08/28/2026
It was hard to know where to start when I began looking through old photos. I have to admit, I got a little teary-eyed.
There are three questions I’ve been asked quite a bit as we get closer to Rainbow’s End celebrating 25 years, so I thought I’d answer them.
1. Why are you having your anniversary party the weekend of 9/11?
Believe it or not, my grand opening was supposed to be September 11, 2001. I’m sure you can imagine why that didn’t happen.
Instead of the opening I had planned, I opened the doors of Rainbow’s End and simply let it be a space for our community—a place for people who needed somewhere to go or someone to talk to.
It certainly wasn’t a typical grand opening, but it’s one I will never forget.
So when it came time to celebrate 25 years, this weekend felt right. I wanted to honor and remember those who lost their lives and those who sacrificed so much that day.
It’s funny how the universe works. In a way, this weekend was chosen for me 25 years ago.
2. How have you made it 25 years downtown with all the obstacles along the way?
I’ll admit, there have been a lot of them. But every bit of it has been worth it.
During the Great Recession, things got pretty bad. I came very close to closing my doors. I’ll never forget Phyllis from Winter Sun coming into the store because she knew I was struggling and wanted so badly to support me.
At that point, I literally had about five dresses left in the store. She looked around, found a dress that certainly did not work for her—and bought it anyway.
She simply wanted to support me.
That moment has stayed with me all these years because that is what this community is about. And honestly, that’s a huge part of how I’ve made it 25 years.
Then came COVID.
Those were incredibly scary days, and I worked my tail off trying to keep our community safe while also doing everything I could to keep Rainbow’s End alive.
I took orders over the phone and through Facebook and delivered them door-to-door. I couldn’t see my customers face-to-face, so I tucked little handwritten notes into every order just to say hello.
As scary and uncertain as that time was, I don’t think I had ever felt closer to my customers.
3. What is your favorite thing about owning your own business?
This one is easy: community.
For 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Flagstaff through Rainbow’s End. I’ve been able to share in your stories, celebrations, events, life moments, ups, downs and everything in between.
I am beyond lucky to have had this adventure and to have spent it with this community.
And I’m hoping this roller coaster has another 25 years in it.
More photos—and more thoughts—to come. 🩷
Miranda
