Elemento: An Eclectic and Unique Shop that Supports Community

Eclectic is a good word to describe Elemento. Immediately upon entering their Italianate historic building, is a large table filled with an array of polished stones and crystals, sorted by kind, in acrylic boxes and glass bowls. The shop is scented by a small tower of bundled herbs, known as smudge sticks, and a table full of jars containing a variety of incense, which doesn’t overwhelm. There is a sense of openness with its large windows, high ceiling, and spaciousness. Much of the area of the shop is filled with work by local artisans. Diaz-Moreno and Ruiz strive to ethically source their products. Pottery, paintings, prints, jewelry, and other unique handcrafted items fill their shelves. “We kind of are a small business incubator.”, says Ruiz. “Our goal is for them to be able to be out on their own with their own shops.” Elemento also offers candle-making classes and in the past has scheduled shopping events that have included free massages. This is a shop where visitors can not only find a unique gift and experience but where their purchases will be supporting local area artisans and their communities.