May 2, 2025

The easiest way to describe his store in the Jones421 Building, owner Stefan Bernardino said, is to call it “a place filled with curiosities.”

Bernardino, who returned to Sioux Falls in 2023 after a dozen years in Colorado, opened Sanctuary Goods on Dec. 5, 2024, and expanded its hours in mid-February after quitting his job at TommyJack’s Pub.

“It’s full of curiosities,” he said. “It’s always changing.”

Bernardino, who owned an apothecary in Colorado and spent 12 years in the industrial hemp industry, used his past connections to furnish Sanctuary Goods, but he also tries to curate from Sioux Falls as much as possible.

His store includes custom jewelry, crystals, health and wellness products, art and items that won’t be found elsewhere in the city, such as the coffee alternative MUD\WTR.

Sanctuary Goods offers adaptogens, typically herbs and plants believed to help a body adapt to stress and restore balance. They promote holistic health, Bernardino said.

“Ashwagandha is popular; it’s nature’s chill pill,” he said. “Mucuna is a dopamine bean. I used a lot of them in Colorado. That’s why I’m so passionate about those, especially because they do wonders. I like to keep one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake, and they definitely helped me through some hard times.”

Bernardino brings in crystals from a wholesaler he started using in Colorado. He tries to keep his prices modest, he said, and offer crystals in multiple sizes.

“Some people like gemstones, some people like bigger rocks, some like something they can hold in their hands and carry around all day,” he said. “Crystals are like art — it’s definitely in the eye of the beholder. Precious stones like sapphires and diamonds keep their worth well. And we also can make custom jewelry with a lot of the crystals we have.”

Sanctuary Goods also participates in vendor shows at Bigs Bar, Wileys and the Second Saturday Market, which kicks off the night of May 17 at 8th & Railroad Center.

Bernardino, who also does leatherwork, views his role at Sanctuary Goods as curator/proprietor. He has been helped by a jewelry-making friend, Tyler Nordlund, and his girlfriend, Michelle Tarian, an ESL instructor at Edison Middle School.

Currently, the store’s hours are noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday though Sunday. On May 22, Bernardino will switch his days of operation to Monday through Saturday.

Longtime friend James Landon told Bernardino about an opportunity to move into Jones421, where his business, 1st Gen HQ is located. Bernardino met with Sheila Hazard, building co-owner and property manager. He liked the idea of being part of Sioux Falls’ only downtown mall.

“I’ve got to give props to Sheila, she is awesome. She’s only been good to me. And it’s not bad being neighbor to somebody I grew up with,” he said of Landon.

Bernardino envisions someday opening a second store in Sioux City or a neighboring community. He also is considering expanding to Minneapolis, where he has family who could assist in operations.

Almost every month, Sanctuary Goods offers classes on custom jewelry, custom leatherwork and scentless candles using holistic ingredients. The store has a presence on Instagram and Facebook.