Confessions of a Gift Store Owner "I'm in the Feel Good" Business

Angela_The_Gift_Basket_DesignerI’m in the "feel good business." I specialize in putting smiles on faces whether it's with my custom gift baskets or selection of specialty toys. "I love making a basket for my customers and making their day," said Sara Miller, who has been in the gift store business in Portland, Oregon for about a year.

Miller worked as the head of personal shopping and gift basket design for national toy company when she stopped to move to Oregon and open her own business.

The departure came when she realized she was enjoying buying baskets and toys as much as she liked seeing the smiles on her customers. Miller said former clients were sought her out to make Easter baskets. After Easter baskets turned into other children-related baskets and eventually her store.

The Gift Bag was formed with a full slate of baskets ranging from sympathy to gourmet food and everything in between. The store carries pre-made baskets, but customers can also hand pick items they'd like in a basket or customers sometimes give Miller a budget and details about the recipient and set her to work.

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