G A Dolly's Gift Shop — Local services in New Smyrna Beach

I USED to love coming into Dollys on a frequent, by myself and with visitors from out of town. I enjoy supporting small businesses. When we are greated in an extended, loving, supportive, family sort of way. Today's meeting with employee Sandy, was like being greeted as a very unwelcomed stranger.

Today was exciting as it was the first time to bring my toddler into this children and adult store of paradise. Shells of all shapes and sizes and colors. Masks, sparkles, fish, crabs, magnets, a toddler section with toy cars and creatures that move, slime, surprise toys.

The way it goes is I follow around my 2 year young, toddler, son and watch what he is stoked about. That involves picking toys up, inspecting them, sometimes playing with them, and sometimes ignoring them. The energy that is created is full of curiosity, awe, wonder.... in a short amount of time. I place items back as found. If your not used to that sort of energy it can be a lot. However it's worth understanding and tapping into a child's curiosity and vision. I then take items he is super stoked about, place them at register for purchase and over the months bring them out to see that joy and wonder all over again.

We happen to see a toy egg, full of slime. We know this because it is broken. We leave that one alone and discuss if the non broken one is super exciting enough to put in the take home pile.

Sandy (employee): "ummm let's not be breaking the products" Willow (me): "mam that product was broken when we got over here." Sandy: "yes, but only one was broke." Willow: "that is only one. One half is in your hands the other half, of the egg is in the tray." Sandy: (realizes she was in the wrong, yet still says), "you have been destroying this store since you walked in" Willow: "Sandy I can see our prescence is bothering you, so let me do you a solid and we will be leaveing." (Smirk, because I know for whatever reason...i am blasting this to all I know) Sandy: "I have been nice to you this entire time." Willow: (in my head..ummmm, o.k.) "have a blessed day!" Sandy: "Jesus" Willow: (in my head, wow she has lost her mind) "and would you kindly put back the items we will not be purchasing."

Being a local business owner, I know I would want to be notified if I had a disgruntled employee, losing customers, especially when customers can easily Amazon Prime these items for a fraction of the retail price. So here it is, my daily journal entry.

I truly look forward to Sandy finding a job that makes her heart sing, instead of giving her a heart attack. When she has found that job I truly look forward to swinging in with paying guests again. Oh and have a blessed day.

After writing this article the owner of the store found me and sent her sincere apologies to me, gifting my son a gift certificate to come back. The lady I spoke of above did still work there as a year ago when we used certificate, however we times the trip so that I didnt have to cross paths with her. The gesture from the owner was accepted. Thank you. Life is to short for anything less than...

We had just eaten at a nice restaurant on Flagler Avenue, and planned to hit a few shops on our way down to the beach. I was taking pictures of the town's chickens, and 2 of them started pecking my colorful, shiny toes and attacking me. Anyway, we went into G A Dolly's, and the wonderful, sympathetic employee went in the back and got her first aid kit. Because of covid precautions I handled the wound myself( I am also a nurse). I was so impressed with her readiness to help. Service and friendliness: A+! As for the shop it is colorful and eye-catching. Lots of of cute beachy decor, and I collect ornaments of my travels for my Christmas tree. I found a fun one in which the lighthouse lights up. I didn't have enough time to look at everything as my friend was called in to work, so we had to leave early. I definitely will be back to buy gifts for friends and family. So many fun cute things for everyone. And I won't forget the kindness shown to me by the staff member who helped me. Highly recommend this place for the many reasons...

So grateful to Dolly's Gift Shop, including a major special shout out to Jamie there! I grew up in NSB and now live out of state. I learned a friend of mine I'd grown up with, who also now lives out of state, had flown in because his mother was in the hospital in NSB. As a touch of comfort, I wanted to get him something that felt like "home," and I called Dolly's Gift Shop for help. Jamie had just opened the store that morning, and she wove in time to send me many photos of things she thought might be a nice token. She was so wonderful with her time, her ideas, and she even wrapped it up and coordinated with my local family member who came by to get the gift. Above and beyond. I hope all who visit Flagler Ave. will stop...