Our Story

HOW WE BEGAN

The Basketry opened in 1995 by Founder, Kristi Brocato, and has grown into a company that offers personal or business gift boxes and baskets. Along with the gifting production space is a gorgeous 4,000 square foot storefront. The Basketry was built on the belief that gifts can help build & foster personal and business relationships.

Kristi credits the company's success to the team members who have contributed to her vision over the years, the loyal customers that entrust her with their gifting needs, and her friends and family that have made her dream possible.

HOW WE BEGAN

The Basketry opened in 1995 by Founder, Kristi Brocato, and has grown into a company that offers personal or business gift boxes and baskets. Along with the gifting production space is a gorgeous 4,000 square foot storefront. The Basketry was built on the belief that gifts can help build & foster personal and business relationships.

Kristi credits the company's success to the team members who have contributed to her vision over the years, the loyal customers that entrust her with their gifting needs, and her friends and family that have made her dream possible.

WHERE WE ARE NOW

In May of 2023 when Kristi was ready to retire and pass on her legacy, Jenny McGuinness, Jessica Woodward and Linda Dalton - the mother-daughter team who owns Phina - acquired The Basketry.

Phina is a gift store featuring home decor, accessories, jewelry and children items with 3 locations in New Orleans and Metairie. Phina shares the same beliefs in gifting as The Basketry, which is why we were honored to take over this very special business that Kristi and her team have built. We are so excited to continue to grow both The Basketry & Phina as sister stores that compliment one another.

WHERE WE ARE NOW

In May of 2023 when Kristi was ready to retire and pass on her legacy, Jenny McGuinness, Jessica Woodward and Linda Dalton - the mother-daughter team who owns Phina - acquired The Basketry.

Phina is a gift store featuring home decor, accessories, jewelry and children items with 3 locations in New Orleans and Metairie. Phina shares the same beliefs in gifting as The Basketry, which is why we were honored to take over this very special business that Kristi and her team have built. We are so excited to continue to grow both The Basketry & Phina as sister stores that compliment one another.

OUR MISSION

As The Basketry continues to grow, our mission remains the same - to provide a unique & memorable gifting experience by making every customer feel top priority. That is what makes shopping at The Basketry so special.

Our team strives to always be engaging, dependable, creative, and caring in all aspects of our business. We look forward to working alongside you to curate a gifting strategy or a create a custom gift that wows someone close to you!

OUR MISSION

As The Basketry continues to grow, our mission remains the same - to provide a unique & memorable gifting experience by making every customer feel top priority. That is what makes shopping at The Basketry so special.

Our team strives to always be engaging, dependable, creative, and caring in all aspects of our business. We look forward to working alongside you to curate a gifting strategy or a create a custom gift that wows someone close to you!

SAY HI TO OUR TEAM...

FAVORITE MOVIE/TV SHOW:
The Godfather

FAVORITE COCKTAIL:
Martini

FAVORITE NEW ORLEANS SPOT:
The Superdome when the
Saints are winning!

FUN FACT:
I know how to drive a blimp!

Jennifer McGuinness

Co-Owner

FAVORITE MOVIE/TV SHOW:
Deja Vu or anything on Netflix Top 10

FAVORITE COCKTAIL:
French 75

FAVORITE NEW ORLEANS SPOT:
Meril or any rooftop bar

FUN FACT:
Bucket list is to see all 32 NFL stadiums

Jessica Woodward

Co-Owner

FAVORITE MOVIE/TV SHOW:
Game of Thrones

FAVORITE COCKTAIL:
Canebrake Beer

FAVORITE NEW ORLEANS SPOT:
Bayou Beer Garden

FUN FACT:
I have gone on 6 mission trips to help orphanages in Mexico.

Griffin Joliboix

Director of Operations

FAVORITE MOVIE/TV SHOW:
Crazy Stupid Love, New Girl, or
The Office...I can’t choose!

FAVORITE COCKTAIL:
Hibiscus Margarita

FAVORITE NEW ORLEANS SPOT:
Meril or Wrong Iron

FUN FACT:
I am a huge sports fan!

Ali Fonseca

Gift Concierge

FAVORITE MOVIE/TV SHOW:
The Labyrinth / RuPaul's Drag Race

FAVORITE COCKTAIL:
Lemon Drop Martini

FAVORITE NEW ORLEANS SPOT:
Verdure Olive Oil Co.

FUN FACT:
I used to have 2 pigs, some chickens, some bunnies, and a whole log of kids running around my house.

Ashley Cole

Director of Business Relations

FAVORITE MOVIE/TV SHOW:
Toy Story

FAVORITE COCKTAIL:
Screwdriver

FAVORITE NEW ORLEANS SPOT:
French Quarter

FUN FACT:
I have my own small biz
doing custom glitter tumblers.

Lanie Murray

Shipping & Receiving Manager

FAVORITE MOVIE/TV SHOW:
Alice in Wonderland

FAVORITE COCKTAIL:
Blueberry Mojito

FAVORITE NOLA SPOT:
Anywhere on Magazine St

FUN FACT:
I used to be a party princess!

Michelle Terrebonne

Customer Relations

FAVORITE MOVIE/TV SHOW:
Deja Vu or anything on Netflix Top 10

FAVORITE COCKTAIL:
French 75

FAVORITE NEW ORLEANS SPOT:
Meril or any rooftop bar

FUN FACT:
I owned The Basketry when it was
just a kiosk in the mall until it grew into what it is today!

Kristi Brocato

Founder