Cindy Richards of De Soto had been selling customized tumbler cups and shirts at vendor events and craft shows for about four years before deciding to open her own shop – R&R Gifts and More.
The shop, at 101 Plaza Square next to EJ’s Barbershop in De Soto, carries tumblers, shirts, blankets and pillows that Richards customizes. The shop also sells items from other vendors.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID pandemic, Richards, a Herculaneum High School graduate, decided to quit her job at Walmart and work full time transferring fun designs onto tumblers and fabric.
“It’s definitely a tough market,” said Richards, adding that during the pandemic a lot of people bought sublimination printers so they could transfer images to mugs, clothing and other items. “But we have been told that we have some of the better-looking tumblers out there.”
Richards was selling her tumblers at Wicked B, when the owner decided to close her storefront after just a few months in business.
“I came in here to pick up my cups and she told me how much her rent was, and I walked outside and I’m talking to my husband (Steve). He’s like, ‘Get on it … find out what you got to do.”
In September, she realized a longtime dream and opened the gift shop. Her daughter, Stefany Richards, helps make the products sold in the store.
“We are constantly adding cups,” Cindy Richards said. “So if you come in here this week and you don’t see a cup you like, next week there’s a good chance you could … or the following week. We’re constantly going to be making cups.”
Stuffies and blankets are part of the baby corner in R&R Gifts and More.
She said there is a cup for just about everyone’s personality, occupation or hobby.
“Really. I had a dispatcher cup that I literally just made and brought in and (a lady) bought it,” she said. “So I’m going to make another one.”
Richards said she enjoys finding designs and transferring them onto her chosen material.
“I know this sounds weird, but it’s kind of like a therapy,” she said. “I get in my own little world. When you make them and you have one turn out absolutely perfect, it’s definitely a mood booster.”
The tumblers come in all sizes – even kid size. Some can be purchased as a family set. A few glow in the dark. Some tumblers come with a Bluetooth speaker on the bottom.
Richards said she plans to add more sizes to the collection of shirts she offers.
In addition to Richards’ own products, she sells handiworks from four local vendors.
One woman makes a variety of “stuffies,” including turtles, gnomes and snowmen. She also makes baby blankets and pillow beds.
Another woman makes soaps, ornaments and laser-engraved signs and decor. A friend makes earrings, while her niece and her 7-year-old great-niece make candles.
“I try to have stuff people can come in and grab and feel good about the gift they’re giving,” Richards said. “We have some really cute stuff for a good price that’s going to make a good gift. And you can feel good about giving it to them. The tumblers, they last for years. It’s not something you’re going to outgrow or that you’re just going to get tired of.”
