Page 6 By Amanda Goossen Walking into UFO, you feel as if you’ve walked into an alternative reality. Leonardo Ramirez runs his business based on one simple word. Re-cy-cle-tude – noun/verb- a way of thinking or feeling about converting or using previously used or unwanted items or resources into renewed, creative, artistic or useful items or resources. “We’re not about following a style,” said Leonardo “We’re about feeling an energy.” “Your home is the only place you have control of. Surround yourself with good energy,” said Leonardo. “Hold onto what you love. It’s hard to let go of the things you don’t…but do it, release the negative energy.” Walking through the door of UFO (Universal Furnishings and Offerings) the positive energy smacks you in the face. Each item inside the store appears to be born from a dream, inspiration or the simple love of creativity. Owner Leonardo Ramirez works with his team to re-upholster and redesign both the basic and the unusual. “The stuff we show in our store is couture,” said Carinne, a contracted designer for UFO. A Captain Kirk chair, complete with electronic arm rest gadgets, greets you at the door. A psychedelic Austin Powers chair hangs out in the window and a Captain America chair sits proudly, waiting to be seen. “The piece gets a nickname as soon as it walks in” said Carinne. “The chair which became Captain Kirk was Kirk as soon as it walked in. I just knew by the style what I wanted it to become.” A large space in the back of the store is the workroom, filled with orders to be worked on and pieces UFO has purchased from individuals to eventually redesign and sell in the store. “We want people to see the value in things,” said Leonardo. “The parts are all there, maybe it’s just a broken leg. We can fi x it. We can put a new style on things.” “We are very iconoclastic about it all,” said Leonardo. Iconoclastic, which means, one who attacks and seeks to overthrow traditional or popular ideas or institutions, perfectly represents the overall feeling of UFO. “Things work in different ways in different times,” said Carinne. “We want to bring out the creativity in everyone, to see what their things can become.” UFO ~ 3602 North 16th Street, Phoenix AZ 85016. 602-515-0837. phxufo.com. or resources. style,” said an energy.” ce you have with good nto what you hings you gative rs ation rks with redesign The Austin Powers The Captain America Captain Kirk Out of this world finds Isn’t your life already confusing enough? Let us help you simplify. Since 1995 we have made 165 of your neighbors very happy. Don’t you think you deserve the same treatment? 2265 W Desert Cove, Phoenix, AZ 85029 602-274-3211 • www.dshe.net Dennis Sage, Owner and Longtime Arcadia Resident I It’s time f for y your d dream to come true... P: 602-840-0432 F:602-840-0446 www.colterinc.com Colter Construction Inc. 3920 E. Indian School Rd., Ste. 2 Phoenix, AZ 85018 “As an Arcadia Native, I thank you for allowing my team to build your dreams for over 10 years.” -- Jonathan Stamatis ROC 173925 KB1 Need Hardwood Flooring, Carpet or Paint for the Holidays? No Problem! Give us a call to set up an appointment at Colter’s Flooring Showroom. L Let Colter C Cons structio on build it!

More than of Beautiful Lighting! 1 10 00 0 0 0 Y Y YE EA AR RS S 100 YEARS