Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicki Sanders.
Hi Vicki, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Here is a quick summary. Since 1990, my career path has been in graphic design and art direction. It was always in my heart that someday one of my creations would make a difference, but the corporate creative world wasn’t quite fulfilling that desire. In 2004, I thought about starting a gift business, but it wasn’t time. That day came finally, ten years later. In 2013, I had started conceptualizing my gift business again [the Hug Box]. Then in 2014, I lost my job unexpectedly. And two months before that devastating day, I had met my future husband. These life changes I believe were God’s plan and helped the Hug Box gift business finally come to life. The Hug Box is still going on 7 years later. I finally feel that I am making a difference by helping others give gifts from their hearts and send a hug, by supporting small businesses and local artisans, and by giving back to communities, non-profits and the earth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. And there will always be curves and bumps along the way. As I have grown the business, I keep adapting and learning. My faith, patience and determination keep me strong.
Finances are always a tough one. Do I get a loan? An investor? A partner? I had used any money I made as a graphic designer to help start and grow the Hug Box, and now I mainly use any sales money to invest back into my business. It’s always challenging to figure out where or when to invest my hard-earned money, but you also have to take some chances and you will lose sometimes. Advertising and marketing are the toughest to determine. You have to pay attention to whom your customer is and where to find them. As an entrepreneur, you don’t have much time to make decisions, especially in a retail world that is always changing according to the trends, what people are buying, the economy, pandemics, etc. And then there is the other decision… how big do you want to be? That is something I struggle with today. Do I want to be bigger or do I want to stay small-town community, but available across the US with my online presence and continue to serve my customers one on one? I dream of being bigger, but not losing that customer and community connection.
We’ve been impressed with The Hug Box, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Hug Box is a gift box to ‘send a hug’ [and a gift shop] filled with local artisan goods that are handmade, natural, eco-friendly, and organic. Customers can shop easily online for meaningful gifts. They may choose from specially-curated themes for get well, cheer up, birthday, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, baby… any occasion. And they can also shop individual goods or Build a Hug Box at the brick and mortar. They can choose to ship anywhere in the US, pickup at the shop or choose local delivery (currently only Newnan, GA). Custom gift box orders are also available for individuals, groups and events. Locally-sourced gift boxes are perfect for clients, employees, wedding party and guests, baby showers – whatever is needed! And with 30 years experience in graphic design, custom group and event gift boxes can be designed to suit any business brand or event.
Each Hug Box gift is custom-wrapped with sustainable materials made in the US, and a personalized notecard is included with the gift. Each Hug Box gives back to the community by way of supporting local artisans and small businesses, non-profits, the earth and sending hugs! A Hug Box makes a difference… with each Hug Box delivery!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have been listening to a lot of podcasts these days. I love learning and being inspired by EntreLeadership, Second Wind by Wendy Charles Maguire, The Christy Wright Show, Biz Chix and a new one for my creative artist side Art Juice. Current book I am reading is by Seth Godin. The Practice. Shipping Creative Work.
Contact Info:
- Email: vicki@thehugbox.com
- Website: https://thehugbox.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehugbox/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehugbox
Image Credits
Chasity Posey Photography
