When a cozy card and gift shop survives several decades and two owners, that’s pretty impressive. But the fact that the second owner was once a shopper working in a completely different occupation, who now employs the original owner part time — well, that’s the Hollywood twist no one could foresee.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, Emerald Forest Gifts is about seven miles from Tinseltown, located in the Los Angeles suburb of Studio City. Its Ventura Boulevard address puts it square on the Valley’s signature shopping destination, explained owner Kristen Tarnol.

The venue’s offerings span countless gift and lifestyle categories deftly, every vendor thoughtfully selected to blend just so in the intimate 700-square-foot space. This carefully curated mix appeals to a broad neighborhood demographic.

“Our clientele is incredibly loyal, [many] shopping with us over many years; the store opened in 1987,” explained Tarnol. “We also have people coming in for the first time after walking by on their morning stroll and saying, ‘I have always wanted to come in to see your shop, and today’s the day!’ We have moms buying super cute tea towels and serving sets for hostess gifts, dads buying fine jewelry for anniversary gifts, friends buying cozy robes and lounge sets for group gifts, new grandparents buying the cutest onesies for baby gifts — and everything in between!”

Tarnol herself was a customer for more than 20 years. “Sometimes, I would just come in and quietly walk around to see all the beautiful things and smell the beautiful aromas from the candles and bath products. Just to be enveloped in the energy of Emerald Forest is something so special,” she recalled. “When I heard that Michelle Gagnon, the original owner, was looking to sell, I mentioned it to my husband, and he said, ‘Well, we should buy it!’”

Tarnol comes from a corporate communications background, so she made a list of everything she wanted in her next chapter: community, creativity, freedom, laughter, sanity, friendship. Reviewing it, “I knew I could apply my skills to continuing the very successful run of this incredible shop,” she described.

For Tarnol, the “greatest gift” has been Gagnon still working at Emerald Forest part time. “Michelle continues to guide me and advise me [on everything from] buying seasons, merchandising and working with our incredible staff.”

THE FOREST PATH

There is something to enchant at every price point, with the most inexpensive offering being Sugarboo gift enclosure cards ($1.50). “Once a customer starts to read the beautiful quotes, they usually buy four or five because they are just so moving and spot on,” Tarnol noted. Meanwhile, the most expensive items are fine jewelry pieces running several hundreds of dollars. “The collection is curated from specialty jewelers across the country and is focused on delicate pieces that can be worn for a lifetime,” she detailed. “The grouping is small but mighty!”

Over the coming years, Tarnol plans to build the brick-and-mortar presence of Emerald Forest and serve as its face to the community. Simultaneously, she hopes to bolster the venue’s online presence and reach new customers on digital platforms. “It is still a work in progress, but a mix of both in-person and online [sales] will be key to the continued growth and success of the shop,” she said.

Tarnol realizes she is still acclimating and learning. “The biggest challenge for me is to continually evolve my understanding of buying cycles and seasons. I have bought items for summer that should have been for Q4 and vice versa!”

Above all, Tarnol knows it is a privilege to steward such a distinctive, beloved venue with “a history of just nailing it every time for every type of gift” into its next chapter. “I could have never imagined the work that goes into running a shop like this — the heart, the soul, the sweat, the tears and everything in between. Stores like Emerald Forest Gifts, and hundreds across the country, are the lifeblood of our communities, and I’m rooting for all of us to continue to thrive and succeed.”

QUICK QUERIES

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT RUNNING A STATIONERY AND GIFT BUSINESS THAT’S SURPRISED YOU?

When I was a customer, I knew that the place was just so special, but I thought it was just me! I’ve been surprised by how much the shop is a respite for all of our customers, and a place where they feel known and seen. We know their names, we know the necklace their best friend has been eyeing for her birthday, we know what their high school son bought for his girlfriend, and what would be a great addition to her growing bracelet stack. We see the woman running late and needs a trivet beautifully wrapped for the event she is literally driving to after she leaves us! We see the dad who comes in with kids in tow to find the perfect scarf for Mom’s birthday. The value of community and comfort was a mystery to me and now, I strive to bring that to our customers every single day.

BEST BUY UNDER $50?

From See Salt, deliciously decadent French Butter Finishing Salt, 3 ounces, $24.

BEST SPLURGE?

I couldn’t pick one! Choose from Bronte Moon’s merino lambswool throw blanket, made in England, $179. Alternatively, from Lodestone Candles of Kent, the Bonfire Candle has scents of burnt wood and spice, $68.

THE TOP THREE

1. Car air diffusers that click into your air vent and diffuse delicious fragrances like tobacco santal and eucalyptus spearmint. It’s like a spa in your car! $21.
2. A crossbody bag from Wanderfull that holds a water bottle and full wallet so you can keep everything with you and stay hydrated! Studio City is home to some amazing hikes so there are always people looking to gift outdoor enthusiasts in their lives, $69 bag and $28 bottle.
3. A beautiful silky robe from Powder or One Hundred Stars — something that you wouldn’t ordinarily buy for yourself but is so special and decadent when gifted! Powder, $136; One Hundred Stars, $168.