Sunshine and Gnomes

Years ago, my neighbor David, who owned Beverly Hills Juice, was seated in his beach chair behind the shop enjoying his morning routine of catching some rays. I greeted him and we chatted about one of his customers who asked why he didn’t have multiple locations. He told me, “why do I need more when I already have what I need?”

I had never met anyone who was content. 

In 2017, Fred Segal came to me to open the gift department in the new flagship Sunset location, I couldn’t say no. I thought it would be a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. 

Then in 2019 I was offered space on Canon Drive and I thought how great to be back on the block where my mom had her store. 

As I was working harder than ever, schlepping from one location to the next, giving myself anxiety and carpal tunnel, all I could think about is why didn’t I listen to Dave? 

Sure I was making more money but I wasn’t connecting with 2/3 of my customers and the root of my happiness is hearing the stories about who the gifts are for.  

So I was actually less successful having more. 

Then 2020 happened. I questioned what I would do if I lost the stores. 

Since they survived, I didn’t actually have to search for the next thing. However, I remained curious about what else I could do with my life. 

So, when it came time to renew my LA lease, I chose not to. I was determined to answer “what else could you do if you didn’t have a store?”

So I started a list. 

1. Community service work 
2. Spend quality time with my dad
3. Focus on my long term health
4. Organize my home
5. Cook
6. Travel
7. Write
8. Enjoy the morning sun

Today, we broke down the shop and I broke down crying. Goodbye gnomes. Goodbye whale. Goodbye popsicles. 

All I ever wanted was to create a magical place where kids would remember shopping with their parents, choosing their favorite colors for the bows on their gifts, and knowing there was that nice lady who always played a game with them. 

I don’t know if any of the kids will remember my name or the name of the shop, but I gave it my all to make it special. 

As I look forward to expanding my Beverly Hills location, I can’t stop thinking about how to create an enchanting space for kids. 

I don’t have the answer yet. But I know there will be sunshine and a gnome.