Downtown Minot has a lot of fun, small shops filled with one of a kind finds that you never even knew you needed to have, but when you see it, you just know. One of these shops is Robyn’s Place. Located in the Fair Building at 122 Main St S, Robyn’s Place is a cozy, little shop filled with a variety of treasures.
Robyn Gust, owner of Robyn’s Place, is a Kramer native who has called Minot home since 2000. Gust did not start out on the path of being a collector and seller of unique items. She actually worked as a Certified Athletic Trainer previous to this venture. What made her choose to shift her focus and start her business in downtown Minot?
Gust spent 28 years working in the College/University and Clinic Outreach setting before starting Solutions in Sports Medicine, which helps organizations become better prepared for emergency situations in sports settings. Solutions in Sports Medicine is one of the businesses that she runs out of her location in the Fair Building, but what you will likely see when you walk in are all the unique finds.
Robyn really got started in the world of antiques and collectibles because of her mom. When asked about how she got into this realm, she said, “Our family has a long history of admiration of vintage items that started with my mom, Ruth. She and my sister, Renee, had a vintage shop on our family farm in Kramer for many years. My brother, Ron, is also an “antique connoisseur”. I have always had an appreciation for vintage items but didn’t have the opportunity to get too involved in it until opening Robyn’s Place-Unique & Crafty. Mom’s love of all things Frankoma, Wedgewood, McCoy and other potteries, vintage glass and collectible figurines inspired that side of the Unique & Crafty Shop in Robyn’s Place.”
It is a treasure trove of antiques, collectibles, gifts, handmade items made of wood, a few food and snack items, and so much more. Her dad, whom she calls her Master Carpenter Daddio, makes wood outdoor planters, seasonal decor, and other goods out of wood. Robyn’s Place also sells T’s Tangles food items, which include seasoned pretzels, caramel, and other sweet treats and is owned by a relative, Tanya Gust. Her store also housed her NuSkin business. A lot of great things are happening in a little shop!
One of my favorite spots in the store is the Tiny Treasures Cabinet. It is literally just that…tiny items that are adorable and just so fun. You can also find “happy plants” in cute containers that make great gifts. You truly just never know what you will find. That is the fun of it all. Make sure to follow Robyn’s Place on Facebook: Robyn’s Place Downtown Minot. She posts many treasures each day so that you can see the newest finds. Truly, stopping into the shop is the best way to see exactly what she has to offer and likely, you will leave with a smile and a new found conversation piece to bring home and display.
