New shops join Simply Shabby Mini Mall

Rocky’s Pizzeria closes, Sweet Spot now Mooo’s Creamery

Simply Shabby Mini Mall, located at 11411 S. Fortuna Road, Suite 200, in the Yuma East Shopping Center, in the Foothills, has tons of new shops and businesses.

The mini mall is the brainchild of Bebe Shockey, owner of Simply Shabby by Bebe, who wanted to offer a year-round, air-conditioned space for vendors and small businesses.

However, one of the new spots that caught my eye is Cristina’s Closet, which isn’t a vendor at all. It’s for people getting back into the workforce who need interview clothes at no cost.

Run by Christina McInnes, the nonprofit offers gently used business attire and shoes in all sizes. No questions asked. Just call McInnes for an appointment at 928-235-4588.

But there are plenty of new businesses as well. Donna Peet has opened Pupcakes, which sells homemade dog treats, including sweet potato, blueberry, pumpkin and peanut butter snaps as well as chicken chews and soft treats for older dogs, small and large.

Peet initially did cupcakes for humans, then a dog trainer suggested pupcakes, and it became her passion.

She will also soon start offering cat treats. She’s working on the recipes, but you know how finicky cats can be. All her treats are dog or cat approved! For special orders or needs, call Peet at 928-271-0195.

Next door is Jeanine’s Lavender Boutique and Treasures, which offers antiques, paint and fashions. Owners Jeanine Mehdizadeh and Deborah Camarena also have dishes, lamps, pictures, furniture, linens and, of course, organic lavender products.

Mehdizadeh touts the health benefits of lavender as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, air purifier, migraine and stress reliever, hot flash treatment, skin irritation relief and moth and flea repellent.

Her Poochie Boutique has puppy and kitty collars and accessories. She’s also an artist and offers “silly” paintings featuring her 60 rescue animals wearing glasses. Her muses include horses, donkeys, rabbits and more.

In addition, Mehdizadeh makes and sells chapel lace veils and donates the proceeds to benefit the homeless. For more information, call 928-920-0027.

Donna and Cliff Hay share space with their daughter, Kelley Burnes. SEE

PHOTO BY MARA KNAUB/YUMA SUN JEFF BENNETT OF SoCal Customs hand builds 1/24th scale models of airplanes, boats and cars.

PHOTO BY MARA KNAUB/YUMA SUN BAKED GOODS by Crissy sells Crissy Keeling’s homemade breads, muffins, cookies and candies.

PHOTO BY MARA KNAUB/YUMA SUN PUPCAKES BY DONNA sells homemade dog treats for young and older dogs, small and large.

PHOTO BY MARA KNAUB/YUMA SUN KELLEY BURNES’ ABSTRACTARTE sells unique tile artwork made with resin.