JANESVILLE, Wis.— The mother and daughter duo who run Blessed Divine Creations are sharing their success by creating space for dozens of other entrepreneurs.

What You Need To Know

  • Blessed Divine Creations is a boutique gift shop at the uptown Janesville Mall that provides a gift that keeps on giving

  • 14 minority-owned businesses are all under one roof

  • Building together with the community is what makes this boutique gift shop special

Owner Paquita Reddish has a talent for making gift baskets. Her hobby turned into a business nearly a decade ago when she went shopping for an Easter basket for her 3-year-old daughter.

Instead of spending her money on a basket that she knew her daughter wouldn't like, Paquita Reddish decided to make one with all of her daughter's favorite things. 

Now Paquita Reddish runs the store with her mom Paulette Reddish, but she said they're not just helping their family.

"Blessed Devine Creations is not just one business owner, but there are 14 other Black-owned businesses in the store and if I didn't reach out to them, nobody would have a physical location” Paquita Reddish said. “Now 14 of us have a physical location."

Building together with her community is what makes Paquita Reddish’s boutique gift shop special.

Tennisha Loggins is the owner of Snacks and Stuff.

"I had everything and anything against me. Financially and otherwise. And here I am," said Loggins.

Along with running her business in the mall food court, Loggins also sells nostalgic candy at Blessed Divine Creations

"You know... the candy that you can't find anymore," said Paquita Reddish.

While Paquita never imagined baskets would be her thing, they've changed her life. 

"I love to do them. It gives me great joy especially to see the smile on the customer's face when they receive one," Reddish said.