Gifted Blessings owner Salina Heeman has poured her personality into every corner of the store, located on the ground floor of the Literary Hotel at 130 S. Dubuque St., Suite 103. She said her goal has always been to create a space where shoppers feel comfortable exploring and discovering items they may not find in large chain stores.
The store features a wide range of products that reflect both style and meaning. Shelves are filled with candles, wall art, kitchen décor, and one-of-a-kind pieces created by local small businesses. Salina said she takes great care in selecting what fills the store, looking for special items that also follow current trends.
“I follow trends, and I base [products] off what has sold in years past and what demand is,” she said. “I try to have all different styles for different customers, but I also have a faith-based approach to our business as well. I also want to keep things reasonably priced, but high-quality as well.”
One of the features customers enjoy most is how often the store transforms. Salina changes displays with the seasons, giving shoppers something fresh to explore throughout the year. Autumn brings warm tones and cozy décor, spring adds florals and soft colors, and winter fills the shop with Christmas themes and holiday sparkle.
“This time of year, candles are a big hit,” Salina said. “But spiritual items too, like nativity pieces, are also really consistent sellers.”
As the holidays approach, Gifted Blessings becomes especially lively. Festive shelves, ornaments, and Christmas collections create an atmosphere that invites people to browse slowly and enjoy the moment. Salina said she loves helping customers find the perfect gift or meaningful piece for their home.
“People will come in with a container and say, “I need this to look a certain way,” and we do a lot of that,” Salina said. “I’ve gone into people’s houses and done their trees or helped them decorate with things they already have. We do a lot of outside decorating, but it’s not to show off, it’s to show people that what they have can still be beautiful if we mix it in with new things.”
Gifted Blessings continues to grow not only as a boutique but as a small community hub where people stop in to chat, shop, and support a local business that genuinely cares about its customers. The boutique offers several specials and events throughout the year as well.
“We have Black Friday, Shops on Saturday coming up,” Salina said. The first Saturday in December is Shop the Walk here in Solon, on December 6th.”
There are also promotions throughout the year, and Ladies Night is especially popular within the Solon community.
“We have special promotions and things in store,” Salina explained. “We also do Ladies’ Nights, where groups of friends come in and we provide food and drinks. The host gets 20% off their purchase if they shop in my store, and everybody gets a swag bag.”
Overall, Salina said she is grateful for the relationships she has built through the store and hopes Gifted Blessings will remain a bright spot for Solon for years to come. She adds that the charm of Gifted Blessings is the small, local, and homey feel of the business.
“I really believe the whole basis of [Gifted Blessings] is not running to get a gift card but getting a gift you’re excited for someone to open, something they can’t find at Target,” she said. “As well as having home décor that inspires you and makes you feel comfortable.”
Gifted Blessings
• Located on the ground floor of the Literary Hotel at 130 S. Dubuque St., Suite 103
• Phone – 319-530-6134
• Email – [email protected]
• Web – giftedblessingssolon.com
• Hours – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. with private shopping times available by appointment