When you step into the Beehive in Mancos, you are entering the world of Reneata and Hardison Collins - and it's a pretty eclectic world.
The shop in historic downtown Mancos is filled with unusual gifts and collectibles.
The couple opened the shop in Mancos nine years ago and will soon leave Mancos for Florida, but the couple recently announced that the Beehive will stay.
Christina Lawrence will assume ownership of the Beehive on April 1.
"I am their best customer," Lawrence said. "I buy all of my gifts from this store, and I love the skin-care products."
Lawrence is married to Nick Lawrence, is the mother of two, a doctor of audiology, a speech-language pathologist and owner of the Lawrence Speech and Hearing Clinic in Mancos.
When Lawrence heard that the Collins family was relocating and that Beehive might fade away, she saw something she had been looking for.
"I was craving a creative outlet and jumped at the chance to partner up with Beehive," Lawrence said.
After years in the speech and hearing field, the New Orleans native wanted to express her creative side.
"The medical business I have is very important to me, but I wanted to be part of the ordering, managing and creating involved with Beehive," Lawrence said.
Reneata Collins, who offers facials at the store, will return to Mancos from Florida once every eight weeks to help out with facials.
Lawrence also wants to add a few things.
"I want to eventually add a fabric line, quirky gift wrapping paper and more masculine products. We will have a suggestion box because I really want the community to be a part of the vision," she said.
With that community spirit in mind, Beehive (former owners and new) will be hosting a meet-the-new-owner-celebration titled "Beehive Forever!" at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31.
The Beehive began with wind-up toy robots, French soaps and candles and spa services. It also carries children's books, letter-press cards, journals, jewelry, totes and limited-edition Mancos T-shirts.
