Velva Bujack: a legend on Main

For nearly three decades, Velva Bujack has been a friendly face people associate with charming retail shops on historical Main Avenue. Throughout the years, her favorite part of working on Main has been the great people she has met, she says.

Since Bujack was 10 years old, she has resided in San Diego County with her family. Before that, she spent her younger years in Hot Springs, AR. “We moved to Escondido,” said Bujack, “and we lived in the middle of an avocado and orange grove that my father cared for.”

Bujack had seven siblings and was the second oldest in the clan. “Playing with my brothers and sisters is my favorite memory,” she said.

Bujack was well acquainted with the town of Fallbrook, as it was where her aunt lived. It wasn’t until 1983 that Bujack and her husband decided to move to Fallbrook. Their four children were grown, she said, and they decided to settle down in the Friendly Village. “We just liked it here,” she said.

Velva Bujack is a very active senior and in the midst of enjoying her tenth year working at Main Street Shoes. “We have top quality shoes and they are priced right,” she said, “and the new owners, Richard and Bennie Verrett, are just great.”

Working keeps Bujack alert and busy. “The extra money is always handy,” she added, smiling.

Her first job on Main, recalled Bujack, was at The Westerner. It was a busy store where people shopped for clothing, including Western garb, for the whole family. “There were a lot more cowboys back then,” said Bujack. “I worked there for 15 years and my sis, Norma, managed it for 30 years.”

When The Westerner closed, the sisters put their heads together and thought of an entrepreneurial plan. There was so much stock left over, they purchased some remaining items from The Westerner and opened their own small shop, Norvels Department Store. “Jerry, our mailman, was the one who named the store for us,” she reminisced.

After a few years passed, Bujack’s sister decided it was time for retirement. However, the word “retirement” was not in Bujack’s vocabulary, and that was when she began her next retail career – at Main Street Shoes. The owner back then was Samira Cook.

When Bujack thinks back to Main Avenue during The Westerner days, she says there was a different type of small town charm to it. “Everybody knew everybody,” she said.

Still with the small town feeling, she believes that the Fallbrook shops of today have changed gears with the times and arts and antiques are flourishing. A lot of stores have come and gone, said Bujack, but there are still friendly people.

Main remains a distinctive place to shop, said this retail veteran. “There are unique things you can find. It’s a relaxed atmosphere and there is always someone willing to help you, unlike the large malls.”

As time pushes forward, Bujack always is always thrilled to see customers who came into the store as children now coming in with children of their own. “It’s a really special feeling,” she said.

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