Regalo Bello: Design, Decor and Gifts for All Seasons

Twenty-one years ago, in 2003, two sisters “were just hanging out one day” at their parents’ pool in Stockton and casually chatting about their mom’s and grandma’s amazing creative talents, when one of them, maybe Stephanie, or was it Shaunna? They’re not really sure now, remarked, “We should open a store.” A little store, to be clear, “just a small place to sell a few items now and then, maybe on the weekends…”

The sisters, Stephanie Dondero and Shaunna Conway, owners of Regalo Bello, burst out laughing as they reminisce on that seemingly idle daydream that, either by chance or by fate, took on a life of its own in just seven days and became one of the most enchanting gift and decor shops in all of San Joaquin County.

Learning Quickly
The very next day after that poolside conversation, Shaunna, a schoolteacher at the time, and Stephanie, a housewife, went with a Realtor to look at a retail space. They were still treating the idea as something of a lark, but one week later they signed a lease to open their shop in Lincoln Plaza near what is now BevMo. Then they were off to the Dallas Market to start buying inventory. “It immediately felt like a calling, but we knew nothing, literally nothing,” laughed Stephanie, “about how any of this worked.” Shaunna added, “We just figured it out as we went.”

After placing many orders that first morning in Dallas, the sisters looked at each other and said, “We better figure out where all this is going to go.” Over lunch they hastily drew up a floor plan, mapping out section by section how they wanted to display the merchandise. Each of them adamantly credits the other as “the one with the real knack for display,” but clearly creative talent runs strong in this family. To their surprise, when Regalo Bello opened that summer, they were met with a nonstop stream of customers, seven days a week.

Eventually, because of this busy schedule, they installed Dutch doors front and back, creating a charming home-away-from-home so that their little children could be with them during the workday. “It really was the best of both worlds,” Stephanie beamed, recalling the precious days when their children were young. As luck would have it, their favorite babysitter, Brooke, is now their trusted assistant. “Brooke is absolutely one of the sweetest people we have ever known,” both sisters affirmed.

Shop in Linden
About a year ago they relocated the Pacific Avenue store, merging its inventory with that of their newly expanded Linden location. The Linden shop, which adjoins Fiori Floral, is just 7.7 miles from Highway 99, and they are delighted to report that it takes only 16 minutes to reach their store from Brookside if you take the Crosstown Freeway. “But don’t trust the Maps app,” they caution, which inevitably send people on a winding, indirect route.

To call Regalo Bello merely a gift store would be like calling St. Paul’s Cathedral just a church. From gorgeous housewares, hostess gifts and home decor to jewelry, baby items and collectibles, there is seemingly no end to the irresistible array of merchandise. “People constantly tell us that it’s like another world in here,” Shaunna shared. “I think it’s the variety of inventory and the ambiance; they’re just blown away when they discover the store.” Shoppers also appreciate the beautiful, complimentary gift-wrapping service as well as gift baskets that can be created with special themes for any budget.

Business Philosophy
But there is something more than just pretty things which has led to their success. “Even with the beauty of everything in here, we are very casual,” said Stephanie. “Jeans and tennies. It’s a very inviting and welcoming, come-as-you-are store. We pride ourselves on buying top-quality merchandise but refuse to mark it up to the extent other retailers do. We make a point of providing high-end items for much less than you’ll find them elsewhere and we can’t stand the thought of ‘upselling’ someone.” Shaunna added, “We also make tablecloths, linens, valances, curtains and pillows, with your choice of trim colors or other embellishments, and custom ornaments for any occasion.”
The sisters work extremely well together and Stephanie theorized, “There is a four-year age difference between us and I think that’s one reason we get along so well. Even if we disagree about something we move past it almost instantly.” “Yes,” Shaunna elaborated, “We might disagree over something and two seconds later, we are asking, ‘So, what do you want for lunch?’ All I know is, I never, ever could have done this without her,” she said, gesturing toward Stephanie, who, naturally, feels likewise.

For a schedule of Sip-n-Stroll events in December, please follow Regalo Bello on Facebook or @shopregalobello on Instagram. Visit Regalo Bello at 18827 E, Highway 26, Linden, California or call 209-403-9510 for more information.