HARLINGEN TEXAS JANUARY 30, 2005
To the point Grandmother sells knives, swords and shields
By DANIEL GARCÍA ORDAZ
danielg@valleystar.com
956-430-6279
Cheryl Roseland-Blennert has a sharp mind and a mind for sharp things.
She feels just as comfortable around medieval hardware as she does around the software of the high-tech world.
The 54-year-old sword-wielding grandmother of five sells knives, swords and shields and also teaches computer languages.
Cheryl is quickly becoming a favorite at local outdoor markets and festivals, especially for men who flock to her booth like a thirsty camel to an oasis, appreciative of her alternative to booths that cater to women.
"Ive had friends that think its kind of wild," Cheryl said. "My 14-year-old grandson tells his friends that Granny sells swords."
Cheryl said she and her husband Pete complement each other very well because they both have "guys booths."
Pete sells beef jerky.
"The ladies have all these things to look at," she said. "This is where the guys come shop and hang out."
After Cheryl was laid off from a computer job, she bought a small jewelry business and increased its mens section, adding the knives, swords and similar items.
"More customers were interested in those," she said.
Her best sellers are swords like "Excalibur," the sword of King Arthur fame, ninja swords and "The Lord of the Rings" swords, all with scabbards.
"Theyve done their research on the Internet usually," Cheryl said of her customers. "These are not for battle, but for display."
Her customers often wonder whether Cheryl can handle the fighting tools she sells.
"They love to ask me about throwing stars and throwing knives," Cheryl said, to which she responds, "I dont know. Maybe I could throw it and have a pretty good aim."
When she is not selling at weekend shows, Cheryl sells ladies apparel.
"I sell Weekenders on weekdays," she joked. Weekenders is a fashion line for which Cheryl coordinates sales through the couples bangles and blades Web site, www.petesjerky.com
Cheryl also enjoys reading and walks on the beach. The third-year Winter Texan couple lives in St. Charles, Ill., and stays at Isla Blanca Park during winter.
Cheryl attended school to learn data processing and computer languages in the late 1970s. She teaches computer programs to Target employees about once a quarter in Minneapolis.
"My generation tends to be the ones that got into computers at the right time," she said.
Slice of Life suggestions should be sent to City Editor Charlene Vandini or Managing Editor Lucio Castillo by phoning 430-6206 or e-mail: charlenev@valleystar.com.
Posted by: Robert Gonzalez on Jan 30, 05 | 9:00 am | Profile
