Owner Diana Lott transforms a dream into a reality with the opening of Pasadena’s newest gift shop
Pasadena residents no longer have to drive to Annapolis or Severna Park to find a boutique shopping experience. This summer, a new boutique-style gift shop opened its doors on Ft. Smallwood Road with a mission to bring the coastal lifestyle closer to home. Magothy Market, which officially opened on June 4, is quickly becoming a go-to destination for gifts, home goods, and unique finds that reflect the spirit of living by the water in Anne Arundel County.
From the moment customers step inside, the shop feels like a little escape. The shelves are filled with carefully chosen items that range from practical to whimsical – quick-dry towels for summer adventures, coconut candles that bring a beachy aroma indoors, baby blankets shipped from Hawaii, and even hair products designed to tame frizz after a day on the bay. Coffee table books celebrate surf culture, while mugs, planters, and seasonal décor add cozy touches for the home. “Everything in my shop is bought with a purpose. The purpose is to make the coastal lifestyle an easy one to achieve,” emphasized shop owner Diana Lott.
“Everything in my shop is bought with a purpose. The purpose is to make the coastal lifestyle an easy one to achieve.” — Diana Lott, owner of Magothy Market
Lott describes her approach to sourcing as equal parts personal taste and community need. While the shop is still new, Lott has already cultivated a selection that feels distinct from other local stores. She’s careful to work with artisans whose work fits her brand, balancing local makers with unique finds from further away. One standout is a line of postcards painted by an artist she met in Atlanta, including custom designs of Pasadena landmarks created exclusively for Magothy Market.
Running the store is a family affair. Lott manages the day-to-day operations herself, but her twin sister Ashley is a frequent presence in the afternoons, helping with customers and sharing in the vision they once dreamed up during long pandemic brainstorming sessions. “We spent a lot of time dreaming,” Lott recalled. “Once we got the idea of a store in our heads, we couldn’t stop talking about what we’d want to carry.”
That vision has now come to life, and it’s not just about merchandise. Lott wants Magothy Market to be as much about the experience as the products on the shelves. “I want it to feel like a beachside shop you’d stroll into on your vacation. Laid back, no stress. Bring your dog, bring your kids – it’s a space where everyone can feel welcome.”
Community is at the heart of the business. Lott and her husband Josh are no strangers to running local ventures – together they operate Magothy Motorcars and the seasonal Magothy Ice Co. shaved ice stand. Those experiences have shown them just how much Pasadena residents support small businesses. “When people rally behind you and your business, you succeed. It’s been incredible to watch that happen,” she said.
When people rally behind you and your business, you succeed. It’s been incredible to watch that happen.”
The opening of Magothy Market also represents a personal milestone for Lott. A former accountant, she had long felt the urge to try something different. The new shop has allowed her to return to working alongside her husband, something the couple cherished in the early days of his car business. “Back then, we loved spending our days together,” Lott said. “Now, with the market next to his lot, it feels like things have come full circle.”
Like any new business, there have been challenges. For Lott, the hardest adjustment hasn’t been professional – it’s been personal. Transitioning from working at home with her youngest child to sending him off to preschool has been bittersweet. “It’s been tough not having him with me all day,” she admitted. “On the other hand, to balance that feeling, I have so much joy when I walk into this space in the morning. When I look around I am proud of how cute the space is and I love everything in here. This store is truly a dream that has come to life.”
Looking ahead, Magothy Market is planning ways to connect with the community beyond everyday shopping. A three-day grand opening celebration is set for October 2–4, featuring in-store specials, a ribbon cutting, and a festive fall-themed event with pumpkins, mums, photo ops, and seasonal treats. Holiday events are already in the works for December, and Lott hopes to eventually host workshops and seasonal specials.
As for her personal favorites on the shelves, Lott admits she’s always bringing new finds home with her, but right now she’s especially excited about Sundream throw blankets. “They’re soft, warm, and the designs are just perfection. I think everyone should have one,” she noted.
In the end, Magothy Market is more than a store – it’s a reflection of Pasadena itself: family-oriented, community-driven, and deeply tied to our waterways.
“Stop by and check us out. You never know when you will need a gift and you don’t have time to Amazon something. I am also sure you will find something to give that isn’t the same thing someone else is giving,” Lott added.
Magothy Market is located at 8890 Ft. Smallwood Road in Pasadena. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit their website at https://magothymarket.com/ and find them on Facebook.
