Aug 4, 2010

Gift shop searches for more local artworkBy Rosanne BoyettCibolaBeacon.com

Grants, New Mexico – Area artisans now have a new outlet for their products. Even though she has been in business for a year, owner Cydni Reynolds said “finding local artwork to sell is more difficult than I thought it would be when I opened last July.”

Owner Cydni Reynolds enjoys meeting people and helping them. Something Different fills pharmaceutical prescriptions, offers a selection of unusual gifts along with providing a cozy place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Her shop is celebrating its first year in business and Reynolds continues to expand the selection of local handmade gift items. BEACON /BOYETT

Something Different offers unusual gift items along with a coffee bar and pharmaceutical prescriptions. In the past few months Reynolds added men’s toiletry items and expanded the variety of inventory. Her business philosophy: “I think every shop should offer a diversity of products.”

The shop has developed more exclusive product lines that emphasize local handmade artisans’ work such as those from a Pie Town soapmaker. Three scents are now in stock along with California handmade soaps.

Reynolds, a licensed pharmacist, specializes in human and animal prescriptions. She had expected the pharmacy’s primary customers would be pet owners but the number of human prescriptions has now exceeded the demand for animal medications.

The region’s economic downturn has not noticeably affected sales. The owner noted a majority of customers are people who have recently moved to the area, travelers and local families with out-of-town guests.

In response to client requests she has been seeking a supplier of locally-made candles. Something Different sells a number of regional artists’ work. Supporting local and regional artisans is one of the owner’s long-term goals.

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