Our Story
How It All Began
I've spent much of my career helping companies find the right people—a process that takes intuition, thoughtfulness, and a little bit of magic.
But when a close friend's wife became seriously ill, I found myself facing a different challenge: finding the right gift.
My niece, Chloe, and I searched everywhere. We browsed online, wandered through stores, and looked through countless gift collections. Yet nothing felt quite right. Nothing seemed to express the warmth, comfort, and genuine care we wanted to share.
I remember saying to Chloe, "If it doesn't touch us, how can we expect it to touch her?"
So instead of settling for something off the shelf, we decided to create our own.
Together, we carefully selected items that offered comfort, warmth, and a little joy. Nothing extravagant—just thoughtful things chosen with one person in mind.
When we gave her the gift, her reaction told us everything we needed to know. It wasn't about the individual items. It was about feeling remembered, understood, and cared for.
That experience planted the seed for Life Is Gourd.
I realized that finding a truly meaningful gift shouldn't be so difficult. The best gifts don't always come ready-made. Sometimes, they need a little imagination, personal attention, and someone willing to go the extra mile.
Today, that belief is at the heart of everything we do at Life Is Gourd.
Whether it's celebrating a birthday, welcoming a new employee, thanking a client, or bringing comfort to someone going through a difficult time, we believe every gift should feel personal and meaningful.
We thoughtfully curate, personalize, and source products to create gifts that feel just right for the person receiving them. We especially love discovering unique products from local makers and small businesses in the Pacific Northwest.
And while you'll find a collection of ready-to-ship gifts in our shop, what you see is just the beginning of what we can create. Every person, every occasion, and every story is different—and we believe the gifts we give should reflect that.
What began as one small act of kindness has grown into a business built around something I have always believed: it's the thought, care, and personal connection behind a gift that make it truly special.
Because the best gifts aren't just given. They're felt.
With love,
Linna
Founder, Life Is Gourd
Who We Are
We are a proudly woman-owned small business dedicated to curating unique and exceptional gift selections.
Linna, a highly experienced talent consultant, has built a distinguished career partnering with engineering, medical device, and product development companies to identify and secure top talent. Known for her professionalism and approachable nature, she navigates diverse industries with strategic insight and hands-on expertise. Holding a Master’s degree in Human Resources from the University of South Carolina, she brings a deep understanding of talent acquisition and business strategy.
Beyond finding the best people, she channeled her entrepreneurial spirit into Life Is Gourd, this very online gifting business, where she blends creativity with business acumen to craft meaningful gift experiences. When she’s not curating thoughtful gifts, Linna enjoys pastel painting, hiking, and exploring the world through travel.
Chloe brings a blend of creativity, organization, and heart to Life is Gourd, drawing from her background in office management, event planning, and hospitality. With a degree in hospitality and extensive experience in customer service and executive support, she has a sharp eye for detail and a passion for crafting memorable experiences — both in events and thoughtful gifting.
Gift-giving is Chloe’s love language. She finds pure joy in picking out the perfect gifts for family and friends, always motivated by the smile on their faces when they receive something thoughtful and personal. It’s this same sense of warmth and connection that she brings to Life is Gourd, curating gifts that make every occasion feel special.
Beyond Life is Gourd, Chloe enjoys hot yoga, exploring new recipes, making candles, and going on trips with her family. Whether designing a unique gift box or adding a personal touch to the shop’s seasonal offerings, Chloe is dedicated to helping others celebrate life’s special moments, one thoughtful gift at a time.
Our Impact
Through our trusted creators, each gift we offer contributes to uplifting souls, enriching communities, and creating a better world for us all.
Nurturing Local Artistry: Our collaborators encompass local artisans and family-run microenterprises.
Celebrating Diversity: Our dedicated partners come from diverse backgrounds – including minority-owned businesses, Black-owned ventures, family enterprises, the LGBT community, veterans, and advocates of women's empowerment.
Sustaining the Environment: Committed to a greener future, we source eco-friendly and organic products that leave a positive footprint on the environment.
Thought and care in every gift box
Discover the enchantment of giving with Life is Gourd, because life truly becomes extraordinary when you turn it into a gift.