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New Shop offers a little bit of something for everyone

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By Jessica King

Whether it’s a cool-looking piece of handmade silver jewelry or a guide to eastern religion, the newly opened Unicorn Books and Gifts offers a little bit of something for everyone.

Owner Stacy Bart opened the shop at 780 Main St., next to Ramona Tan, earlier this year.

“I was looking for a shop like this in town and there was none … and so when the opportunity arose, I thought I’m just going to do it,” Bart explained. “I’m going to have that eclectic, kind of funky place that I love.”

Unicorn Books and Gifts opened on Jan. 15 and Bart is still working on adding to her inventory.

“Pretty much what the store is, is everything I like,” said Bart.

In addition to sterling silver jewelry and new and used books, the shop carries crystals, soaps, lotions, bags, fashion jewelry, greeting cards, and much more.

When selecting merchandise, Bart pays special attention to where it was made and the quality. Whenever possible, she likes to carry work from local artists.

“I work really hard to keep it local, and recycled items are big for me, too,” said Bart.

According to Bart, the coolest thing that she carries are Grow-a-note greeting cards, made with wildflower seeds so, when the receiver is done reading the card, he or she can plant the card in the ground and watch it grow.

Though quality and uniqueness are in the forefront of Bart’s mind as she selects her products, she also pays attention to price so shoppers with all kinds of budgets can enjoy Unicorn Books and Gifts.

“I’m working really hard to make sure this isn’t that expensive little shop in Ramona,” said Bart.

The mother-of-two also taps her 13-year-old daughter for ideas to reach all levels of taste when selecting merchandise.

“Sara’s Corner” is a spot in the shop that Bart uses to showcase the more trendy, fashion-forward jewelry designs selected by her daughter, Sara.

On Saturdays, Bart invites an Angel Card reader to come in and meet one-on-one with people. Similar to Tarot cards, the readings cost $20 for a 20- to 30-minute session and can be done as a means of fun, unique entertainment, or for guidance for those who truly believe in the practice.

Bart said she wants to do more things like that, and she may start a book club soon.

“My goal here is really more about uplifting people,” said Bart, who loves to offer her clientele tea while they shop.

Her personal philosophy for fulfillment centers on yoga, a plant-based diet, and what she calls “enough.”

By “enough,” Bart means figuring out what you need to be happy and content, and focusing on that, keeping positive rather than negative energy around.

Unicorn Books and Gifts is not Bart’s first venture into business.

She founded Ramona Business Consultants upon moving to town about six years ago, when her husband relocated for work. As a consultant, Bart helps small businesses with their marketing and computer needs.

Armed with her past experiences in marketing and computer needs, Bart has created a website for the shop, unicornbooksandgifts.com. Among other things, she uses the site to share wellness articles she thinks might interest her clientele and to feature products carried in her shop.

Unicorn Books and Gifts is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

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