Carolyn Ryden. Photo by Gaynor Eisenberg
Carolyn Ryden, the owner of delighted gift shop in downtown Asheville, has always had a passion for bringing beauty, humor and art into everyday life. Originally from Pasadena, CA, Ryden spent much of her life in the Los Angeles area, where she cultivated her love for creativity and unique finds. “I’ve always loved searching shops for affordable little bits of beauty and cheer,” she says. “I would drag my kids around when we traveled and say, ‘Let’s look for some funky shops.’”
Though she dreamed of opening a shop in Los Angeles, Ryden faced the challenge of affording a space in the expensive city. She had long heard about Asheville’s unique charm and felt it was time for a change. “Asheville valued both art and independent businesses, and it seemed like the perfect fit,” she recalls. She opened delighted in March of 2024.
“I’ve always wanted versions of bland things to be colorful or beautiful,” she says. “My mission is to bring affordable beauty, design and whimsy to people, to cheer up their everyday lives.”
delighted is located at 63 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. For more information, call 828.412.3277 or visit delightedgiftshop.com. You can also find the store on Facebook and Instagram @delightedgiftshop.
