Downtown business grows, needs more space
FAMILY BUSINESS EXPANDING
By LESTER MURRAY news2@kilgorenewsherald.com

Rosa Rodriguez (left) and her daughter, Diana stand among Rosa's creations at Gifs and Love in their new location, just next door to the old location on E. Main St.

With just a little over one year in business, Gifs and Love, a Kilgore base store had to move due to expansion.

Gifs and Love - the spelling is correct - is a family-run store which specializes in quinceanera (Sweet 15 parties), weddings, baptisms, communions, baby showers and anything else you can think of which needs hand made floral arrangements, corsages and much, much more.

The shop is one of several in Kilgore which is thriving as a result of a Hispanic customer base.

Rosa Rodriguez is the talent behind every design that comes out of Gifs and Love. "Me and my husband, Eduardo, are the owners and my daughter, Diana and my son, Angel, also work here," said Rosa.

The business opened in March, 2007, and because of the demand needed more room. "It was great that the store right next to us became available," said Diana.

Gifs and Love was located at 205 E. Main St. When Diaches Jewelers went out of business, the space at 207 E. Main St. became available said Diana. "At first my mom didn't think we needed to move, but when we finally got into the new store, it was like there was a place for everything which we didn't have in the old location," said Diana.

Rosa said only weddings are bigger business for them than quinceaneras. "We have all different types of designs and a price range to fit every family," said Rosa.

But if you have a daughter turning 15 next week, don't go to Gifs and Love. "It takes at least six months to prepare for a wedding or quinceanera," said Rosa. "We have 13- year-old girls already coming in and planning their quinceanera."

Rosa has 21 years experience in planning and preparing for these type of events, starting out in her home, and now expanding to the family owned business. "I just love doing this, it is so exciting," said Rosa.

Gifs and Love is not limited to just Mexican. They can handle any type of wedding, colors and style, said Rosa. "We have two different types of plans; one you can rent all of the arrangements and the other you can buy the arrangements to take home after the event," said Rosa.

The Rodriguez family will supply materials for those who wish to make their own decorations, or the staff at Gifs and Love will do everything, including dresses for the quinceanera, baptisms or routine birthdays, customized to meet every need, said Diana.

"We don't use old materials. Each arrangement is made at the time of your order, which is why customers need to order in advance. Even for baptisms, baby showers and communions you should count on 30 days advance orders," said Rosa.

Rosa said the spring and summer are busy, but that business slows down in the winter.

The store hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. "If we are out on a job we will leave a number to call in the window," said Rosa. "Don't hesitate to call we will send a member of the family to help you.