In a world often filled with mass-produced items, Lazy Daisy Gift Store stands out as a beacon of unique, handcrafted treasures and a testament to the power of turning personal tragedy into a source of community and inspiration. Founded in 2011, the store’s origin story is deeply personal and profoundly moving, a journey from unimaginable loss to the creation of a thriving haven for both artisans and shoppers alike.
The seeds of Lazy Daisy Gift Store were sown in the aftermath of a devastating personal tragedy. In August 2011, Michelle, the heart and soul behind the store, experienced the unthinkable loss of her seven-year-old son Morgan and his father, Scott, victims of a senseless act of violence. Her life, once filled with the joys and chaos of family life, came to a screeching halt. Everything she knew and loved was gone, leaving her adrift in a sea of grief and despair. She recounts losing not just her loved ones, but also her home, her pets, and her job. “Nothing mattered,” she shares, describing hitting rock bottom.
In the midst of this darkness, a glimmer of hope appeared unexpectedly. While driving through Chester, Virginia, a familiar route she had taken countless times, a “For Lease” sign in a building window suddenly caught her eye. The idea of opening a store had never crossed her mind before, but in that moment, it felt like a calling. She contacted the landlord immediately and, despite having nothing but a nascent idea, he gave her a chance. Enlisting the support of her mother, Michelle impulsively decided to create a “country gift store… with pretty things and painted furniture.” Her mother’s encouraging “You should do it!!” was all the impetus she needed.
Fueled by a desperate need for purpose and healing, Michelle threw herself into creating Lazy Daisy Gift Store. Working tirelessly, “24/7,” she transformed the small space, filling it with Christmas trees, ornaments, and charming country décor. She describes this intense immersion as “therapy” and “survival.” The store became her sanctuary, a place where she could channel her grief into creation and build something beautiful from the ashes of her pain.
The initial concept of Lazy Daisy Gift Store quickly evolved beyond a simple gift shop. A pivotal moment occurred when a customer inquired about renting space for an artist’s work. This sparked the idea of incorporating local vendors, transforming the store into a collaborative marketplace. Michelle embraced the concept, renting out a small space, then a wall, and soon, the entire upstairs of the Chester location became a vibrant collection of vendor booths, each offering unique treasures. With the unwavering support of her husband John, affectionately known as “Mr. Daisy,” who built walls and created more vendor spaces, Lazy Daisy Gift Store expanded further downstairs and grew exponentially.
This remarkable journey of growth led to the opening of multiple Lazy Daisy Gift Store locations across Virginia. Starting from the original Chester store, the brand expanded to Midlothian, Short Pump, Williamsburg, Mechanicsville, Fredericksburg, Hull Street, Leesburg, and Yorktown. Each location embodies the original vision: a happy place filled with unique gifts, handmade crafts, and the stories of talented local vendors.
Michelle, the founder of Lazy Daisy Gift Store, pictured at one of her locations showcasing the passion behind her unique gift store concept.
Central to the Lazy Daisy Gift Store brand is its poignant logo. A deeply personal gift from her husband John, the logo features a photograph of young Morgan blowing a dandelion in a field of daisies. This touching image serves as a constant reminder of Morgan’s legacy, which Michelle is committed to keeping alive through the store. His face is intentionally incorporated into many aspects of the store, ensuring his memory is honored and his spirit lives on.
Michelle emphasizes that Lazy Daisy Gift Store is more than just a business; it’s a community built on love, inspiration, and the stories of its vendors. She believes the store has “TRULY changed lives,” offering a platform for artisans to share their creations and customers to find unique, heartfelt gifts. Her unwavering commitment to the store is palpable as she declares, “This is my life and I will work tirelessly to continue to make it grow.” The story of Lazy Daisy Gift Store is a powerful reminder that even from profound loss, beauty, community, and a thriving business can blossom. It invites everyone to discover the unique charm and heartwarming story behind each visit to Lazy Daisy Gift Store.
