Lavanya’s Antiques Expands on W. Main to Let Shop Tell More Stories

Lavanya’s Antiques, Uniques & More expanded into the space next door on West Main Street in December, giving owner Tammy LaCasse room to spread merchandise at 222 W Main St in downtown Farmington. The additional storefront, formerly a handmade soap shop, allowed the family- and woman-owned business to increase displays and offer a wider variety of vintage and locally made goods.

LaCasse said she built the store’s inventory before opening by filling “four storage units, an attic and a garage” with pieces she “couldn’t bear to leave behind.” The shop name, Lavanya, comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “grace and beauty,” a choice LaCasse uses to frame the store’s aesthetic as a blend of new and vintage. Her son, co-manager Kelsy Cohoe, helps run displays and day-to-day operations.

The shop’s merchandise list spans vintage and new clothing, jewelry, art and pottery, Pendleton items, artisan-made goods, furniture, records, books and magazines, one-of-a-kind collectibles, and New Mexico souvenirs made by local artisans. LaCasse explained the store’s pricing and sourcing philosophy: “We do make sure that we try to keep our prices reasonable … and we do buy things from local artists,” and the website invites customers, “Welcome to our expanded store! We invite you to stop by and explore the new offerings we have in store.”

On the sales floor, LaCasse highlighted small-object curation while holding “a serpentine carving of three small praying figures mounted on raw serpentine,” noting serpentine’s reputation as a stone believed to have healing qualities and used in spiritual practice. “I like to carry unique things,” she said. Cohoe displayed “a finely carved alligator mounted on a Colombian crystal,” called one of the shop’s more unusual items.

The business lists works by local artist Darlene Lee on its walls and carries pieces from a range of community makers, including an artist who “works with feathers” and “another handicapped woman” who “does beadwork and makes earrings.” The shop advertises layaway and gift card services and posts photographic top picks on its site, including image files identified as IMG_7884.jpg, DSC_0038.JPG and others.

Lavanya’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a note that the store will stay open later for special Downtown Farmington events. Contact details for the store are 222 W Main St, Farmington, NM 87401, phone 505-258-4395, and email lavanyas87401@gmail.com. Lavanya’s opening and recent expansion situate it alongside other downtown antique shops such as A Hidden Treasure at 208 W. Main Ave., Dusty Attic at 111 W. Main Ave., and Fabulous Finds at 729 E. Main Ave., as the shop presses its local-art focus and welcomes shoppers to explore the expanded selection.