"Kubo is a Filipino word meaning house," says Alvin Cachaper, who co-owns the store with his partner of nearly eight years, Henry Flynn.

The two had talked about the idea for three years before making it a reality on July 14. "We looked at lots of spaces but nothing was exactly what we were looking for," Cachaper says. "This space opened up, we checked it out and the next thing I knew we were signing a lease and I was quitting my job."

Cachaper and Flynn drew on their personal interests when deciding on the store's concept.

"We like orchids, chocolate and candles, so we decided to sell things we like," Cachaper adds.

Kubo sells a wide variety of orchids and orchid arrangements in assorted colors. Although orchids have a reputation for being hard to grow, Cachaper says they are not as delicate as people think.

"I am not a grower but we have them all over our house. We have them instead of cut flowers," he says. "I think it's best to just leave them alone. I have orchids that continue to rebloom."

Cachaper likes orchids because they are graceful, full of "character" and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

"Someone came into the store and said that each one had its own personality," Cachaper says.

At the back of the store is a case displaying tiny platters of chocolate. Not just any chocolate--the owners chose Leonidas chocolate from Belgium.

"We first encountered the chocolates 16 years ago in Brussels and then seven or eight years ago found them locally," Cachaper says. "It's a fabulous brand and we buy from a local distributor that imports them directly from Belgium."

Cachaper says only six stores in the Bay Area carry the brand. Kubo's is the only store in San Jose.

"In Belgium you can find them every two to five miles," he says.

To the right and left of the chocolate display case are the owners' favorite candles--scented candles imported from Hawaii and unscented ones from Michigan.

"We go to Hawaii every year and we always buy these scented candles while we are over there. We first saw the other candles while we were visiting Leavenworth, Wash., in the Cascade Mountains," Cachaper says. "We were amazed to see them glowing from the inside out."

Cachaper says that in addition to being beautiful, the glowing candles are good for people with allergies. Because they are unscented, they can be used as a centerpiece on the dinner table.

Before opening Kubo, Cachaper worked for nearly 20 years in the hospitality industry

"I used to say by the time I'm 40 I'm going to do something different. Well, here I am," says Cachaper, who admitted he was petrified about the change. "Henry said be careful what you wish for."

He has gotten over the initial start-up jitters and is now enjoying himself.

"I don't have to wear suits anymore," he says. "I live a block away so I can walk to work."

So far the community likes what it sees. Cachaper says, "We've already had repeat customers."

Cachaper is hoping Kubo will be a destination for anyone looking for unique gifts.

Kubo is located at 1377 Lincoln Ave. For more information call 408.278.1904, visit the website at www.kubodesigns.com or email at info@kubodesigns.com.