Pictured: Gifted SRQ has found a home in Downtown Sarasota. Photo provided by Hannah Greenwood.

Best friends Hannah Greenwood and Deanna Benedetto opened Gifted SRQ together last September, after dreaming of doing so for years. The two met at Greenwood’s wedding, where Benedetto attended as a plus-one, and instantly became close friends. “Ever since then, we’ve been inseparable, even though we lived very far apart for a while,” says Greenwood. “When I had the opportunity to move to Sarasota and open a shop, I didn’t really want to do it alone, so I asked her if she wanted to open the store with me. This is the dream, opening a shop together.”

Gifted SRQ offers a curated selection of gifts and special cards for every occasion, stocking products from women- and minority-owned small brands and local businesses. “We wanted to find things that were unique,” says Greenwood. “It's nice to find products that, maybe a little extra time and love were put into it, or there might be a story behind the brand.” With a selection spanning S’well water bottles, a brand working to reduce plastic bottle use, Geometry Towels, which are made from recycled bottles, craft cocktail infusion kits, essential oil candles and more, Gifted SRQ aims to offer something for everyone.

Greenwood notes that they’ve already found a strong community around their store in Burns Square. The store ships nationwide and offers free delivery in Sarasota, a decision Greenwood says allows them to thank the local community for their support. “The community here has been so encouraging with their support, it's just been wonderful,” she says. “Other businesses and other retail shops are so supportive of one another down here—it's a great community culture.” Looking ahead, the friends hope to open a second location in Sarasota and continue building a must-visit shop for locals and visitors alike.

Gifted SRQ, 537 S. Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, giftedsrq.com

Pictured: Gifted SRQ has found a home in Downtown Sarasota. Photo provided by Hannah Greenwood.