Amazing Grace Antiques and Gifts celebrates 25 years
CHILDRESS – Amazing Grace Antiques and Gifts celebrated its 25th anniversary with an open house on Tuesday, Nov. 29.
“I’m more than blessed,” Amazing Grace Antiques and Gifts Owner Dana Skinner said. “I’m very honored that my customers love what I choose and that they always tell me it just gets better every year.”
At the open house, Skinner served refreshments made by Teresa Brewer and had wine tastings from Four I’s Winery. All clothing and shoes were 25% off.
Skinner also gave away five $50 gift certificates in memory of five special ladies she wishes she could give credit to: Erma Custer, Janis Lawrence, Pat Skinner, Lois Stiner and Charlene Smith. She said she learned so much from them and wanted to honor them.
“These women taught me how to be, how to act and how to function in this world,” Skinner explained. “There’s a lot more of them out there, but I went with the first five that popped in my head. I am the product of all of those people. I can’t imagine my life and not knowing them.”
In fact, Skinner said the store is about them.
“This store has never been about me,” Skinner added. “This store has been about all those people, and my salesman who passed away, my mom, my brother, my daddy. Death brings in life.”
Amazing Grace Antiques and Gifts Manager Randi Murray is proud of Skinner for not only staying in business for 25 years but for thriving as well.
“This is a big deal, especially in Childress,” Murray said. “It’s very special to be a part of the business and to celebrate with her.”
This anniversary is special to Murray, because Skinner “found me when I was sick with cancer, came to the hospital, brought me a little token and told me she loved me. Since then, she has not let me stay home and let me suffer.” That was nine years ago.
But that’s not the only time Skinner has paid it forward. One of the favorite things she’s ever done in her life is this: “A lady came in and was buying gifts for everybody, and there was this cream and red sweater cardigan. She loved it, and she tried it on. It was beautiful on her, but she would not spend the money on herself. So I put it in a sack.”
Skinner said so many people have been good to her, so she likes to pay it forward. She would also like to thank her husband and her boys for their support.
“I spend lots of late nights up here,” Skinner said. “I appreciate that they have let me live my dream.”
