Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Thiakos.
Rachel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a gift giver at heart. Always have been. It is because of my love of giving that prompted me to begin a company where others could enjoy the same pleasures of giving as me. I also have a passion for supporting small businesses. That is why the majority of my box treats are from smaller companies who specialize in hand-crafted goods.
My journey began when I was trying to find the perfect gift for my brother’s new baby. The online choices lacked variety. I decided I could create something a little more unique and outside the box. I launched my first 5 box varieties in May 2017, just months after the idea was conceived.
Within 9 months, we added our “Build-a Box” option where customers can customize their own gift box. We also tripled our inventory to accommodate the demand.
All boxes are carefully curated, hand packaged, topped with a bow and finished with a personalized hand-written note.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been a fairly smooth road thus far because it is truly a passion of mine. The biggest challenge, if anything, would be keeping up with the demand while having two small children in tow.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the BOXED Gift Co. story. Tell us more about the business.
We are an online gift store that specializes in a wide variety of gift boxes for just about any and all occasions.
I am most proud of the fact that we stay committed to supporting small businesses, which is why 90% of our products are from small, handmade shops. When you purchase a gift box from us, you are supporting THE MAKERS, THE DOERS, THE UP-ALL-NIGHTERS. This is also what sets us apart from other companies similar to ours.
I feel like it goes back to my love for gift giving and generosity. I am constantly thinking of new products and gifts that I know people will enjoy receiving. In addition, 3 months ago, we launched our monthly “Make Someone’s Day” Giveaway’s. Each month we pick a new theme and let people nominate someone they know based on that months theme. At the end of the month we choose a deserving individual and send them a gift box to brighten their day.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The gift box industry is definitely blooming. I have seen a several similar companies open up in just this short time since I launched BOXED last year. It just means I have to work harder and stay unique to continue to stand out in the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.boxedgiftco.com
- Email: boxedgiftco@gmail.com
- Instagram: @boxedgiftco
- Facebook: Boxed Gift Co.
Image Credit:
Rachel Thiakos
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