You will become obsessed with the hottest local finds at Indy Gifts

By Mary Malik

Like all entrepreneurs, Jill Gray had a dream. First as a teacher, then as a high school counselor for 15 years, Jill enjoyed her work in education but always had that nagging feeling in the back of her mind that something was missing. Jill wanted to someday open a store where people could find gifts that help celebrate life’s most important moments.

“I guess I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” says Jill. “My late grandmother, Jane, and I were very much alike in that way. It was a hobby of ours, together with Mom, to browse small boutiques wherever we were. My grandmother had a lot of success with different business ventures throughout her life and she always inspired me to do the same.”

Jill saw a space available near where she lives in Independence and decided it was a sign that it was time.

“God has always continued to open doors for me at the right times in my life,” says Jill. “When I saw the space, I felt, ‘wow, I’m supposed to do this now.’ I made the decision in early spring of 2022 and after lots of late nights with my husband and sons helping with the renovations, we opened Indy Gifts in Independence in mid-June.”

Jill’s mission is to make gift giving joyful and convenient for local residents as well as surrounding communities. As you browse through Indy Gifts, you’ll find several different sections devoted to all the special moments in life, like birthdays, weddings, new babies and more. These categories, along with jewelry, home, inspirational and faith-based items, are all featured here.

“We carry gourmet chocolates and even included a small dog section with toys and natural treats,” says Jill. “It was very important to me to carry locally made items and support female-owned businesses and those whose values align with my own. I use my values to guide me in my search for brands to feature in the store.”

As an educator, Jill is drawn to businesses that give back to children. Kind Lips is a 100% natural and organic lip balm where 20% of the profits are donated to bullying prevention programs in schools. Bella Tunno donates one meal to a child in need for every one of its silicone bibs sold.

“I look for companies giving back,” says Jill. “My mom Deb helps me out so much in the store and she is a retired school counselor as well. It’s important to both of us to continue to support children in every way we can.”

And Jill feels that the presence of Indy Gifts is giving back to the town of Independence.

“There isn’t another shop like this here,” says Jill. “Promoting other small and local businesses is one of our goals, so it’s a great way to do something special for the community where we all live.”

Local items at Indy Gifts include Ohio-themed hats designed by a high school classmate of Jill’s, unique silk scrunchies, Anne Cate’s Cleveland skyline bags and other local artists with more to come.

“We are getting ready for the holidays around here,” says Jill. “Fall items are in the shop now and we’re looking forward to decking the halls for the holidays.”

Jill says to look for Sip ’n’ Shops, extended holiday hours and much more to come over the next few months.

Indy Gifts is located at 7085 Brecksville Road in Independence. For more information, call 216-236-8125 or check them out and order online at ShopIndyGifts.com. Follow Indy Gifts on social media @shopindygifts (FB & Instagram) for product updates and events.