There are many reasons to visit Cheyenne, Wyo., but the biggest draw is the annual Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Known as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo & Western Celebration” and the “Daddy of ’em All,” the nine-day event attracts more than 550,000 people worldwide to the Cowboy State capital to experience a slice of Western life.
Shopping at Wyoming Home
No visit to Cheyenne is complete without a stop at Wyoming Home, a shopping destination for high-quality, original Western-style furniture, home décor and gifts. The foot traffic the store receives during the rodeo is akin to the holiday season rush, but not as long. Located in the historic downtown district, the ornate building that houses the shop has a landmark marker related to Old West outlaw Tom Horn, a perk for history buffs. To many first-time customers, the shop seems small from the outside. Yet, when you step inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the depth of the space, as well as the luxurious displays of Western-inspired home furnishings and contemporary Western art and textiles, turquoise jewelry, children’s toys and clothing, and locally made food and gift items. The warm welcomes from the staff and the comfortable displays make entering the store feel like coming home.
Owner of Wyoming Home: Carman Hess
Store owner Carman Hess, who grew up in Northeastern Wyoming, began working for the shop in 2001 while attending college in Cheyenne. In 2016, she purchased the store from its original owner, Sue Miller, and her business partner, Joyce Kemp. Miller and her late husband opened the store in 1998. “I love the retail environment, especially this store, because I see how much joy it brings people while they are shopping,” Hess says.
“When the owners decided they wanted to retire, they approached me about purchasing the business and I said, ‘No way,’ because at that time, I was expecting my first child, and I didn’t know if I could juggle both.” Miller and Kemp encouraged Hess to take a leap of faith and offered to help her along the way. “I ultimately decided to buy the store, and I signed the papers in February of 2017 and had my daughter, Isabella, in April of that year,” Hess recalls. “Sue and Joyce stayed true to their word and were there to help me navigate the transition into motherhood and business ownership. Having them as mentors is nice, and I still seek their guidance.” Based on the season, Hess employs three to five people to help operate the store daily. Some of her employees are college students and some have been longtime customers and understand the merchandise and the culture she strives to create in the store.
| Design to the Nines ◆ Western furnishings can fit any home, traditional or contemporary, whether you live in the West or abroad. Here are a few subtle ways to incorporate elements into any décor style. ◆ Add items made from natural materials, such as rock, rawhide/leather, or wood. For example, place wildflowers in a stoneware vase or set a wooden bowl on a shelf or table. ◆ Hang a Western painting or photograph or lean it on a mantle. For a contemporary way to showcase the artwork, use simple or floating frames, or consider canvas wraps without frames. ◆ Add a cowhide rug that contrasts neutral tones. ◆ Soften the room and add a pop of color with a Pendleton blanket or pillows. For the bathroom, consider plush Pendleton towels. ◆ Serve meals on classic pottery or Western-inspired dinnerware and adorn the table with Western-themed linens and a woven table runner. |
A Sense of Place
When entering Wyoming Home, your senses are immersed in the Western spirit, from the sound of toe-tapping bluegrass acoustic music and the earthy smell of leather to the colorful paintings on the wall and the warm, plush feel of Pendleton blankets. Using the blueprint created by her mentors, Hess has maintained the store’s reputation for selling a variety of high-end rustic and Western furnishings. “We aim to encompass a Wyoming lifestyle through quality products offered at an affordable price point,” says Hess. “We try to look at industry trends, and we listen to what our customers are looking for and try to find it for them.”
With a storefront, website, and social media pages, Wyoming Home has a mix of clientele, ranging from locals to people all over the world who want to add a touch of Western style to their homes or offices. “We always tell people that even if Western isn’t your style, you can add a cowhide rug to any room and make it look good,” Hess explains. “It adds a layer to your existing design.” Hess curates the merchandise in the store based on quality, price, originality and regional appeal. She seeks local and regional artisans and products made in America. She vets the company if an item is imported and ensures it’s a trusted brand. “Through the years, I’ve grown to love Western design more because of the detailed craftsmanship,” she says. “You don’t see that in everything, which attracts me to the Western look. It makes an heirloom-quality piece. You will not get rid of it in five or 10 years. It’s going to stand the test of time.” The store hosts special events where artisans chat with customers about their craftsmanship and products. Some artisans also accept custom orders, so customers can select a different upholstery on a chair or sofa they see in the store. “It’s something I think people appreciate—they can have something that reflects their style and home,” says Hess.
| Ways to Shop Wyoming Home Store: 216 W. Lincolnway Cheyenne, Wyo. Website: wyominghome.com Social Media: @wyominghome on Instagram and Facebook |
The popularity of the television show Yellowstone has increased interest in all things Western, including home furnishings. Some of the furniture and dishes used as props in the show can be found in Wyoming Home, and customers come to the shop looking to add a piece of Yellowstone to their home. “I think what brings me the most joy is seeing everyone’s reaction to the store, whether it’s a first-time or established customer,” says Hess. “Being in business for so many years, you become friends with the people who always come in. They’re honest with me and tell me what’s great and what products we should bring back or carry more of. It’s those relationships and the feeling customers get coming into the store that Sue and Joyce were proud of, and it’s something I want to continue.”
This article about Wyoming Home appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of Western Life Today magazine. Click here to subscribe!
