❤️ Labor of Love: Gwen Gatti, Owner of Tops n Tees

Gwen Gatti has owned Tops n Tees in the Henry Frank Arcade at 278 N Palm Canyon Drive since 2010.

How long have you lived in the Coachella Valley?

I have lived in Palm Springs for 15 years!

What do you love most about life here?

I have met wonderful people.  Moving from a big city to a smaller town has changed my life. Everything is closer: grocery stores, doctors, the gym. I can literally walk. It does heat up, but you learn to manage it.

How would you describe your business to someone who’s never been?

I run a fun business, and fashion has always been my passion. I’ve got a good eye for style, and I’ve always loved shopping. I think my personality helps too—I make sure everyone feels comfortable the moment they walk in. There’s always great energy and a good vibe in the store. With the music playing, customers often end up dancing as they shop!

When did you start your business, and what inspired that moment? 

I was inspired after hosting clothing pop-ups in my condo.

At the time, I was living in North Hollywood. I had a condo with an extra room, and I kept buying clothes until I eventually filled it with racks. Back then, I was in between jobs—working on a cruise ship at times and even picking up work as a makeup artist at a TV station. This was back in 1999.

Eventually, I left ship life behind, but I kept doing clothing pop-ups while continuing with makeup. Then, on a trip to Palm Springs, I got the idea to open a store. The prices were great, the people were friendly, and I started chatting with locals. That’s when I called a realtor who showed me around.

The first place I looked at didn’t pan out. But I kept searching, and finally I landed in the spot I’m in today: Tops n Tees!