Barn, Mathis Bros) but the mega online stores (Wayfair, Houzz) as well. People cant always compare apples to apples online and it can be overwhelming. I would like to become the *go to* place but also want to develop my online shopify store so that customers can have the “self-serve” gratification they get when clicking the buy button.

Shop Small OKC: When you aren’t busy with your shop, what do you enjoy doing?

Tracee Strong: Design is life but I have an amazing family that I adore. They are my everything and I cherish every moment I get with them.

Shop Small OKC:: Favorite OKC date night?

Tracee Strong: I’m wanting to try Cajun Corner on Council Road, they owned my favorite Covell Park in Edmond (closed now). I like to support local people. When we don't- they close and we don't get to enjoy them. Its imperative to support local! These are our neighbors!

Shop Small OKC: Favorite local thing to go/see/do?

Tracee Strong: Riversport OKC is a fun outdoor activity. But, nothing beats going to watch my son play sports for his teams. He plays for Trae Young Elite Basketball, Edmond Sequoyah football, basketball, and tennis. Support your local school by going to the games!

Please go explore Nuvo Home and take home some of these treasures. You can find Tracee’s store in Casady Square at 9235 N Pennsylvania Ave, The Village, OK and make sure to follow her beautiful Instagram feed @nuvohome and check out her web site!

Small Shopping at The Mill Shop and Co-Op

October 19, 2018 by Stephanie Kazenske

This interiors focused store in Casady Square is pretty special to me. It was one of my first forays in diving all-in locally shopping in Oklahoma City. The Mill Shop is woven with its sister company, Dovetail Studios, an interior design business that I can personally highly recommend.

I actually first found this gem on Instagram. We had just bought an old four-square in historic Mesta Park and I was overwhelmed with needing a literal house-full of furniture. I had hired someone from out of state (!) to help me (because I was relatively new to the city) and things were going nowhere. Completely stalled out. I needed the help of someone locally. *This was my first lesson in LOCAL IS BEST.* I needed a literal place to sit down. We were all sorts of desperate for actual chairs to sit in but patiently found someone that could help us along the way. After interviewing several local options my husband and I decided on Natalie from Dovetail. Dovetail introduced me to places around town I didn’t know existed. I really started shopping locally.

The Mill Shop is Natalie Turner’s and her business partner, Taylor Malone’s, shop. I have been by the shop countless times, and I have gotten to know both Natalie and Taylor. They are hard working, genuine ladies that care deeply about their projects. They have impeccable on trend taste and you can find very unique and even locally sourced goodies throughout their store. Everything is merchandised so well and there is an array of items from jewelry to gifts.

The unique thing about the store is how full service it is. You can order custom pillows. You can hire Dovetail for your holiday decor install. Or to style your home. Or to do your custom build. You can sign up for one of their workshops. Succulent planting! Wreath making! But what is really unique is that while they have so much diversity and so much to offer, it all feels approachable and easy. This store is authentic.

But back to Instagram — The Mill Shop and Co-Op and Dovetail Studios feeds are fun, inspiring, realistic, and interactive. If you enjoy following a well curated feed of lovely and authentic photos, this is one not to be missed. And I watch all of their stories! And their personal feeds! Hahahaha!

I asked the Mill Shop girls some questions so that you could get to know them —

ShopSmallOKC: Tell me a little about your small shop —

The Mill Shop and Co-Op: Customers often ask us "What does Co-Op mean?" We added Co- Op to the end of our name because inside our little shop there are 2 companies, several local artisans and makers, we host workshops, and we collaborate with other local entrepreneurs. The shop is eclectic and speaks to all and our goal is to provide something a little extraordinary for OKC.

ShopSmallOKC: When did your store open?

The Mill Shop and Co-Op: October 2016

ShopSmallOKC: What is your store’s specialty?

The Mill Shop and Co-Op: We aren't your typical home interior store...as interior designer's with design degrees from UCO, we are able to assist customers in selecting furnishings with more purpose.

ShopSmallOKC: Why did you go into small business/open your store?

The Mill Shop and Co-Op: To accommodate our interior design clients from @dovetailstudio while filling a void for home decor stores in the OKC metro by providing eclectic and extraordinary finds.

ShopSmallOKC: What accomplishment are you most proud of as a small shop owner?

The Mill Shop and Co-Op: In our short 2 years of business, we are most proud of the relationships that we have developed with our customers and local makers along with the continual growth of The Mill Shop and Co-Op and Dovetail Studio together as a whole.

ShopSmallOKC: What is the biggest challenge of being a small shop?

The Mill Shop and Co-Op: With so many home interior stores locally, we feel that our biggest challenge is standing out in the crowd.

ShopSmallOKC: When you aren’t busy with your shop, what do you enjoy doing?

The Mill Shop and Co-Op: We spend ALOT of time working with 2 newly established businesses but any spare time is spent with family.

ShopSmallOKC: Favorite OKC date night?

The Mill Shop and Co-Op:

Natalie: Tokyo House Sushi

Taylor: Live music and anything in Midtown

ShopSmallOKC: Favorite local thing to go/see/do?

The Mill Shop and Co-Op:

Natalie: Taking my daughter, Izzy, on adventures to the zoo, the Science Museum, etc...also love attending Junk Hippy Road Show and Old Chicken Barn Show in Jones

Taylor: Hitting up new local restaurants and breweries with friends and family

You can check out the Mill Shop and Co-Op on their website (www.dovetailstudiook.com), Instagram (@themillshopandcoop and @dovetailstudiook) or go visit them in Casady Square (The Village) shopping center - 9207 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73120