Back in the mid 1700s, when the Mohican Indians inhabited the beautiful hills and valleys surrounding the Black Fork and Clear Creek of the Mohican River near Loudonville, it is little doubt they traded beads, beautiful hand-made jewelry and fine-made moccasins. Ironically, visitors to Loudonville today can purchase the same type of products at Creative Outlet, located on West Main Street in the downtown business district.
A native of New York State, Creative Outlet owner Victoria Reinhard said she opened the store in August 1979 "to have a creative outlet for my jewelry making and an outlet for other artists." Originally, nearly 250 artists brought in their crafts on consignment, but within a short time, Victoria's business evolved into one featuring Southwestern and Native American crafts. Indian jewelry is the craft of choice, much of which Victoria makes herself. She has recently expanded her jewelry lines and now carries contemporary silver jewelry, as well.
"I make about four trips out West each year to insure my store offers authentic Native American products, something very rare here in the Midwest," Victoria said. "I search and search to find rare things things my customers may not find anywhere else. Most of what we offer are one-of-a-kind items. We bend over backwards to help people find what they're looking for," she continued. "In fact, I have customers who tell me what they want, I keep track of it in a notebook, and then on my next trip west I can look for it and bring it back for them."
Nearly 20 percent of Victoria's business comes from her own jewelry making, much of which is for custom-made orders. She specializes in non-traditional wedding bands.
Creative Outlet also features Indian jewelry from other sources plus Black Hills Gold jewelry. Other items offered include Native American crafts, dream catchers, Leanin' Tree cards, sand paintings, Limited Edition prints and Southwest decor. Clothing items include authentic Minnetonka moccasins and sandals, and tee shirts. Also available is a large selection of books about Native American history, cooking, spirituality and customs. For those inclined to make their own beaded jewelry, the outlet carries a wide range of beads and supplies. Also available are home-decor items such as Navaho and Zapotec weavings, pottery and ceramics.
Bean Pod soy candles (the second-most-popular candles in the Midwest) are a new feature at Creative Outlet. These candles are made from Iowa-grown soy beans and have all-natural cotton wicks that limit the emissions of harmful soot and fumes. These are great for people with allergies and/or asthma, and for people who have birds as pets. The candles come in a wide variety of colors and scents.
Ear candles (yes, you read that correctly) are new at the store and have become extremely popular. These long, hollow tapers use an ancient Hopi Indian technique called "Ear Coning," or "Ear Candling," for cleaning the ears and promoting a healthy atmosphere in the ears, sinus cavities and throat! You must see them to believe them! Victoria swears they work, so why not try them for yourself?
"Many of our customers say they come into our store to relieve stress," Victoria said. "They find it so relaxing. We usually have Native American music playing, and they enjoy browsing through our displays of sage and incense, aromatherapy products, Southwestern food products, Annie Oakley perfumes, and Native American music and crystals."
Creative Outlet relies heavily on its strong local-customer base, but couldn't exist without the tourist trade the Mohican area provides.
"We get a lot of teenagers who come in (both from the area and those here on vacation), go crazy over what they see here, and then come back later with their parents in tow," Victoria said. "Although many of our customers are within a two-to-three-hour drive, they often make special trips to come back for a certain item. By using our Web site, they can often make these purchases from home. Anyone looking for authentic crafts can access them more easily through our site."
Some frequent customers make a wish list at the store so friends and relatives can review their choices when an occasion may arise. Another customer-oriented feature at Creative Outlet is the Frequent Customer Club. Customers with these cards can get their card punched once for each $20 they spend, and, if they get 10 holes punched within a two-year period, they will receive a $20 gift certificate.
Mark your calendars: from August 23rd to the 27th (2006), to celebrate its 27th anniversary, the outlet will be offering a 27-percent discount on all merchandise upstairs in the gallery. Also, all jewelry made by Victoria will be discounted.
Take advantage of this outstanding establishment and see the type of crafts from long ago, when Native Americans called this Mohican area home.
-- 226 W. Main St., Loudonville, phone/fax (419) 994-5092, outlet@bright.net, http://www.creativeo...et.net; summer hours: Mon.-Thu., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (open until 8 p.m. June thru Aug. only); Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.