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When I meet locals who first traveled around the world and then chose to settle down in Lake Tahoe, I know that I am meeting a person who truly appreciates this amazing area. The love that they have for this precious landscape is created from an understanding that the world is full of treasures, but this treasure deserves to be called home. This gratitude extends to an inspiring, innovative and incredibly kind local who chose Tahoe as her home, Kelly Brosch. A woman of many talents and abilities, she once traveled the world working in retail, as a model and as a substitute teacher. But the magic of Big Blue brought her back with her beloved, where she created one of the best places to leisurely shop for worldly goods, GaiaLicious Global Gifts.
Kelly and her husband created a storefront that is a culmination of their travels around the world. Giving homage to the uniqueness of cultures, the boutique is a place to find that perfect treasure. It also includes live DJs, belly dancers and tea tastings. They even offer an imagination station for children, complete with books, puzzles and art supplies. GaiaLicious is more than just a store. It is a place of connection.
So, naturally, I was super excited when Kelly was able to participate in our Get to Know the Locals column. Keep reading to learn more about this impressive human being calling Tahoe home...
How long have you lived on Lake Tahoe?
Almost 24 years
Where did you grow up and live before you came here?
I grew up in San Francisco and spent vacations in Lake Tahoe; however, I lived in Europe for five years so I moved to Tahoe from Germany.
What inspired you to create a local business?
Traveling in Southeast Asia and Europe inspired me. Having had retail experience and a business background as well as the support of family and friends also inspired me.
What’s your favorite Lake Tahoe town or village?
I like South Lake Tahoe, where I live. It has the small-town feeling with the big-city advantages. I can enjoy the many concerts and variety of businesses as well as the beaches, hiking and mountain life.
What is your favorite thing about living in Lake Tahoe?
Before work, after work and on my days off I just have to step out the door and I’m on vacation.
What’s your favorite season in Tahoe?
I love summer in Tahoe.
Kelly enjoying Lake Tahoe by full moon. Photo by Jen Spina
What’s your favorite Lake Tahoe beach access?
There are so many beaches here it’s hard to pick. If I have to pick I’d say Nevada Beach is my favorite.
Do you have a favorite trail or area to access the mountains?
I’ve explored so many and they are all beautiful.
What do you do for fun?
Travel, bike, snowboard, yoga, dance and go to concerts.
Describe your perfect day off.
Packing a picnic, riding my bike to the beach and staying there all day.
Do you see more sunsets or sunrises?
Sunsets.
What’s one thing you wish more Lake Tahoe visitors knew?
That they should “leave no trace”.
Where do you go on vacation?
Visiting friends and family in Europe or to San Diego to see my girls.
Kelly and her 95-year-old mom living the good life.
For a celebratory dinner, would you rather order take-out, go out to eat or cook something at home?
Go out to eat.
What’s your favorite meal of the day, and where in Lake Tahoe would you get it?
I like dinner. I love sushi, so I’d go to Off The Hook.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
I love my customers. Sounds cliché but they are all so nice and have kept me in business for more than 15 years. Many have become friends and they have been very supportive in difficult times, like during the pandemic or last summer's wildfire evacuation or when I have personally had problems or suffered the loss of a parent.
Do you have any side hustles?
Nope this is all I have time for. Sometimes I babysit for friends, but that is not really work.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?
Meet friends for a drink and sunset. In the summer, I love to go to Live at Lakeview. Music, drinks and sunset on the beach!
What’s one item on your bucket list?
Go hiking with friends in Spain, which I’m doing this fall.
About the Author Shanie Matthews
A longtime Lake Tahoe local, Shanie is a freelance writer, Vinyasa Flow yoga teacher and positivity warrior. A true lover of the the gorgeous Tahoe region, she connects with the serenity of the mountains via skiing, biking and backpacking. She also believes in the gift of yoga and its way of allowing one to become his or her true best self, a passion she shares with the world with her online yoga studio.
