Post by Moon Seeker on Jun 29, 2006 10:15:11 GMT -5
By Supriya Kotagal
Staff Writer
DAYTON — Just off Interstate 75, Kokopelli Gift House has become an unexpected fixture, offering a bohemian sampling of Southwestern knickknacks and jewelry for nearly 10 years.
The tiny shop on Little York Road is the only one of its kind in the Dayton area. From earthen pots to tomahawks, shoppers choose among mostly Navajo goods.
"People like the spirituality aspect of it," owner Kay Reichert said.
The store gets its name from a hunch-backed American Indian flutist said to bring good luck, according to a 1,200-year old legend. Kokopelli and other Navajo figures can be found in the store, alongside healing crystals and dream catchers.
Reichert fell in love with American Indian jewelry and art when she worked as a stone-cutter for Navajo jewelers in New Mexico in the early 1970s, she said.
Now, with daughter Lisa Thomas and husband Don helping run the business, Kokopelli attracts clientele from all over Ohio and out of state.
The store's positive atmosphere is one reason people keep coming back, Reichert said.
Customers may be soothed by the heavy scent of incense or the traditional American Indian music that plays, punctuated by the odd squawk from Thomas's emerald green parrot, Chicky.
The store's original Navajo artifacts, which, according to some customers, can channel the spiritual realm, are also a big attraction.
"You'd be surprised how many people come in here and say they see the Indian spirit," Reichert said.
Kokopelli's success is due in large part to its reputation as one of the few in the region to sell authentic goods. Unusual herbal remedies, like sage bundles or bearberry tea leaves, are hard to come by elsewhere.
"It's hard for small businesses to survive," Reichert said. "But if you sell something unique that people want, it keeps going."
www.daytondailynews.com/business/content/business/daily/062906kokopelli.html
Staff Writer
DAYTON — Just off Interstate 75, Kokopelli Gift House has become an unexpected fixture, offering a bohemian sampling of Southwestern knickknacks and jewelry for nearly 10 years.
The tiny shop on Little York Road is the only one of its kind in the Dayton area. From earthen pots to tomahawks, shoppers choose among mostly Navajo goods.
"People like the spirituality aspect of it," owner Kay Reichert said.
The store gets its name from a hunch-backed American Indian flutist said to bring good luck, according to a 1,200-year old legend. Kokopelli and other Navajo figures can be found in the store, alongside healing crystals and dream catchers.
Reichert fell in love with American Indian jewelry and art when she worked as a stone-cutter for Navajo jewelers in New Mexico in the early 1970s, she said.
Now, with daughter Lisa Thomas and husband Don helping run the business, Kokopelli attracts clientele from all over Ohio and out of state.
The store's positive atmosphere is one reason people keep coming back, Reichert said.
Customers may be soothed by the heavy scent of incense or the traditional American Indian music that plays, punctuated by the odd squawk from Thomas's emerald green parrot, Chicky.
The store's original Navajo artifacts, which, according to some customers, can channel the spiritual realm, are also a big attraction.
"You'd be surprised how many people come in here and say they see the Indian spirit," Reichert said.
Kokopelli's success is due in large part to its reputation as one of the few in the region to sell authentic goods. Unusual herbal remedies, like sage bundles or bearberry tea leaves, are hard to come by elsewhere.
"It's hard for small businesses to survive," Reichert said. "But if you sell something unique that people want, it keeps going."
www.daytondailynews.com/business/content/business/daily/062906kokopelli.html