If you have spent any time in Lakewood, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Lori Trent. Whether you are popping into The T Shop in Lakewood Shopping Center for flowers or seeing her with family around White Rock Lake, Lori and her husband, Matthew Trent, have called Lakewood home for 35 years.

Originally from Phoenix, AZ, Lori & Matthew moved to Texas over 40 years ago. They met the “old fashioned way” at a bar while Lori attended Arizona State University. They packed up and moved to Texas where they landed and launched their first family business, Matthew Trent Jewelry. As they started a family, they built a life centered around creativity, craftsmanship, and community.

Lori is also the owner of The T Shop, nicknamed the neighborhood Happy Place, that has been part of the neighborhood for over 15 years. What many may not realize is that The T Shop is far more than flowers, it has grown into a full East Dallas gift and flower shop offering one-of-a-kind gifts, curated home items, beautiful planters, and seasonal items galore. The shop is now entering an exciting season of expansion with broadening gift offerings, adding more in-store events and redesigned space - something Lori is thrilled to share. Her passion for design, thoughtful curation, and commitment to serving the community have made The T Shop a true neighborhood staple.

Family is at the center of Lori’s world. For the past 6 months, she and Matthew have opened their home to their daughter Kiley and son-in-law Mac while they redo their M Streets home. Kiley & Mac brought along their grandchildren, Kennedy and Knox, and their dogs to play with the Trent dogs, Buddy and Tracker. Their recently married son Hudson and daughter-in-law Megan complete the Trent crew living just a few minutes away in East Dallas too.

When the weather is nice, you’ll often find the family at White Rock Lake. With the grandkids in the house, they have been exploring the nearby parks and enjoying the simple joys of neighborhood nature walks. You might also see them at Corinthian Sailing club where Hudson keeps several sailboats.

Travel is another important part of their family time together. When retail life allows, they love to escape to family favorites - Carmel, CA or Crested Butte, CO. Getting time together to fully relax, recharge and enjoy quality time is something the family prioritizes and looks forward to.

Each holiday season is filled with traditions and special times at home and in the stores. One of the family’s favorite neighborhood events is the Lakewood 4th of July Parade, which they have participated in almost every year since moving to the neighborhood. Lori also looks forward to kicking off the holiday season on Thanksgiving morning by joining the Turkey Trot with a group of friends, and every year the family attends the Wyly Theatre’s performance of A Christmas Carol with a lively group of friends and loved ones.

One of Lori and Matthew’s recent hobbies has been transforming their backyard into an edible garden. Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, herbs, and even hot peppers make a regular appearance, and they are experimenting with fall crops this year. Their hope is to eventually fill the entire space in their yard with vegetables, herbs, and native plants.

Giving back is woven into Lori’s life and work. The T Shop supports numerous local organizations, including the Lakewood Home Tour, the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum as the floral sponsor for next year’s Mad Hatter’s Tea, Interfaith Family Services, and Lakewood Women in Business.

What Lori loves most about Lakewood is its small-town heart. “Everyone knows everyone,” she says. “It’s a true neighborhood.” Her advice to new residents is simple: get to know your neighbors, get involved, and support the small businesses that make this community so special. As someone who has lived, worked, raised her family, and grown a business here, she speaks from experience — Lakewood really is a place where roots can grow deep.