The Heart of Gift-Giving: Trista Jablonski’s Journey with To & From
To & From Gift Shop isn’t just a place to buy presents—it’s a space where thoughtfulness meets creativity. Every item on its shelves tells a story, handpicked with the purpose of helping customers express love, appreciation, and joy. But what truly makes this shop special isn’t just the unique gifts—it’s the heart behind it.
When Trista Jablonski took over ownership, she wasn’t just stepping into a new business venture—she was embracing a mission to spread kindness through the art of giving. What started as an unexpected opportunity quickly became a passion project, one that has deepened her connection to the Kenosha community and solidified To & From’s reputation as a beloved local gem.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Trista to learn more about her journey—from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a small business owner, the challenges she’s faced, and the joy of helping customers find the perfect gift.
From Stay-at-Home Mom to Shop Owner
For the past six years, Trista dedicated her time to raising her two children. But as they grew older and started school full-time, she found herself ready to step back into the workforce. The opportunity to take over To & From Gift Shop came out of nowhere, but something about it just felt right.
“I never imagined I’d own a gift shop, but I’ve always loved the idea of finding the perfect gift for someone—something that makes them feel truly seen and appreciated,” Trista shares. “When this opportunity came up, I knew it was the right fit.”
Before taking on To & From, Trista and her husband co-owned Reliant Home Services, LLC, a business they built from the ground up after deciding to forge their own path. “We always wanted to be business owners, but we never expected to end up in retail,” she laughs.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
Taking over an existing business comes with its own unique set of challenges, but having the shop’s original owner, Samantha Unrath, by her side made all the difference. “Sam was incredibly supportive throughout the transition, and we’ve become great friends,” Trista says. “She built something really special here, and I just want to make sure we keep that same spirit alive.”
One of the biggest surprises? Restocking inventory. “I didn’t realize how low we were on stock when we took over,” Trista admits. “It was a big investment, but it was also exciting to introduce new products, bring back customer favorites, and put our own personal touch on things.”
To & From Gift Shop Founder/ Former Owner Sam Unrath and All Around Awesome Person!
The Magic of To & From
Walking into To & From Gift Shop, you’ll instantly feel a sense of warmth and whimsy. The store has a cozy, antique vibe, filled with one-of-a-kind gifts that range from locally made goods to quirky finds that you won’t see anywhere else.
“When my husband and I travel, we always visit small gift shops,” Trista explains. “If I see something and immediately think, ‘Oh! So-and-so would love this!’—then I know it’s a perfect fit for To & From.”
Fan Favorites & Hidden Gems
- Locally Exclusive: Kenosha Maps shirts and screen prints by Jula Osten, only available at To & From.
- Candle Lover’s Dream: The Modern Makers collection, featuring candles, room sprays, and an exclusive scent you can’t find anywhere else.
- Customer Favorite: The infamous Cuss Closet, a dedicated room filled with sassy, slightly inappropriate gifts that customers can’t get enough of.
“People go straight for the sweary socks,” Trista says with a grin.
Challenges & Community Support
Like any small business owner, Trista has faced her share of challenges—from learning the ins and outs of retail to navigating the unpredictable flow of customer traffic.
“January was rough,” she laughs. “No one warned me about that!”
But despite the ups and downs, the support from the Kenosha community has been incredible. Local businesses recommend To & From to their customers, and organizations like Visit Kenosha help promote small businesses like hers. “The love from this community means everything,” she says.
Looking Ahead: The Future of To & From
As To & From continues to grow, Trista has exciting plans in the works. She’s focusing on expanding their selection of locally made products, featuring more artisan goods, and possibly even launching an online shop for those who can’t visit in person.
When asked what she hopes for the future, Trista keeps it simple:
“With online shopping taking over, I just want us to still be here in five years, providing a space where people can find thoughtful, meaningful gifts in person. That’s what To & From is all about.”
More Than a Store—A Place for Connection
At its core, To & From Gift Shop is about more than just the products on the shelves—it’s about the feeling you get when you find the perfect gift for someone you love.
Trista hopes that every person who walks through the doors feels welcomed, inspired, and excited to come back—whether they’re searching for a heartfelt present, a quirky surprise, or a laugh in the Cuss Closet.
So if you haven’t visited yet, stop by and experience the magic of To & From. Because the best gifts aren’t just about what’s inside the box—they’re about the love, thought, and care that come with them.
To & From Gift Shop • 5535 6th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140 • Follow on Facebook • Instagram
