Oklahoma's 'An Affair of the Heart' Offers Unique Gift Options For The Holiday Season

The hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season is here.

It is a time of year that small businesses rely on, accounting for over 25% of their annual income.

Many local small business owners reach their customers at Braum's An Affair of the Heart. The three-day shopping event has more than 600 booths selling holiday decorations, apparel, jewelry, handmade items, personalized gifts, food, and more.

Taylor Strycker, owner of Taenickole, grew up coming to An Affair of the Heart with her mother.

"She had her own amazing booth and so I got to help her with that and I got to see the behind-the-scenes," she said.

In January 2019, Strycker decided to start her own business creating handmade polymer clay earrings.

"I found a creator in Australia, actually, that creates polymer clay earrings," she continued saying, "I started learning from her, practicing, and it just bloomed out of that."

Strycker's business is mostly online, but this year, she decided to try something new. Strycker is advertising it at An Affair of the Heart as Oklahoma's first build-your-own earring bar.

"You just build your piece, and then you take it to me, tell me what you are looking for and what you want it to look like, and then I will drill and assemble them right in front of you," she said.

It is an idea that bloomed from consumers' desire to customize. Strycker also offers it to parties of five or more. She said getting the word out at An Affair of the Heart helps her reach more potential customers.

Strycker added, "People come here to shop and get to know people and I cannot tell you how many repeat customers I see, and I am like, I remember you, thank you so much for coming.'

For those who cannot make it to the show, you can purchase from Taenickole online at https://taenickole.com/. 

An Affair of the Heart is on Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, November 23 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are $12 and are good for all three days. For more information visit https://aaoth.com/november/.