Our quaint gift shoppe located in Historic Downtown Tularosa, New Mexico, began several years earlier as Deb and I have a small farm that we raise pecans and livestock, consisting mainly of goats and sheep. A friend encouraged us to have our pecans cracked and shelled thus being able to sell them retail instead of wholesale in the shell. After having done so for two years, another set of friends, who owned the building we are located in, 312 Granado Street, planted the idea to open a retail store and lease the front of their building. After much discussion and debate, we agreed to their proposal and thus began the birth of "Fine and Dandy." Fine and Dandy was put together in about 5 week's time and was open for business the 21st of June, 2006. As of September 2006, we had the opportunity to then purchase our building in Tularosa and our expansion began. We now have about three times as much room as we started out with and most folks are still coming in to "see what's new!!"
Debbie and Jeff have a special way of creating just the right atmosphere in their shoppe. It is a step back in time to the old days of Tularosa with the original old tin ceilings, the wear patterns and ember burns on the wood floors that give a hint of time gone by. The window display is always changing for the seasons or occasions, just as things were in days gone by. They have used antiques from a local antique shop down the street to compliment the decor. Many a night have been spent looking for just the right items to stock in the store, wanting them to be unique, locally handmade if possible, and affordable to all thus saving the time and expense of travel looking for similar items elsewhere.
You simply must stop in and try some of the yummy Kettle Corn, (which as a family they have popped corn many a night for supper or snacks). We have Caramel Kettle Corn, Cinnamon Kettle Corn, Red Chili Kettle Corn (with that bit of spice mixed with the sweet and salty), Cheesey Kettle Corn, and Dave's Pick Red Chili Cheese Kettle Corn! A few of the items one would enjoy seeing are kitchen knives that are made in the USA!, handcrafted jewelry by family and colleagues, grape seed oils and vinegars, clothing, pottery, and just lately, fresh locally grown hydroponic lettuce, vegetables and potted plants.
Even though a mercantile style store was not the original idea, during the first year Fine and Dandy has been open in Tularosa, it seems to have become that. Jeff had been in the retail business about 13 years, working as clerk, receiver and assistant manager for a local hardware company. He is now employed at the Tularosa Post Office and works as a letter carrier, still doing customer service and enjoying the people he meets daily.
Debbie, who works as an RN in Alamogordo at the Scenic View Surgical Center, has a knack for being crafty (no pun intended). Dandy is her grandma name and she is thrifty in all that she does and is able to create and plan unique ideas, themes and occasions. She has volunteered for the hospital auxiliary and has created and helped make (along with her mom and dad) many a center piece for the salad luncheon/style shows that the auxiliary used for fund raisers.
Mary, Deb's mom, who has a talent for sewing and crocheting, makes many an item for sale at the shoppe. She has sewn up aprons, placemats, crocheted pot holders, reticule purses, dish towels etc, etc. (Way to many items to remember them all, you just must come in and see everything).
Bill, Deb's dad, makes sawdust and some of the most beautiful shelves, book ends, toy rifles and cutting boards (to just name a few) emerge out of the dust and mess to create some unique items any household would enjoy.
Ida, Jeff's mom, has been there since the first opening weeks of the store, working as clerk, cleaner, floor sweeper and friend to all who enter. She makes sure anyone who peruses the shelves looking for that special gift for someone, is able to find just the right thing. Janie, and her daughter, Kristie, also help out with sales, support and the bagging of Kettle Corn.
There are many family members and friends who have helped out also. They are there during events, in support of us moral and mentally, and helping to create the many gifts that are available. I am sure we would miss someone if we tried to name them all. To all who are there, Many, Many thanks!!
We look forward to having you come visit us at 312 Granado Street in Tularosa, NM, or call (505) 585-GIFT (4438). You can always find the door open Tuesday thru Saturday, 10am until 4pm. After that, catch us as you can, as we are always "popping" in and out.
Until we meet,
Jeff and Debbie
Tularosa, New Mexico