Business - Saranade's Gift Shop open for business

"It's in my blood to run my own business and I'm just glad that I've finally done it," Draves said. 

The gift shop features an array of antique furniture, hand-made items such as scarves, doilies, sweaters, ornaments and blankets and seasonal décor for the home. 

"I've been sewing, knitting and crocheting for many years now," she said. "I was taught by my aunt and mother, and now I have a place to display and sell my work."

It was through her aunt that Draves acquired a love for antiques and has pieces in her store that have been passed down in her family.

"Saratoga doesn't have a real niche for antiques so I wanted to help change that," she said. "After I get a feel for my clientele, I will begin to add more pieces. It's all about what my customers what."

Saranade's Gift Shop also features a display of antique gems, jewelry and furs. 

"If a woman wants a nice jewel or feel feminine in a fur coat, she shouldn't have to break the bank. I hope to be able to carry these items at a price that is affordable."

She said her antique jewelry and other gifts range in price from $5 to $2,000. 

"If a child comes in with his piggy bank looking for a gift for his mom or dad, I'd like to think he can leave with something, even if I have to lower the price. I want Saranade's to be a welcoming place for anyone," Drabes said. 

The name Saranade comes partially from Saratoga, but has a more meaningful derivative, Draves said. Her daughter, Sarah Nadine, was the driving force behind the opening of the gift shop.

"Sarah always encouraged me to do this. For the past year she has been so supportive and positive," Draves said. "It seemed only natural to me to include her in the shop somehow." 

From the moment Draves found the space to open a shop, she has been working to make it a comfortable place for her customers. 

"It took a lot of work to get this place up and running," she said. "Prior to moving in, my cousin sold car parts from this space. It certainly didn't look like an antique gift shop."

For months, Draves painted and readied the shop for its opening. 

"I was so glad to get the work done and open the shop in time for the holidays," she said. 

For her first month of business, Draves said she is trying to get a feel for what her customers want while trying to keep a small-town feel for the store. 

"I really hope to remain a small store that offers a wide range of items with reasonable prices," she said. "When customers come in, I want to know them, and I want them to know that there will always be a warm cup of coffee or cocoa waiting for them. You don't find small, neighborhood stores anymore, and that's what I want Saranade's to be."