Best Gift Shop in Poway: Rex Trophies

Stella Capuano may have only owned since 2000, but the store has existed in Poway since the 1980s.

Capuano purchased Rex Trophies, the winner of the Poway Premium Partners' poll for Best Gift Shop in Poway, nearly 12 years ago when her husband found out the store was for sale.

“I got into the business because my husband Russ owns Poway Sewing & Vacuum, which is right next door, and he had heard that Penny Andersen [the previous owner] wanted to retire,” she said. “At the time, I wasn’t working due to a serious back injury and I wasn’t going to be able to return to that job due to many physical limitations. This sounded like the perfect opportunity to try and change careers.”

Capuano, who said she chose to work in Poway because it's a “great community,” said with a “loyal customer base and word of mouth from previous clients, we are still going strong.”

“We strive to be the best in recognizing excellence and celebrating achievement,” she said. “My advice for aspiring business owners is to follow your heart and do what will make you happy.”