Uniquely Lyons: Celebrating the Small Town Real Estate Office

Throughout my real estate industry journey, I've always held the belief that a small-town real estate office should embody the spirit of the community it serves. Realtors, in essence, are the ambassadors of these wonderful communities, and it's our duty to uphold that responsibility. My inspiration for this philosophy stems from the remarkable example set by my mom's real estate office I experienced growing up in Mendocino, California.

A couple of years ago, a new vision began to take shape in my mind - a unique real estate office that would incorporate a retail component with a dedicated focus on our beloved Lyons. I envisioned a place that would seamlessly blend with the heart of downtown, realizing that Main Street yearned for more retail, not additional offices. This space would offer an array of spirit wear and products that celebrate the distinct personality of our town. It would also provide comforting home products, thoughtfully curated to complement the existing stores and galleries in town. It was essential for this place to be a hub where visitors could access information about our community, be encouraged to enjoy a meal at our local restaurants, and pick up a keepsake, such as a Lyons-themed t-shirt. Furthermore, it would serve as a proud haven for our neighboring mountain communities like Pinewood and Big Elk, encompassing the entirety of the 80540 zip code. "Lyons" transcends beyond just the town; it's a symbol of our collective spirit.

The vision faced a setback with the arrival of COVID-19, but we persevered. We officially opened the doors to our sister retail shop, Uniquely Lyons, in mid-February, just before the world paused. It's been both exhilarating and nerve-wracking to reopen and replenish the store with new inventory during a pandemic. The decision to invest in inventory was not for the faint of heart, but my faith in this concept propels us forward. It's given me a newfound appreciation for small business owners who face challenges even in normal times, let alone the tumultuous year that was 2020. This winter, I implore you to support them - shop locally, dine at their establishments, buy gift cards, and explore our galleries. They are an integral part of our town's spirit and character. They need us as much as we need them.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sue Nichols-Painter for her invaluable retail expertise and unwavering passion. The transformation of our shop wouldn't have been possible without her. I'm immensely grateful to Steve Friedrich, Emily Jenkins Dusel, and Andrea Rodgers for their hard work in supporting our clients and embracing my creative ideas. Our team is a testament to kindness, engagement, and brilliant minds. I'd also like to express my gratitude to my husband and the entire Coldwell Banker team for embracing and supporting my innovative dreams, even when they push boundaries. Special thanks to Kevin Schafer, Charlie Gau, Clay Dusel, and Ian Phillips for their construction expertise, Nicole Bookman for adding the gift of plant life, and Janice Gavan for providing us with this beautiful space in the heart of Main Street and helping bring our store to life.

While COVID has posed some limitations on our plans, rest assured, we're not done yet. I'm incredibly proud of our evolution and our ability to adapt to circumstances. Exciting finishing touches are in the works for the winter months, and I can't wait for you to see the stunning "80540" wall mural that Tommy Kaui Nahulu is creating for us. It's all part of completing the vision.

Here's to a fantastic 2021 ahead, filled with promise and prosperity!