Holidays this year will no doubt present us with a new set of memories and emotions. The most important part of this time of year is thinking of family and dear friends, and all of us are definitely searching for gifts to commemorate this beloved season. White Buffalo Trading Company can fulfill this desire in spades!
Pam Minick, owner, began her company some 20 years ago with five hundred dollars and a wellspring of talent and ambition.
“Over 20 years ago, I was making Native American dolls using soft buckskin, horsehair and glass beads, while doing a lot of beadwork shows and teaching. I saw many beautiful pieces and met many artists there,” Minick says. “I’ve always loved Native American jewelry. Each piece is unique, and the artists put their hearts in their pieces. You can see 10 rings with turquoise in them, and each one will be different. Depending on the mine the turquoise is from, the colors can be very different. For instance, if it came from the Dry Creek Mine it can be a pale blue, almost white in color. From the Fox Mine it could be a dark forest green. But it’s not just turquoise, semi-precious stones such as amethyst, coral, peridot, jasper, onyx and obsidian come in many colors and shades. For instance, spiney oyster can be pale yellow, orange, red to a dark purple depending on the age and depth of the ocean.”
Her mother had her own shop, first in the Wisconsin Dells, then Illinois. Minick spent a lot of time there with her, learning. She is grateful for her integrity and giving nature, along with her great eye for Native American jewelry. This made her quite successful and she maintained her business for 30 plus years.
“Drawing from these experiences and my ability to get along with others was an easy progression to want a shop of my own. I had some retail experience that helped me in the other areas of the business,” Minick says. “I really love this jewelry and frequently find myself when showing a piece saying, ‘I really love this one!’ on every piece I show, but it’s true. Every piece is hand-picked for the uniqueness and beauty.”
The array of jewelry pieces she carries in her shop draws customers from all over the world, including Sweden and England. She invites people to view them on her Facebook page and Instagram, which she likes because she can post daily and quickly. Some stand out, most unusual pieces she mentioned are a three-piece set with lander blue turquoise set in each piece.
“It is the highest priced turquoise per karat and hard to find,” she says.
She also mentioned a squash blossom necklace from the early 1970’s from the Lone Mountain Mine.
“I shop everywhere in search of the most beautiful Native American pieces, and welcome all to take a look and call or visit our shop,” she says.
White Buffalo Trading Co. is located at 13328 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66213. Find them on Facebook and Instagram. Call them at 913-789-8858.
