dimondites

Small Business, Big Thinker

I am often impressed with Ruth. From day one, this lady knows how to service her customers. I am a huge fan of Paws & Claws, not just for their great product offerings, but because they understand the fundamentals of doing retail right. Paws & Claws is a great example of how a small business can survive, thrive and conquer the threat of large corporations. They treat their customers as kings.

I know Ruth from the many trips I make to her shop on MacArthur Blvd. She is always there, yet, somehow, she manages to be everywhere else too. At the Farmer Joe’s Opening, at some Sustainable Conference, at Dimond Park events… She’s everywhere! (Just google her, and you’ll see…) This is a woman of many talents!

My Q+A to Ruth…

Q. How long have you lived in Dimond?
A. Nine years. Paws & Claws has been in business here for two years.

A. The hidden treasures of Dimond, which are the trails and gardens that exist here. I love the beautiful nature we have here, like Sausal Creek right in our backyard. I also love our Dimond Library. It has the best Native American book collection in all of Oakland!

Q. So, if you had the power to change one thing about Dimond tomorrow, which would you choose?
A. I definitely would love to see a wide variety of retailers that will give Dimond a fun personality. It would be fun to see different type of offerings, like a wine shop or a party shop, and from different cultures as well.

Q. How about something about Dimond you feel proud about?
A. The fact that Dimond was developed by such a diverse group of immigrants, who came here to pursue a dream. I feel it is still the same today for many people. In addition, we have a good number of artists and musicians who live here, who are also pursuing their dreams.

Q. How about one personal achievement you’re most proud of.
A. I’m very proud of when I was honored by KQED as the 2003 American Indian Local Hero. I did a lot of community work, and it was really nice to see one’s hard work get acknowledged.

Q. If you can be at one place anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
A. Siberia. I would love to experience some of the nomadic tribe culture that still exists there. I relate to this personally, since I am a person from an indigenous culture, which is the Chiricuhva Apache tribe.

Q. Share with us one of your favorite places in Oakland…
A. I love the Deep Roots Urban Teahouse on 34th and Fruitvale. It’s the coolest place, with art and good food. It’s very community focused, which is nice. The owners are great people.

Q. Here’s a tough one. Do you have a dirty secret?
A. Well, I really love the Grateful Dead… Is that a dirty secret?

You will find Ruth often at Paws & Claws, which is located at 2023 MacArthur Blvd near Fruitvale. To contact the store for more information, call (510) 336-0105.