Meet Chanteraka Madison of BasketsAndLove in Newnan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanteraka Madison.

Chanteraka, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started BasketsAndLove LLC two years ago. It all started with me wanting to just be creative and make things that were pretty and made people feel good. I wasn’t too confident because I felt what I had wasn’t good enough and I didn’t believe would want to buy from me. Little did I know, it wasn’t for people to always buy, but it did make them feel good. When creating baskets, I think of it as Christmas. At one time in an instance, you’re getting everything you want. That’s how I like to look at BasketsAndLove. I want everyday to be like Christmas when a customer receives one of my baskets. I’m creating a big gift full of love for someone special. Although my company just started as somewhat of a hobby, it has grown to be so much more. We launched our website this year (www.basketsandlove.com) and we also sponsored several events that were held at the College Park Recreation Center as well as giving away baskets to women for Breast Cancer Awareness and kids in need during holiday seasons. Although holidays like Easter, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day are our busiest times, we provide baskets year round. I have created baskets for weddings, baby showers, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. If you would like to give a gift that will touch the heart, BasketsAndLove LLC is at your service.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being the Owner Of BasketsAndLove definitely hasn’t been smooth. One of my biggest struggles is fulfilling last minute orders. As small business owners, customers don’t understand that I am not like Walmart with a warehouse full of product. I have to physically go to the store and pick out items that will go in the basket. When an order is last minute, that can be a difficult task. I am searching for ways to make this process better. If there are any vendors out there who would like to partner with me on products, feel free to email me Let’s help one another. There’s also tough times where I can’t find the perfect item to fit the person’s personality. I’m extremely passionate and somewhat of a perfectionist so I tend to overthink the baskets from time to time. I fear the person not being emotionally moved by the basket like I am while creating it. In the words of Erykah Badu, I am an artist and I am sensitive about my stuff. So when I don’t feel it’s right, it drives me crazy. But I’m sure this is how all business owners feel.

Please tell us about BasketsAndLove LLC.
BasketsAndLove LLC is not just a for Profit Business. We love to serve and we love being able to create things not only for purchase, but for those in need as well. This year will be our second year going. As we grow, I’m making it my #1 priority to make sure the less fortunate have packages of love as well. My mission is to express my love for people and I hope it’s shown in the products we create. The thing I’m most proud of is my ability to step out on faith, take chances although I was afraid, and my ability to create things that make people smile and feel appreciated and loved. We feel as though that’s something that’s deeply needed today and that’s what sets us apart. We not only love what we do, but we love the people we do it for.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I’m a country “gal “ as us southerners like to say. One of my favorite memories from childhood would have to be having my country family around during the holidays. I’m from Mississippi so during the holidays we would all get together and sit around and joke while exchanging our gifts. This all took place at my grandmother’s house. There was no Christmas tree because back then those things didn’t matter, only the love did. I believe this is my fondest memory for the exact same reason I began my business; I am passionate about love and family and spreading that love to others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.basketsandlove.com
• Phone: 404-834-6261
• Email: basketsandlove@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basketsandlove/

Image Credit:
Chanteraka Madison

Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.