She first started as a volunteer at the then-named Gene Autry Museum after attending a Russian culture exhibit hosted at the museum. Eight years later she was thrilled to secure a full time position there. Over time, she earned multiple promotions, and was learning all the areas of running a museum and a business. And then it happened. Through restructuring and changes to the museum, her position and many others were eliminated.

 

Bobbi Jean Bell's blue eyes show a sense of loss and sadness as she recounts this experience. Her manner and appearance are distinct from other local business owners. She is known for wearing cowboy boots, Native American jewelry and heavily decorated belts with large buckles. Always upbeat, approachable, and known for her positive outlook, she is the owner of OutWest in Old Town Newhall.

Her eyes light up as she explains "If history has shown us anything, it's that you don't let your dreams die. Challenging times provide opportunity and sometimes you just need to go for it."

OutWest started out modestly as an online store in 2007. Two years later it grew and took on a physical location. Her store stands proudly on the Western Walk of Stars on Main Street in Old Town Newhall. The stars on the block are a mix of past and current western performers.

There is a strong sense of history in this part of town. A sense of a different time is a big part of Main Street. There are two live theatres across the street reminding us of a time when the only entertainment was live theatre. You can also hear the train of the Metro station, reminding us of a time when trains were a main form of transportation.

"We sit here in a very unique area-Old Town Newhall," says Bobbi, "The Valley has a long history and this is the right place to be-on the Western Walk of Stars.

Bobbi's dream is a culmination of visiting many museums as a child, and having worked 40 years in the retail industry for J.C. Penny, Gimbels, Nordstrom and other stores.

Her family moved often. While many children are nervous or frightened about relocating, Bobbi was fascinated with seeing different parts of United States. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and New York.

"My family was big museum goers," says Bobbi "I remember going to museums that had people in costume that spoke in the vernacular of the time period of their costume. We visited Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts almost every weekend and I fell in love with history." Art museums, natural history museums and other historical sites, Bobbi's family felt that it was important to bring a sense of culture and the arts for the children.

The first time one enters OutWest, it is like being transported back in time. There is also a distinct feel of a museum. A unique blend of culture and shopping. Bobbi brings to life the western purveyor of goods. The customer walks in, is always offered a cup of coffee and an ear that will listen. It's also a mom and pop store. Her husband of 28 years, Jim also shares a passion for all things west.

According to Bobbi, many people who walk into the store for the first time want to share their story with her. Families that have been in Santa Clarita since the time of the Gold Rush. According to Bobbi, many shoppers have described the store as like being in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

One man, coming in for the first time expressed his happiness to see a western-themed store in the valley. He explained that he just moved from Phoenix. His name-Joey Dillon, a western performer, who taught actor Josh Brolin how to quick draw for an upcoming movie. Kids were dazzled as Joey displayed his gun slinging expertise. Bobbi went in the back and realized he was on the cover of TruWest magazine and had him sign it.

I sat down at length with Bobbi. Phone calls were coming in. Local artists and artists across the country were calling in offering to bring their goods to OutWest. Bobbi explains she is approached often by local and distant musicians, artists, poets and authors. Shoppers and artists seem drawn to this unique piece of the west.

The walls are peppered with culture and history. Vivid and spectacular pieces of Native American paintings hang proudly on the walls. Western wear from top designers in the field are sold here.

Alan Michael, a top western clothing designer sells his clothing here. That's when I noticed a picture on Bobbi's desk. I asked Bobbi about it. Her top clothing designer Alan Michael handing former president George H.W. Bush a jacket to give to Barbara. Then Bobbi showed me a one-of-a-kind piece-a white leather jacket, with stars, and fringe that had an autograph in the back. It read George Bush (Bush 41).

There is another item that pops out. From the display window-A men's motorcycle jacket, that according to Bobbi has brought many people in who are fascinated with this unique piece of work. She describes it as a piece that shows the "myth and romance of the west" and "art you can wear." A black leather jacket bearing fine hand-crafted artwork. In the back of a jacket, a bison surrounded by fine hand-crafted images.

As a shopper, there is much to choose from all inspired by the west. A large collection of Men's and women's western wear, Native American art and jewelry, western poetry cds, western music, books, children's books, plush toys, home décor, art glass, leather roses, custom picture frames, toys and games, handmade pillows and throws, Navajo folk art, and much more.

OutWest is not just a store, but strives to be a cultural community center according to Bobbi. On a monthly or bi-monthly basis, OutWest offers local live music bands, poets and artists. There is an art walk the third Thursday of every month from 5p.m. to 9p.m.

"We are trying to learn what the people of our community want-What they're looking for, what they are hungry for," says Bobbi "We want the community to share with us, what they would like to see."

OutWest is currently helping in the relief efforts for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. From January 18^th through the 23^rd, the store is donating 10% of all profits to the Haiti relief effort. Also, local photographer Frank Lozano-a man who has taken many pictures of Haiti, is selling his pieces starting January 21^st indefinitely with the full proceeds going to the earthquake victims.

OutWest is located at: 24265 Main Street, Old Town Newhall. They are open Monday-Friday from 10a.m.-7p.m. and Saturday from 10a.m.-6p.m.  For more information, one may call: (661) 255-7087 or visit their website at: www.scvoutwest.com

 

 

 

 

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