Today we’d like to introduce you to Verna Allen.
Hi Verna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve spent over 30 years in nursing leadership, and throughout my career I’ve always been drawn to helping people navigate complex situations and feel supported. That instinct—to care for people and create something meaningful—has carried through into this next chapter of my life.
My husband, Robert, and I made a big life change when we moved across the country from Texas to Port Angeles. Like a lot of people, we were looking for something a little different—more connection, more creativity, and a chance to build something of our own. Before we moved, we were already doing craft shows together in Texas, and that experience gave us a strong foundation. When we arrived here, we stepped into an area that is incredibly supportive of artists and creativity, and we were able to grow and flourish in a way that really encouraged us to keep going.
Not long after settling in, we continued doing craft shows locally, learning what people were drawn to, what made them stop and smile, and what they wanted to take home with them. That hands-on experience—working side by side and connecting directly with customers—really shaped what would eventually become our store.
Creativity has always been part of my life. I grew up doing crafts with my mother, so there’s something very full-circle about now being part of a business that celebrates handmade items and personal touches. Those early experiences stayed with me more than I realized at the time.
In March of 2024, we opened All About Here Souvenirs & Gifts in downtown Port Angeles. From the beginning, our goal was simple: create the kind of store we would want to walk into ourselves. A place that feels welcoming, a little nostalgic, and full of items that actually mean something—whether it’s a locally made product, something that reminds you of Olympic National Park, or just a small keepsake that captures a moment from your trip.
We started small and learned as we went. We’ve grown into a larger space since then, expanded our inventory, and continue to refine what we offer based on what our customers respond to. One of the most meaningful compliments we’ve received is when someone describes us as a “good old-fashioned souvenir store.” That tells me we’re creating the kind of experience people are looking for.
Today, we’re continuing to build on that foundation. We have plans to expand further, add more variety, and keep growing while staying true to what makes the store special. It may be a different path from healthcare, but in many ways it feels very similar—at the heart of it, it’s still about creating a place where people feel comfortable, welcomed, and taken care of.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but I think that’s true of anything worth building.
One of the biggest challenges has simply been learning an entirely new industry. Coming from a healthcare background, I was very comfortable managing people, systems, and operations—but retail has its own rhythm. Inventory management, merchandising, seasonal shifts, and understanding what customers will respond to—all of that has been a learning curve.
Starting small also meant we had to grow carefully. In the beginning, we didn’t have the space to carry everything we knew customers were looking for, so there were times when people would come in and leave without finding quite the right item. That can be tough, because you want to meet every need, but you also have to grow at a pace that’s sustainable.
Time has probably been our biggest ongoing challenge. We both work full-time, and the store is open seven days a week, especially during the busy season. There have been long days, a lot of trial and error, and moments where we’ve had to make decisions quickly without having all the information we would have liked.
That said, every challenge has also helped us refine what we’re doing. We’ve learned to listen closely to our customers, adjust quickly, and focus on what really matters—creating a store that feels welcoming and worth stepping into.
I don’t think we would change much about the path, because those challenges are what helped shape the business into what it is today, and they continue to guide where we’re going next. And honestly, it has been fun and fulfilling.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
All About Here Souvenirs & Gifts is a locally owned shop in downtown Port Angeles, Washington, created to give visitors a true sense of place when they come to the Olympic Peninsula. We focus on carrying a mix of locally made goods, thoughtfully selected souvenirs, and apparel that reflects Olympic National Park and the surrounding area.
What sets us apart is that we are very intentional about what we bring into the store. Many of our items are made locally or regionally, and we also design and produce some of our own apparel in-house. Our goal is not just to sell souvenirs, but to offer items that people are genuinely excited to take home—things that remind them of their experience here.
We’ve often had customers describe us as a “good old-fashioned souvenir store,” and that’s something we’re very proud of. We’ve worked to create a space that feels welcoming, a little nostalgic, and easy to browse, where people can find everything from small keepsakes to gifts and clothing for family and friends.
One of the things we’re most proud of is the attention we give to the details and overall atmosphere of the store. We work hard to keep the space clean, welcoming, and easy to browse, and we regularly refresh our street-facing display windows with seasonal themes. Those displays are often the first impression people have of us, and we’ve found they play a big role in drawing people in.
We also make a point to stay involved in the local business community, participating in sidewalk sales and other downtown events whenever we can. Being part of those efforts is important to us—not just as business owners, but as members of the community.
One of the most encouraging parts of this journey has been the support from the local community. We’ve had people from the Chamber of Commerce and others involved in the downtown community tell us that Port Angeles has needed a store like this for a long time. Hearing that has meant a great deal to us, because it reinforces that we’re filling a real gap—not just for visitors, but for the town as a whole.
Since opening in March of 2024, we’ve grown quickly, expanding both our space and our product selection based on what our customers are looking for. What started as a small shop has developed into a much fuller retail space, and we continue to build on that momentum with plans to expand further and offer even more variety.
At the end of the day, what matters most to us is the experience people have when they walk through our doors. Whether someone is visiting Port Angeles for the first time or returning year after year, we want them to feel like they’ve found a place that is truly “all about here.”
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that often surprises people is that before opening the store, I spent years serving in the Army as a combat medic. It’s a very different environment from running a retail shop, but in many ways, the core of it is the same—taking care of people, staying calm under pressure, and paying attention to the details that matter.
That experience shaped how I approach just about everything I do. It taught me discipline, adaptability, and how to work as part of a team, all of which carry over into how we run the business today.
People sometimes don’t expect that background when they walk into a souvenir store, but it’s a big part of who I am and how I show up every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://allaboutheregifts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutheregifts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allaboutheresouvenirs
