Congratulations to Lisa Schlonski and Lala of Webster, honored as the August 2026 Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.
I am especially pleased to share this news, and agree wholeheartedly with the Chamber’s decision to honor Lala’s as a business of the month. I’ve been a friend of Lala’s — and owner Lisa Schlonski — since the adorable gift shop first opened in November 2018. I knew back then it was an outstanding addition to the Village of Webster, offering a variety of home decor and gift items that couldn’t be found anywhere else.
That’s still the case, but in the years since the shop opened, it’s become so much more. Here’s what the folks at the Chamber of Commerce had to say about Lisa and her shop:
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Located at 38 East Main Street, Lala’s is owned by Lisa Schlonski and has become much more than a place to shop. It is a warm, welcoming part of our community – and its story began during a very difficult time in Lisa’s life.
After losing her husband in 2015, Lisa knew she needed a project, a purpose, and a reason to put herself back out into the world. She believed that surrounding herself with people – meeting customers, talking with them, and helping bring them a little happiness – would also help lift her up.
Lisa began by purchasing a gift shop in Bushnell’s Basin, where she remained for two years. When the opportunity arose to open a store in Webster, she closed that location and created what we now know as Lala’s. What Lisa jokingly describes as an “expensive hobby” gradually became a successful business. Lala’s has now been open for nearly eight years and has grown to include eight part-time employees.
The store offers unique, thoughtful, and affordable gifts, including home decor, jewelry, accessories, cards, seasonal items, gourmet foods, and products made by local vendors. And, of course, it is also a place where you can show your support for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
But what makes Lala’s special is the experience Lisa has created. She loves hearing why customers are shopping and helping them find something that feels just right – whether it is thoughtful, funny, sentimental, or something they did not even know they were looking for. Her goal is for every customer to feel welcome and for Lala’s to be a happy little stop in someone’s day.
That same spirit extends throughout the Webster community. Lisa supports local makers and small businesses, participates in Village events, and created Lala’s Sip & Shop fundraising events in partnership with JoJo’s Bistro. She has volunteered at the Webster Fireman’s Carnival, including working both the hot dog stand and the clam shack, and serves on the board of the Webster Arboretum.
And then there’s the name.
“Lala” was Lisa’s childhood nickname because her younger sisters could not pronounce “Lisa.” Over time, the name took on an even deeper meaning: “Laugh and Love, Always.” It reflects how Lisa tries to live her life and what she hopes to teach her son – that even through sadness and difficult times, how we approach each day can make a difference.
Lala’s is a wonderful example of how something created from a need for purpose and connection can grow into a place that brings happiness to an entire community.
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(posted 8/5/2026)
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