The Best Thing I Found at Frill Wasn't on a Shelf

By Brianna Goins

Frill Team 

It All Started with the Whiteboard, Some Chips & The Real Housewives

It’s been just a little over a year since I walked through the doors of Frill Gift Boutique.

When I first came in, Molly and Lauren were sitting in front of a whiteboard "planning" how they were going to rearrange the store while also figuring out what they needed to buy at market.

(And by planning, I mean Molly was wildly moving sticky notes around the whiteboard, passionately explaining why her system made perfect sense, only for Lauren to look up and say, "You forgot the bag section." Then they'd both just sit back, eat chips, and somehow end up discussing whichever season of The Real Housewives they were currently invested in like those women were actual members of the family.)

So maybe I wasn't exactly sure what I'd be doing day to day, but I knew one thing for certain: At the very least, I'd be laughing.

How I Accidentally Found a Second Family

In my mind, Frill was just going to be a part-time job—something that would help me through this season of life but wouldn't really change it.

Man... was I wrong. I gained a second family.

Some people might think calling your boss "family" is just something people say, or maybe an exaggeration. I can promise you it isn't.

Things I Learned While Killing Bugs for Molly

Molly quickly became the person I go to with all of my problems. She's always ready with thoughtful, caring—and sometimes slightly stern—advice (which I absolutely need). There is no question too random, too dumb, or too big for Molly. She may have started as my boss, but she became my friend, my big sister, and my biggest cheerleader.

I'll also forever be thankful that she has never gotten mad at me for breaking or messing something up... even a Jon Hart bag. 😅

What I'll Carry With Me

Mrs. Shawn. I can absolutely see where Molly gets... well... everything from. I'll definitely miss our random conversations and hearing her signature yell every time she accidentally messes something up. I'll miss her little quips, her motherly presence, her creativity, and her quick wit.

Where Laughter Lives

And then there's Rennie—the sprinkle on top. The second you hear her walk in with an "Ayyyyooo!" you know you're about to laugh until your stomach hurts while she talks Molly through whatever wild idea she's dreamed up that week. Lauren has become someone I know I can tell anything to without judgment, and I can always count on laughing way harder than I probably should whenever she's around.

The Gift I Never Expected

The truth is, this job changed me in ways I never expected.

Molly has taught me countless life lessons that I'll carry into every stage of my life. But one thing she told me has always stuck with me:

"When people show you who they are, believe them. Don’t continue to let yourself be hurt by people or situations that always disappoint you. See it for what it is and adjust your expectations.  You deserve the best, so don’t settle for people and places that aren’t that."

It's Never Just Retail

Working at Frill has been about so much more than tagging products, wrapping gifts, or helping customers find the perfect present.

It's a group of women who genuinely want the younger girls who come through these doors to leave with far more than customer service skills.

We leave with a mentor and confidant in Molly.

A big sister in Rennie.

A level-headed, wise, chic, boujee GOAT in Mrs. Shawn.

The Best Surprise Wasn't the Job

One of my favorite parts of working at Frill Gift Boutique has been meeting so many incredible people. Our customers are genuinely some of the kindest, most thoughtful, and encouraging people I've ever met. Helping people find meaningful gifts in our little gift boutique in DeRidder has been one of the biggest joys of this job.

My second favorite part? Opening all the boxes of new arrivals. There is truly no better feeling than seeing new products arrive—especially when candles are involved.

My least favorite part is killing any bug that comes within a 10-foot radius of Molly. But I do it happily because... well... she's the boss, and I love her.

More Than Bows & Beautiful Things

Every conversation, every busy Saturday, every gift wrapped, and every customer helped teach me something. I learned the art of customer service, how to make sure people leave feeling cared for, how to wrap gifts beautifully, and yes—even how to tie a bow like a pro.

I also developed an eye for design, from color combinations to creating displays that actually make people stop and look.

The Secret Ingredient at Frill Isn't the Merchandise

Working here also showed me everything that happens behind the scenes of running a small business. The hours spent ordering products. The even more hours spent entering inventory, printing tags, merchandising displays, and getting everything ready for customers.

Frill is a well-oiled machine, and I'm honestly not sure how I'm supposed to say goodbye to it.

Wrapped Up in Gratitude

Molly will definitely be my hardest goodbye, but I know it isn't really goodbye. It's just, "See ya later." There aren't enough words to thank her for taking a chance on me, believing in me, and trusting me. The love and bond we've built isn't something distance can change.

And apparently, I won't really have time to miss Lauren because she's already informed me she'll be in Lake Charles weekly, making sure I'm actually going to class... while somehow also making sure I'm still having fun. But if I did have to miss something, it'd be watching her and Molly bounce ideas off each other and knowing that whenever Rennie is around, we're all guaranteed to laugh.

And last—but definitely not least—my Charlie V. From the day I met him, he's been one of my favorite little boys. He is one of the sweetest, most intuitive, and most intelligent kids I know. And cute to boot. To put it simply, to know Charlie is to love Charlie, and boy, do we love Charlie.

***

So, For One Last Time, Here Are My All-Time Favorite Frill Finds

I couldn't leave without sharing my all-time favorite Frill finds one last time. These are the products I've loved since the day I started, and they'll forever be essentials in my life. Narrowing this list down was honestly the hardest part.

Pura Car Pro

This might be one of the best little luxuries I've ever purchased. If you've ever gotten in my car and immediately asked, "What smells so good in here?"... it's this... my Pura Car Pro deserves the credit. I love that I can switch fragrances whenever I want and never have to deal with those overpowering hanging air fresheners again. It's one of those products that makes everyday life just a little better. 

Once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever drove without it.

And my favorite scent? Volcano, of course, lol 

Caren Body Lotion (Loved or Sunshine)

Seriously, this is the most hydrating lotion I have ever used. I use it every single day, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. It absorbs quickly without feeling greasy, keeps my skin moisturized all day, and the scents are incredible. If you've never tried it before, trust me—this is one of those products that lives up to the hype.

Glasshouse Fragrances Kyoto in Bloom Candle

It smells clean, luxurious, and absolutely amazing. If I could bottle this scent into the air I breathe every day, I probably would. It's one of those candles that makes your whole house feel cozy, fresh, and just a little bit fancy. Every time we got a shipment in, I secretly hoped we'd open one because I never got tired of smelling it.

BuDhaGirl Gold Bracelets

These are hands down the easiest piece of jewelry I own. They instantly make even the simplest outfit feel polished and put together. Whether I'm wearing leggings and a T-shirt or getting dressed up for dinner, I throw these on without even thinking about it. They're lightweight, comfortable enough to wear all day, and somehow go with absolutely everything.

Julie Vos Pearl Stud Earrings

Classic, timeless, and effortlessly beautiful. I love that they have a gold backing, which makes them feel just a little more elevated than your typical pearl earrings. They're one of those rare pieces that work just as well with leggings as they do with a dress for a nice dinner. If you're looking for jewelry you'll wear over and over again for years, these are absolutely worth it. Now you can only shop these in store, but personally I like it better that way...you can try on and I always end up buying more. 

Leaving with More Than I Came For

To everyone who has shopped with us, laughed with us, supported us, and made this little Louisiana gift boutique feel like home—thank you. Working at Frill has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.

This isn't goodbye. 

It's simply... 

See ya later. 💛