Shopping
Store spotlight: Cimarron River Company
By DAVID HOFSTEDE
Rancher Jim Miller has two great loves — turquoise jewelry and his wife, Connie, not necessarily in that order.
EnlargeConnie shares Jim's appreciation of fine Native American jewelry, and their shared affection formed the foundation of Cimarron River Company. "It was a natural thing for us," Connie says. "It's easy to get involved in selling something you love." Before the store opened in Satanta, Kansas, Connie brought her jewelry inventory directly to her customers. Joined by daughter-in-law Kim, who had her own burgeoning business selling palm leaf cowboy hats, the Millers received an enthusiastic response from family and friends and were inspired to set up a more permanent retail setting.
In 2005 Cimarron River Company joined with Horsefeathers, a boutique that sells belts, purses, Southwest furniture, and home décor items. "People walk in and are amazed at the inventory we have for such a small rural area," Connie says. Together, the sister stores offer beaded handbags, ponchos, cowboy gear, concho belts, gift items, pillows, and furs, as well as a remarkable selection of Native American jewelry from the tribes of the Southwest. "Mostly we carry one-of-a-kind items from reservations in Arizona and New Mexico," Connie says.
Suppliers include artists Tommy Singer, Calvin Begay, Charles Ortiz, and Frank Carillo. From a simple single strand to a high-design necklace, Cimarron River Company offers pieces for turquoise and Native American jewelry enthusiasts. Today the business has gone global thanks to the Internet. Connie says, "We're the 'store next door,' no matter where our customers live."
• Info: 2280 County Rd. Cc 20, Satanta, KS
620-649-2697, www.cimarronrivercompany.com
Issue: April 2009
