BAGUIO CITY — A homegrown gifting brand rooted in “thoughtful gestures” has reached a milestone, transitioning from pop-up exhibits to a permanent retail space at SM City Baguio.

For founder Evangeline Dao-anis, the move marks more than business expansion — it reflects years of building personal connections through meaningful, customized gifts.

The venture traces its beginnings to 2015, when Dao-anis launched Mezeve Occasions, a small party and souvenir shop catering primarily to children’s celebrations.

Over time, the business expanded into weddings and everyday milestones, shaped by customer relationships and evolving demand.

Its rebranded identity, Gifts by Immari, grew steadily through participation in local bazaars and micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) showcases, including multiple runs at SM City Baguio. These events served as testing grounds for product development and brand positioning.

By June 2024, the brand secured a permanent kiosk inside the mall — a significant step for a small business navigating a competitive retail landscape.

Dao-anis said the brand is anchored on the idea that gifting should be both accessible and personal, reflecting her upbringing where simple celebrations carried deep meaning.

“At its core, it’s about making people feel valued,” she said. “Gifting should be simple and thoughtful.”

At the kiosk, customers can personalize items on-site, turning everyday purchases into expressions of care and affirmation.

The brand’s expansion mirrors a broader trend in Baguio, where local entrepreneurs are scaling up from informal markets to established retail spaces.

Industry observers note that such transitions contribute to both economic sustainability and the preservation of the city’s creative identity.

As Gifts by Immari strengthens its presence, Dao-anis remains focused on its original mission: fostering connection through small, intentional acts.