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Resident’s gift basket business benefiting nonprofit group

Giving gifts has been an exercise of goodwill and good business for Paula Asadurian and One Park Place Enterprises.

The Centennial Hills resident set aside a real estate career in 2007 and put all her eggs in the gift basket game. Asadurian decided to begin selling custom gift baskets and containers.

"I know I'm not an artist who paints, but in my way, I am an artist," Asadurian said.

The move led to partnerships with two other local businesswomen and a business-to-business savvy that have helped One Park Place Enterprises weather rocky economic patterns.

"It's been boot camp -- business boot camp," she said. "In this day and age, we small businesses need to stick together."

One Park Place Enterprises, a name that acknowledges Asadurian's love of the big city, teamed with local specialty bakery Jadon Foods and tea company Tea-rrific to add local, gourmet touches to her gift baskets. The companies are owned by local women, and the group works closely in business dealings and charitable efforts.

Asadurian shares a business space with Tea-rrific owner Louise Carruth, who said the partnerships got her out of her living room workroom and a slight slump.

"We understand each others' needs," Carruth said. "We understand the problems we're up against. We're all helping each other be successful. We're all out there to make sure that whatever we have coming down the pike, we can ask each other for help, and we'll get it."

Their businesses are based out of an appointment-only showroom at 570 W. Cheyenne Ave., Suite 180.

"I didn't want to sit in a shop and wait for people to come to me," Asadurian said.

Examples of her handiwork line shelves in a small gallery. One showcase piece is her basket in conjunction with the Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center. The gift contains bereavement items to help clients cope with the loss of a pet.

A picture frame, a sympathy book, a mug and tea are arranged in a keepsake box inside delicately wrapped cellophane and ribbon.

"The whole idea is when the gift is taken apart, the gifts will be used," she said.

The company, with Tea-rrific and Jadon Foods, is giving back this holiday season with custom baskets to benefit Three Square food bank.

The baskets contain a T-shirt, tea and baked goods, and all proceeds from their sale will be donated to the food bank. The deal is to extend through the new year.

"In my years of business, I've found if you don't give back, you're doing something wrong," Asadurian said. "People shouldn't be hungry, animals shouldn't be abused and family should be together. We want to raise awareness for and with Three Square."

Also, Asadurian is also offering gift wrapping services this month.

Asadurian continues to deal with corporate entities and other small businesses but is expanding her online presence. She likes to work with clients directly, though, to provide a personalized experience.

She cited one standout basket commissioned for a Harley-Davidson enthusiast. She worked with his girlfriend to find his favorite snacks and alcohol and emblazed a box with the company's logo and a studded belt.

"He loved it," she said. "He didn't want to take it apart. If someone gives me carte blanche with the basket, it's like an open canvas."

For more information, visit oneparkplace-ent.com or call 540-5586.

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.

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