It has been said to be careful of what you dream as
it may come true. Sixteen years ago, when Creative Gifts to Go
became a reality, my dreams soared. Even though we were a small
local gift basket business, we purposely left the words “gift
basket” out of the name because we dreamed of becoming much more.
The year was 1992. The nest was empty, Ron had
retired at age 50, and suddenly I had time to do anything I wanted
to do. Looking around me, I thought about what I could do that would
help me avoid the pitfalls of boredom and stagnation that so many in
mid life fall into.
Even while raising two daughters as we moved from
one California Forest Service station to another, I had never been
one to stand on the sidelines of life. In Yreka, I served on the
City Council, Planning Commission, and School Board. Glider lessons
in Willows, teaching 4-H projects in Upper Lake, and accomplishing
the skills of becoming a professional writer rounded out those
years. Business skills were quickly learned as Ron and I started,
grew, and later sold Arizona Singles – a statewide newspaper.
As a volunteer small business counselor with SCORE, I had helped
others start and grow their businesses.
I knew that I wanted to do something more than
travel or lunch with the girls. I had enjoyed the challenges and
rewards of operating my own business and had seen the difference
that Arizona Singles had made in people’s lives. Finding a business
that put a smile on people’s faces and a spark in their hearts
became my goal.
One day I read the quote “Life is not measured by
the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our
breath away” and thought what better way to create happiness than to
knock on someone’s door with a gift designed to take their breath
away? The seed for Creative Gifts to Go was planted.
I confess. I knew nothing about gift baskets -
couldn’t even tie a decent bow. I did know how to operate a
business, however, and had already discovered that you can learn
just about anything that is important to you.
My first baskets were rather simple but people
seemed to like them and I was encouraged. Attending classes, taught
by the gift basket gurus of the time, and reading voraciously helped
me fill in the details.
Fast forward sixteen years. I can honestly say
that I can make a basket now that will take someone's breath away.
The business has grown to the point that it is no longer just a
local gift basket company. It has expanded into a national gift
service with products and customers from all over the world. A lot
of our gifts are shipped now and I’m not able to knock on everyone’s
door. Morning begins early many times with calls from China,
Australia, or New York. People are usually surprised when the owner
answers the phone but I like to keep my pulse on the most important
ingredient of the business – the people who send and receive our
gifts. And, yes, I still knock on some of those doors and love
seeing the surprise that lights up someone's face as they respond,
"Wow, that's for me?"
I operate most of the business while Ron is the
“wind beneath my wings”. Without his support and help on those days
when I feel overwhelmed, it would have never been possible. I’m
probably not the typical grandma but my grandkids love coming over
to “help make gift baskets” and when they need something special for
school, they check with me first. A few weeks ago, my grandson Colin
called to ask if I had a clarinet.
“Why would you think I’d have a clarinet?” I
asked.
“Because you’ve got just about everything,” was
his reply.
I try not to forget to pass on the encouragement
and help that I received in the early years of my business. As a
staff writer for Rave Reviews, the trade magazine for the
industry, I try to share some of the things I have learned through
the years. As a
member of the Flagstaff Exchange Club and its Board of Directors, I contribute to helping the
youth of my community.
Some companies create long detailed
mission statements. But, I knew from the beginning that a lot of
words wasn’t what my business would be about. Even though the
company has expanded and grown into much more than I had dreamed, I
still prefer to keep it simple.
Our mission is to make people happy. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Old-fashioned Perhaps. But that’s who I am and that’s what Creative
Gifts to Go is all about.
Joyce Reid
P.S.Want to know more
about me? Check out my blog at
www.giftbusinessowners.com
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