Buffalo Boss Babe: Deborah Tangelder

Deborah Tangelder is the owner of the sweet and adorable boutique in Clarence NY ,The Perfect Gift. The history of the building and everything inside is just dreamy. We chatted with Deb about her shop, life and running her business.

What made you start or brought you where you are today ? Tell us your Story. What makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe? 

15 years ago upon the arrival of our first child I knew in my heart that Corporate America, although once a good thing, was no longer my hearts passion. I wanted to pursue a career that allowed my creativity to flow , in an environment that allowed me to wrap my family in my arms and still be wired with a passion for business. Like an intriget combination of the “previous me” with the “new me” - a mom and wife. I can’t take all the credit though for this brave move that made me quit my job and leap into motherhood & entrepreneurship all at the same time. I was nudged. It was confirmed to me many ways as more than a coincidence - it was a plan of destiny - and it was time for the next step. So I took it. And my husband also nudged me out of the car to “take it” when I realized a building I had my eye on was open to rent. I walked in, and 2 hours later had committed to the space without even knowing what exactly I would do with it, but knowing I had to do it. Nine weeks later I opened The Perfect Gift, on my daughters 3 month old milestone. I held her in my arms for the ribbon cutting - my perfect gift from above. It was her arrival to our family, and my faith, that served as the catalyst for this big life change and the store naming ... The Perfect Gift [inspired by the verse James 1:17].

What does being a Buffalo Boss Babe mean to you? 

It means that it’s all worth it. And It’s still worth it. I’ve been where I needed to be and I’m reminded that finding your place in life is like finding a hearts treasure. Nothing done in vain. Hard work...yes, laughter...yes, tears...yes. But it is well with my soul. It’s all been part of the journey. I’m just grateful I can show love to others every day through my life’s work, to shine bright, because we are all somewhere for a reason. How sad it would be if I had missed the opportunity and made the logical, less risky choice 15 years ago, to simply “stay the same”. Change is good, embrace it!

Who are your favorite people to follow ? 

Actually ... My kids. If I pay close attention and follow them I can look ahead to see where they are headed... notice what direction they seem to be taking. Their trajectory... is it good ? It it a direction based on truth of who they are and the amazing plans ahead for them? Or is their foot slipping off path and headed to an area that they will get lost or steal time from their true destiny? It’s super important as a parent to lead, but it’s also interesting what I notice when I take a moment to follow. It’s when I slow down and think ...not perfect parenting, but intentional parenting. I’m learning every day.

What are your favorite things to do in the area ?

Most anything that allows us to unplug and enjoy one another as a family! Buffalo has SO much to enjoy... between local adventures celebrating the 4 seasons, and the food, and ...did I mention the food LOL! The people around here are pretty great too! We should never take that for granted! It’s so exciting to watch our city grow and be honored for it! Good things come to those who wait ! As a family we enjoy festivals too and appreciate the work that goes into them. We actually are part of the planning of a local FALLFEST that takes place by our shop every September in Clarence Center ...it’s been such fun to watch the tradition grow. It started 9 years ago with a few businesses, a couple of tents, and (maybe) 200 people and has since grown to draw over 3,000 people every year and is packed with great activities ! Bottom line - Buffalonians are simply GREAT in the way they support community & events !

Tell us about your favorite collaboration or dream collaborations ? 

My favorite collaboration is really already happening, and that’s that I get to do this business with my amazing helpful family & loyal staff every day. I love you guys. Thank you. My dream collaboration...would be to pair up with someone that’s extremely internet savvy [and a total techie to make it look easy lol] and could push The Perfect Gift and it’s outstanding offerings & purpose into everyone’s living room that does not live in Buffalo. We just have too much good happening here to contain to just one area, but I will always have my flagship store come first...this is where it all began and can never be replaced. Heck, I’m still up for the idea of having one Boutique in every state, I’ll never stop dreaming! On our giving end, I would dream of the right philanthropist support to assist us in growing our giving initiative, The Perfect Gift Gives Back, where we reach out to those in need of help. There’s nothing like showing others love by giving, it always fills the giver as much as the receiver. I dream to be able to give so much more through the years, it would be such a gift.

If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be? 

Honestly, Jesus. Hands down (or should I say up). To hear His thoughts is the most valuable thing I could ever experience. To me, He’s the ultimate source of wisdom. I just cannot even put words to it, but I know this would be my greatest living moment. Plus He knows how much I enjoy coffee, so that’s even sweeter.

What are your hopes, dreams, goals. Big or small? 

My HOPES are my kids will look back and think I did a good job for them, that my family would know how much they are loved, and that those who have blessed my life would know how much they are valued. And of course to live a healthy life. My DREAMS [BIG] would be to personally reach as many hearts as possible in my lifetime to tell them they are noticed and loved because they need to hear it. And to have the ceiling of financial limitations to be lifted and give as much to others in need as possible, to bear each other’s burden’s in life & make the load lighter. My DREAMS [small] would be to organize my closet and print all my photos. ;) And I’ll throw travel in there too ... such a joyful bonus to see the beauty offered in this world with my family!

Tell us about your family? 

I am blessed to always have had a supportive & loving family since I was a kid! Growing up my sister & I were always so close (& still are!), she has helped me so much through the years of my family & business too  ! My parents are amazing & still help me at my shop to this day in their retired years! My husband Nick is an incredible support and has stood by my side,  and I have married into yet another loving family thanks to him. My 2 beautiful daughters are beyond a blessing and have grown up “playing store” with me and enjoying time at home too...we’ve always been able to be together and I am grateful. I am so proud of who they are becoming as young ladies now, and how they want to positively affect the lives of others!  Our best strategies as a family ... pray a lot, laugh a lot, and eat a lot of ice cream together!  My family also extends to my wonderful staff, my friends, and my beautiful hearted customers! As for pets …I’m a self-proclaimed surrogate Mom/Dog Aunt to my Mother-in-law’s puppy, Bella. I have squashed my immediate family’s dog dreams, it seems, due to my allergies. Luckily they still love me. Out of pet desperation, my husband once acquired a pet spider he found in the basement. But that’s another story ! Haha!

FEEL GOOD FAVORITES

Color: Today? Magenta.

Super Power: Multi-tasking

Animal : Birds

Season of the year: Summer

Favorite thing about Buffalo: Where our extended family lives. It’s home!

Follow along with Deb and her adorable store on Facebook @ The Perfect Gift or better yet take the drive out to the great town of Clarence and visit. 6000 Goodrich Rd Clarence Center, New York .

Until next time babes!

XO Carrie