CODY, Wyo. — When Legends Bookstore owner Teresa Muhic retired in 2013 from a career as a petroleum engineer and management executive in the oil industry, she was searching for a new project to help her stay busy.

Lexie Garrett peddles happiness in the form of one-of-a-kind, Wyoming-made handbags. At Alexis Drake, clients can customize every detail of their bags, from the leather and piping to zipper tabs, linings, patches, monograms and hardware.

CHEYENNE, Wyo.—A curtain of lush green leaves and vines drapes the storefront windows at the Hawthorn Tree apothecary in downtown Cheyenne. Beyond the verdant curtain is a peaceful space filled with rows of glass jars containing tea leaves and aromatic spices.