In the age of point-and-click gift giving, Esther Miller has mastered the art of picking perfect presents in person. Now she is helping others enjoy the process, too, with her new store, Gifted, opening July 7 in the buzzy Foundry District of Fort Worth.
In just 811 square feet, the artisan-based shop will stock a well-edited selection of handmade jewelry, ceramics, stationery, and more from around the world. Miller says she wants to inspire and engage creative and design-conscious shoppers in Fort Worth by offering a unique assortment of ethical, handcrafted goods.
“My main goal was to create a shop where I wanted to frequent myself," Miller says in a release. "I believe it is about time for [Fort Worth] to have a local boutique that features artisan-made products and indie labels just like other major cities in the U.S."
Miller, a Texas Christian University graduate, has spent more than 12 years in the fashion industry working as a designer and licensing manager for major international brands. Her work has taken her around the world, where she has been able to interact with people — and shop — a wide variety of cultures.
"As the shop owner, my commitment is to create seamless gifting experiences and to never stop exploring the ever-evolving world of design and product creation," she says. "This is my dream job, and I hope it shows through every visit and experience my customers have at my shop online or in person.”
Brands carried at Gifted include:
- Apres Ski
- Pigeon Toe Ceramics
- WKNDLA
- Norden Goods
- Yield Design
- Etta + Billie
- Slow North
- Franca
- Machete
- Seaworthy
- Savvie Studio
- Jacobsen
"The brands we bring to customers eschew trends while celebrating the artful and timeless," Miller says on her website. "The makers we carry believe their products can spark inspiration, boost happiness, and be kind to the earth, body and soul. Our commitment is to seek out makers and small businesses that stay true to this belief."
Miller says the meaning behind the shop's name goes beyond simply "gifts." Gifted will double as a space where talented individuals can share their creative skills with the community by hosting workshops, classes, and events. The first workshop, on August 5, will showcase a how-to macrame session with Savannah Kurka from Savvie Studio.
Gifted also specializes in alternative volume-gifting for real estate, corporate, and events, Miller says.
The store will open at 212 Carroll St., #110. It's the newest entry in The Foundry District, the recently rehabbed industrial development that's home to a mix of one-of-a-kind retail and restaurants, dedicated space for industrial creative offices, and alternative event venues, including The Lathery, M&O Burger, CitySurf, and Cowtown Marathon. An adults-only concert and art event takes place every other Thursday through summer, and future district plans include an art house movie theater.
The store will carry goods from around the world.
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