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Milestones are significant events in your life; the beginning of a brand new chapter. At The Nest on 60 Shaker Rd. in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, owner Nancy Sousa Giza helps customers celebrate all the different milestones in their life. “The nesting stages,” as she calls it. Flying the nest: graduation, new job, new apartment. Building a nest: weddings, new home, friend gatherings. Nesting: expecting or adding to your family, bridal or baby showers. Empty nesting: celebrating and finding comfort in a quieter lifestyle and self-pampering.
Owning a gift boutique has been a dream of Giza’s for years. Once she became an empty nester, she began thinking more about what could possibly be next for her. Giza started doing some research, met a wonderful mentor and reached out to many professionals along the way who could guide her through each step.
“It was a challenging two-year journey, but it was well worth it,” Giza replied. “The Nest was born.” Giza explained she loves the East Longmeadow community. Having the opportunity to work in the school system for many years, she got to know many of the families and felt it would be a great place to start a new venture.
“I know there are gift boutiques in surrounding areas, but I felt that East Longmeadow would benefit from the items and atmosphere that the Nest could bring,” Giza explained. “I’m hoping to bring a warm and personal approach to shopping for all ages. I really like to get to know my customers, welcome their feedback and make the extra effort to carry the giftware that they’re interested in, and always what’s new and trending.”
The Nest opened on Nov. 24, 2023 with a ribbon cutting ceremony that state Sen. Jake Oliveira and the office of state Rep. Brian Ashe took part in to support and celebrate the grand opening.
Giza said she looks to include many brands and designers from Massachusetts and the New England area. She carries wooden charcuterie boards and rolling pins made in Vermont, fun and unique handbags made in Lynn, skin care products made in small batches in Amesbury and new jewelry lines from Rhode Island and Boston. She also has hand-chosen distinctive giftware from all over the country and Europe as well.
“I want the Nest to have a welcoming and cozy atmosphere,” said Giza. “A place where you can come in and browse with no pressure, find something you love and have it wrapped and ready to go. Certainly giftware for others, but then maybe a little something to treat yourself.”
Hampden resident Tina Murphy is a good friend of Giza and has known her for about 20 years. When Giza told Murphy she was opening The Nest, Murphy said she was excited for her and for the community. Murphy explained she feels Giza has wonderful taste and is one of the kindest, thoughtful people that she knows. “I have purchased several items from The Nest,” Murphy said. “Nancy brings to the community a small town feel, with on-trend unique gifts that you may not find somewhere else. It’s the type of shop that is cozy and makes you feel happy and relaxed when you go in and when you leave.”
East Longmeadow resident Kate Gray first heard about The Nest on the East Longmeadow Town Forum. She shared she had a warm first impression with great smelling candles and noticed the beautiful decor. Gray has bought many items from The Nest since, from Christmas gifts for her father-in-law who loves to cook, to champagne flutes for her friend getting married, to a couple bracelets for herself.
“It is important to have small businesses in town to support our town and make it easy for locals to find what they want and need locally,” Gray said. “The location is perfect and with the other wonderful businesses in Shaker Shops, The Nest is the next step toward making
this destination a shopper’s paradise.”
Soon, Giza wants to include local artisans; having a different artist come each month to the business to showcase their work. She also hopes to add online shopping and delivery. She has a deep interest in giving back to the community, whether it be welcoming local artisans to her shop regularly or supporting local groups and charities through fundraising opportunities and donations. Giza said she has grown up and raised a family in a small town and feel there’s no place better for the support and genuine care from others.
“To have this dream come true feels absolutely fabulous,” Giza said. “I love fostering relationships with my customers. People coming in and letting them know I’m here to help in any way possible. Meeting new people, putting a smile on their face and helping them celebrate something or someone special in their lives has been the best feeling.”
Upcoming items the Nest will be carrying for the spring will include giftware for bridal showers and weddings, as well as more home decor. There will also be gifts for the graduates. Spring is on its way, and with that along comes Easter – The Nest can can help with setting up holiday tables, prepping for guests, finding the perfect hostess gift and picking up accessories and decadent sweets that are fun basket items for all ages. For Mother’s Day, customers can show love and appreciation for all the moms and grandmothers in their lives with jewelry, kitchen items, personal accessories, decorative pillows, candles and much more.
THE NEST IS OPEN TUESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 10 A.M.- 5 P.M. AND
SATURDAYS 10 A.M.- 3 P.M. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 413-266-9343
OR FOLLOW THEM ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
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