A Wonder-Full Life Begins With You

My posted store hours inform customers when they can expect Tesoro to be open. However, I often stay late to remerchandise, so I keep the door open in case anyone wants to come in and explore before their dinner reservation.

One evening this December a couple from Santa Barbara popped in and we had a delightful conversation about taking action to make our world more beautiful. The wife, Gwyn Lurie, encouraged me to watch a video about a speech she gave.

“Leadership is not an office. It’s not a fancy title. And it should never be confused with power. Leadership is an orientation. It’s a way of being in the world. It’s a willingness to stand up and take responsibility in this life.”

She also talked about the project she has been working on called the Giving List Women. Her goal is to communicate that girls and women are not only worth supporting, but also that they are the single most powerful lever for bringing about change.

Naturally, I was thrilled to connect with her as I am surrounded by so many active and socially committed women in Beverly Hills who are working to improve the lives of women globally, who champion reproductive rights, and who support organizations for the food and housing insecure.

I’ve been active in advocating for retail both nationally and locally. This year I’ve expanded my focus from improving my business community to striving to help my neighborhood and world. I was appointed to the Recreation and Parks Commission and joined the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills. I work alongside motivated, strong, and kind women who use their voices, time, and financial resources to enhance the lives of others.

As they left the store, I was so happy that I had stayed late. I never know who I may meet nor how customers may inspire me. Gwyn’s “willingness to stand up” really resonated with my mission to continue to champion women-owned small business.

As we are in the season of giving, I keep encouraging people to shop local and support wonderful women-owned businesses in Beverly Hills, from Anne Sisteron, Auntie Barbara’s, Epiphany Boutique, to Addiction Lingerie, and more.

I not only care for my neighbors but also the companies I buy from. When I shop for Tesoro, product must meet two criteria. First, I must believe in the company I’m buying from. When I invest in their product, I invest in their team and dreams. Over 90% of my card lines and 70% of my products are designed by women. Second, I only source items that educate, inspire, and/or create joy for clients, their kids, and their families.

If you’ve been in the shop recently, you’ve heard me say that Tesoro is “If MoMA and Bergdorf’s had a baby, “I’m the docent of my curation,” and “We’re known for our cards.”

The most valuable gift in my shop is a $7 card. Since my mom was a retailer, she didn’t have time to shop at holidays for me. However, she would hand write special notes in greeting cards from Beverly Stationers that I’ve held on to. Whenever I miss my late mom, I don’t go to her dishes or jewelry for connection. I pick up one of her notes and run my fingers over her perfect penmanship. I can still feel her touch on the cotton pages.

If you’re still concerned about finding the perfect gift for someone, it’s already in your heart. You just need to spill your gratitude and love onto an A2 folded page.

If you can’t find the right words, please shop small. Your purchase is a gift to the store owner before it becomes a present to its recipient.

May your holidays be wonder-full!