Meet Jill Cooper Lefferman | Owner | Gifted LA

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jill Cooper Lefferman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jill, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Gifted was really about creating something personal—a neighborhood shop with heart. I’ve always loved giving gifts that feel thoughtful and just a little unexpected, and I found myself constantly helping friends and family come up with ideas for meaningful presents. Eventually, I realized there was a real need for a local space where people could come in, feel inspired, and walk out with something that told a story.

I envisioned a warm, welcoming shop nestled in a community—a place where people could pop in for a baby shower gift or a last-minute birthday card and feel taken care of. That dream came to life on the corner of Pico and Prosser in Rancho Park. We’re a true neighborhood store, and I love that people know us by name, stop by with their kids, or run in before a dinner party. Gifted is about connection, creativity, and celebrating the people you love—starting right here in our little corner of Los Angeles.

Owning and operating a brick and mortar shop in this day in age is an uphill battle. E-commerce giants have made it next to impossible for the little guys to profit and succeed. I hear multiple times a day how much customers love the shop and wish there were more like us in the world. So do I…. and I am motivated by the reality that I don’t want to live in a world without stores like mine, so I am doing my part in building a community that I can be proud to live in.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Gifted, our connection to the community is everything. We’re a small neighborhood gift shop on the corner of Pico and Prosser, and we’ve truly become part of the fabric of this neighborhood. Customers come in on a first-name basis—sometimes just to browse, sometimes to solve a gifting emergency—but always knowing they’ll leave with something personal, beautiful, and intentional. What sets us apart is that level of care. Every product in the store is handpicked with love, from small makers and independent brands, and every gift is wrapped with thought and purpose. We’re not just selling things—we’re helping people mark moments, celebrate people they care about, and show up with something meaningful.

But I won’t lie—it’s not always easy. A lot of people, including myself, call our store a “museum,” and while that’s flattering, it also reflects a real challenge. People often stop in to get inspired, take photos, or fall in love with an item—only to buy it directly from the brand’s website in a different color, or order something similar off Amazon. And as a small business, that’s tough. I put so much time and intention into curating the best of the best, and that level of discovery is what brings people in. But I’ve had to learn to reframe that challenge. If we’re inspiring people, that still means we’re making an impact.

We combat that kind of competition the only way we can—through real human connection. We offer the personal touch, the warmth, and the kind of service (including gift wrapping!) that big-box retailers simply can’t. Our customers know we’ll spend the time to help them find the perfect gift, and they come back because they feel seen. It’s the human side of retail, and it matters.

I’m most proud that we’ve built something that feels like home—for our customers, for the brands we carry, and for ourselves. The shop has become a place people return to for every occasion, and that trust means everything to me. Along the way, I’ve learned that resilience, community, and staying true to your values are what keep a small business going. And I hope the world sees Gifted not just as a pretty little shop, but as a love letter to thoughtful living and the art of giving.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love to support the neighborhood businesses that are the heartbeat of the Pico Prosser community; FOOD, John O’Groats, Al Dente, and Ludivine Bakery. Shopping in independent shops is my passion and I am so lucky to have raised my kids at Gifted’s neighbor – Children’s Book World. Not in my neighborhood, but some other greater LA faves are Village Well Books, the shops at Platform, Black Market, Burro, and +Coop – which happens to be owned by my sister =)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The positive reinforcement we receive from our Gifted community is the driving force behind everything we do. It inspires us to keep growing and striving to be the best shop in LA. Personally, one of the most rewarding experiences I have at Gifted is helping young kids shopping for a birthday gift for a friend or sibling —and knowing we’re playing a small role in teaching them the joy of giving over receiving.

A common refrain from customers is that “Gifted is a gift to the neighborhood.” We agree!

None of this would be possible without the enormous support of my husband, Matthew. Always on the lookout for unique items and proud to promote Gifted both personally and professionally, he’s been my biggest cheerleader since day one. I never would have taken on this adventure called Gifted without his love and encouragement.

A heartfelt, heavenly thank-you goes out to my mom and grandmother, who passed down their passion for beautiful objects and the joy of shopping in charming, independent stores around the world. And a shoutout to my daughter Maia—my best friend, my favorite shopping buddy, and my constant source of pride and motivation. Her belief in me and in Gifted means everything.

Website: https://giftedla.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gifted.la

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gifted-la

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shopgiftedla

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gifted-los-angeles

Other: Google Maps / Google Reviews Link: https://g.co/kgs/qa122UK

Image Credits
Christina Russo, Fresh Print Media