MEET: GAIA FLOWERS GIFTS ART:

Slowly but surely, business is blooming downtown

Peter Frigeri, owner of Gaia Flowers, a downtown Las Vegas business. Thursday Oct. 30, 2014.

Describe your business.

Gaia is a flower and gift shop in Las Vegas’ Arts District downtown. We specialize in sustainably grown flowers and desert accents arranged in pots and vases made by local artists. Our gift selection features bath and body products, candles, ceramics, jewelry and other crafts made by Las Vegans. All our flowers and gifts can be made into custom gift baskets and are available for delivery throughout Las Vegas. Best of all, we support local artists, gardeners, nonprofits and others in the community who love Mother Earth as much as we do.

Gaia Flowers

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Who are your customers?

You, I hope. People who are concerned for the environment but want a floral arrangement or gift that says something different than the usual flower delivery shop.

What makes your business unique?

Our selection of locally crafted vases and pots, as well as our dedication to choosing sustainably certified flowers.

What is your business philosophy?

GAIA FLOWERS GIFTS ART

Address: 6 E. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas 89104

Phone: 702-997-0222

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.gaiaflowers.com

Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; Sunday closed or by appointment

Owned/operated by: Peter Frigeri

In business since: 2009

Rule 1, take care of the customer. Rule 2, everyone is a customer.

What is the hardest part about doing business in Southern Nevada?

The economy.

What is the best part about doing business in Southern Nevada?

The people. The folks who come into the shop are awesome and enthusiastic about our designs and products. They are always so happy to have found unique options for their wedding or a special gift.

What obstacles has your business overcome?

Location. The Arts District is a great, vibrant place to be located, but there is still low foot traffic. But it’s improving every day. Soon, we’ll have Makers & Finders, the coffee shop, opening and even Buffalo Exchange in the neighborhood. I have had the opportunity to move to other locations outside of downtown, and I won’t ever do it.

How can Southern Nevada improve its business climate?

I am very encouraged by what we see happening daily in the downtown area. The next thing that we’ll see is more multi-use construction — apartments and office space combined. The area is ready for it. Long term, though — education, education, education. Without an educated and skilled community, the future economy will pass us by.

What have you learned from the recession?

React faster. Watch the pennies. I will never forget how fast things went bad in 2008. Past recessions were slow-motion by comparison.

Tags: The Sunday
Business

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