A little over two years ago, new mother Vanessa West was searching for a way to connect with her new hometown. A recent transplant to Memphis from her native Indiana, she was dealing with the struggles of parenthood and isolation brought on by the onset of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
“It was a rough time,” she says.
Vanessa found her community through offering her neighbors a service: beautiful and thoughtful gift wrapping. “When I gift wrap, I feel pure joy,” she explains. “Bespoke wrapping makes a present even more meaningful and special. Before I wrap, I talk with my clients about the gift recipients, their personalities, favorite colors, and backgrounds. I want to make the gift wrap personal, unique, and very over-the-top.”
Her neighbors loved her approach and Avenue Wrapping was born. The business has grown organically through referrals and social media – so much so that Vanessa decided to pursue another dream and open a gift shop.
With the tagline “A Thoughtful Giftery for the Whimsical and Modern,” Avenue Wrapping opened in Chickasaw Oaks on Saturday, November 5, 2022. The curated gift boutique carries a stock of luxurious wrapping paper and accessories and Vanessa will continue to offer her signature customized gift wrapping services. Unique to Memphis, Vanessa will wrap presents from any store, not just her own. In addition, Avenue Wrapping offers unique and sustainably made gifts such as stationery made from vintage maps, hand carved wooden blocks, dip-dyed handmade candles, recycled steel water bottles, and artisanal jewelry lines. Vanessa carefully curates the items she offers, selecting gifts and papers from makers around the world.
“I don’t want to offer anything mass-produced,” she says. “There is a face behind every item in Avenue Wrapping, an artist I can actually talk to and build a relationship with.”
The village atmosphere of Chickasaw Oaks, located at 3092 Poplar Avenue, Suite 13, Memphis TN, 38111, is a perfect fit for Avenue Wrapping. “The other shop owners were very neighborly and welcoming from the start,” she explains. “I knew everyone’s names before I even opened. I feel very happy to be here.”
Avenue Wrapping’s hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can find out more about the boutique at the website, on Facebook, and on Instagram.