Magpie Home and Gift is a wonderful mercantile meets gift shop, located just a short walk from the courthouse, filled with locally made products from candles to beanies and so much more.
The owner Patty Price strives to support and share Arizona artisans; which can be seen in the variety of items throughout her shop. It’s a joy to peek around and find treasures for yourself or loved ones. They also offer a variety of crating classes throughout the year. Be sure to check their website for any upcoming events.
Interview with a Local Business Owner with Patty Price
Can you briefly describe your business?
We are a gift shop that produces 30-40% of our products in house. (Candles made with non-toxic ingredients, small batch soap made with good for your body ingredients you can pronounce and more)
We round out the rest of our shop with wonderful US made/ AZ made makers, (distressions, lizzie and annie, to name a few local makers) and I add some vintage pieces for sale to round us all out. In short I fill the store and surround myself with the products and pieces that bring me joy. Were here to pass on that joy with every gift we wrap up and send out the door.
How long have you been in business?
I’ve owned my own business since 2011 but moved to Prescott 5 years ago and started Magpie home & gift in the fall of 2019.
Can you share with us the story behind starting your business? Why did you start your business?
I’ve been in retail since I was 18. I love visual displays but helping people select the perfect gift bring so much joy. I worked many years in the corporate Hallmark stores in the valley and in helping people create the perfect gift I’d often send them to farmers markets and etsy stores to source the perfect addition to their gift, think local honey to add to their mug and blanket bundle for a get well/thinking of you gift, or the perfect jewelry piece to match a vintage upcycled sari scarf we sell. In 2011 I decided to open my own shop in Chandler and bring these items in one place to make their shopping experience better. I’ve never looked back.
What motivated you to choose this particular industry?
Visual displays were the first reason I set to work for a department store. I dreamed of making new your worthy window displays some day.
How does your business look different now vs. when you first started?
We are always changing. Seasonal merchandise helps that. But I feature different artists and pop ups that also keep us fresh. Because we make all of our candles and bath sundries we are also experimenting and creating new products. My hope is from season to season the store never looks the same.
What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting your business?
It takes alot of hard work behind the scenes to always change the store and keep it fresh, but the outcome is always worth it.
What do you think sets your business apart from others in the industry?
I hope people will say our customer service, ability to make customized products and value. We try hard to keep reasonably priced items in the shop.
How do you ensure customer satisfaction and retention?
We treat everyone like a family member!
How important is social media in your overall marketing strategy?
I wish I had more time!
How do you stay informed about trends and changes in your industry?
I’m always meeting new makers and going to art festivals/farmers markets to spot new talent and get inspiration for colors, scents, displays for the shop.
What advice would you give to someone who is starting their own business?
Just go for it. No matter how much you plan or research it will look different than you first dreamed that’s OK be flexible and follow your heart. It’s worked for me so far, if I like something I think I can’t be the only one to like this. Trusting your voice is everything.
What are the future goals and plans for your business?
Oh gosh I’m just going day by day right now.
How did you market your business when it was brand new?
We were featured in the Prescott women’s magazine, were voted best boutique in the daily courier in 2020 and the word of mouth of Great customers is what propelled us.
How have you grown personally from becoming an entrepreneur?
Prescott is a very different market from the metro Phoenix area I’ve had to learn to go with the small-town flow and make genuine in person connections with people, not just online connections.
What will you never compromise on with your business?
Sourcing as much locally as I can will always be a core principal I believe in.
At what point did you look at your business and consider it a success?
Loaded question. I think I’m always striving for the next rung, not sure that I’ve had a made it moment. Just keep moving moment.
If you weren’t running your business, what would you do?
I’d have no idea. I love what I do.
What would you change about your business journey if you could go back?
Can we delete the Covid time frame? Lol.
What does your family life look like?
I’m almost an empty nester majority of our children are in their 20’s starting to build their lives. It’s a new switch for me.
Business Address:
405 Goodwin St. #B Prescott, AZ 86303
Business Website and/or Social Media:
www.magpieaz.com / @magpiehomegift
prescottcityguide.com 