Meredith Broussard always wanted to open a home décor and gift store. Thanks to some rugs that were too big for her Roycroft Avenue home, she finally got her wish with the opening of the golden beetle, at 95 Central Square.

When Broussard worked in land development in Florida in the late ’90s, she started thinking about opening a retail store. “I have a passion for design,” she said. “I have a passion for color and texture. And, I thought how nice it would be to showcase what I love to everybody else.”

The timing seemed perfect. Her children were in high school and getting ready to go to college. She put those plans on hold when she got pregnant. After taking time off to raise her son, Charles, she got her license and started selling real estate.

In 2012, Broussard and her husband, Carl, downsized and moved the family north to Mt. Lebanon to be close to their daughter and son-in-law, who were expecting their first child.

Carl is a general contractor at BSquared Construction in Lebo, where Meredith also worked. Six months ago, over lunch, the couple started discussing Meredith’s longtime dream of opening that retail store. “I looked at him and said, ‘Is the door open?’ He said ‘Run with it.’ Guess what? That’s all it took. Six months later, here we are!”

Broussard looked everywhere in Mt. Lebanon for a location but there was nothing available at the time. She also looked in Shadyside and Lawrenceville, but ruled them out. “It wasn’t what I was feeling. I really wanted Lebo,” she said.

Then it dawned on her. She remembered selling those large rugs she brought with her from Florida to the Persian Rug Gallery in Central Square. She approached the owner about leasing the space. Since his is not much of a walk-in business, he agreed, and the golden beetle was born! (Editor’s note: The Rug Gallery is still open in the same building!)

Offering something for everyone, the golden beetle sells home décor items and gifts for most occasions. Broussard’s favorite items are “the golden beetles, of course!

“I felt this is something I missed as a resident and that’s one of the reasons I wanted to bring something to where I lived. I just hope it’s a success. I hope that the community welcomes it.”

golden beetle, 95 Central Square, is open Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 to 5; Thursday and Friday 10 to 7; Saturday 10 to 5; Sunday 12 to 4; and closed on Mondays. 412-428-0893.