SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – South Shore’s charming boutique and gift shop, GaiaLicious, has reached a milestone of 20 years in business with plans to celebrate on September 25 through September 27.
Back in 2006, Kelly Brosch, owner of GaiaLicious, knew exactly what kind of shop she wanted to open in town, and together with her husband, Felix, she was able to turn her dream into a reality.
“The shop has changed a lot over the years,” recalled Brosch. “When I opened, I was 40, and a lot of my customers were in their 20s and 30s, and now they’re moms with big kids and, you know, careers and everything else. We’ve had to adapt.”
It’s apparent upon entering why the shop is still going strong. From rich, comforting smells of candles, soaps and incense to stylish clothing, jewelry, tarot cards, crystals, books and art, Brosch describes the gift shop as an “eclectic mix”, teeming with a vast array of unique items.
Brosch’s goals have always been to support the community and to sell as many fair trade goods as possible.
“If you shop at the store, you’re not just supporting me as a local business, you’re supporting local artists that need an outlet to sell their stuff,” Brosch said, noting that many of her goods come from the basin or the region.
It comes as no surprise to those who live here that opening and operating a business in Lake Tahoe is no easy feat due to unpredictable tourism seasons, staffing shortages and high overhead. Brosch credits the locals for keeping GaiaLicious afloat.
“It’s a local’s shop. They’ve been supportive from day one,” said Brosch. “I think we have a lot of ups and downs that other places don’t have.”
From enduring hardships like the Angora Fire and COVID-19, advice from Brosch to new business owners in Lake Tahoe is to dedicate a lot of time and effort from the start and be sure to invest in the community.
“At the beginning, I was working five or six days a week, and so you have to kind of prepare for that,” said Brosch. “It won’t be like that forever, but prepare to work hard, and long hours, and lots of days.”
Brosch shared with the Tribune that after recently losing her husband, Felix, who played a vital role in the shop’s operations, she is continuing to adjust.
“It’s kind of a weird transition time for me because I’m still grieving him, and then trying to run my business.”
In honor of Felix and for never having cut a ribbon when GaiaLicious first opened, Brosch is planning to celebrate 20 years with a bang, including a 20% off sale throughout the entire weekend of September 25 through 27.
Starting on Friday, September 25 at 4 p.m., GaiaLicious will offer refreshments leading up to their 20th anniversary ribbon-cutting with the Tahoe Chamber at 5 p.m. The stop will remain open until 6 p.m.
On Saturday, September 26, DJ Ocho will be spinning some tunes from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. while customers enjoy a free Tahoe Pop after spending $20.
Sunday marks the last day of the 20% off sale.
“I’m grateful for the support from the community and the locals over the past 20 years,” added Brosch. “It’s a celebration weekend.”
GaiaLicious Global Gifts is located at 987 Tallac Ave in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
