Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Geppert
Hi Maria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have had a passion for gifts, décor, and wellness my whole life and have wanted to open a store in Highland for as long as I can remember. I grew up shopping at specialty gift stores in Highland and dreamed one day I would have my own store to help people find the perfect gifts for those they love and care about.
A gift is more than just something wrapped in a pretty package with a bow, it is about the love that is inside it and the difference it can make in one person’s day – It says I care about you, I see you, and I appreciate you in ways that words just can’t convey.
My hope is for Myrtle & Grace to feel like a warm hug when you walk in. Where you are always greeted with kindness and compassion, and when you need a gift or just a little something for yourself, you will find just the right thing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely been a journey, but I am a firm believer that life moves at it’s own pace regardless of how we want to direct it. It took longer to open than I had anticipated, however the timing allowed me to gain my footing before the big holiday season kicks in. This will be my first one, so needless to say I am a bit anxious about how it is all going to go. I feel it’s going to be a blast!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When I was young my favorite time of year was when the big catalogs came out – they were huge. I used to scroll through every page imagining I had a job where I had to pick out one item from each page to purchase.
In college I studied to be a teacher, not knowing there was actually a job called a “buyer” that I could have been pursuing. My sister-in-law was working at a marketing company during that time and they were looking for an extra office person, so I joined Palmer Marketing not really knowing what they did. Turns out they produced a gift catalog for gift stores across the county. Eventually I worked my way up to Senior Buyer. It was literally my dream job. I ended up leaving after 10 years to stay home with my kids, however, the passion for the gift industry never left me.
Before starting Myrtle and Grace, I was working as a Creative Director and felt that I was just missing out on something in my life. It turns out I was missing out on my dream of opening a gift store in my home town. While I was out walking my dog I noticed a small building had just been listed for sale. I knew instantly that was the place. So three days later we bought it and haven’t looked back since.
What makes you happy?
I love seeing people smile. Sometimes life is hard and if I can be that person to make life a little better even for a few moments – my heart is happy.
I also love playing around with gift ideas to give people a voice in the whole gift giving process. I’ve found that people love gifting, but finding the right thing that conveys the meaning and thoughtfulness isn’t always easy. I love being the “translator” of sorts so that they feel really good about what they are giving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://myrtleandgrace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrtleandgrace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myrtleandgrace/
