We have always dreamed of owning a unique boutique filled with beautiful items for gifting. The idea of creating an online gift box company began in 2016 when my daughter Kayla and daughter-in-law Haley and I started brainstorming ways we could create a unique site! Boxtique was then born!
How many years has Boxtique been in business?
3 years. We launched our business in the summer of 2017.
If you could describe Boxtique in three words, what would they be?
Unique + Personal + Passionate
What are your top three favorite items to sell in Boxtique?
Our top three favorite items are baby/new mom gifts, new homeowner's gift baskets and holiday (especially Christmas) gifts!
What is your best selling Candelles candle that you carry?
We have sold various Candelles through the years, but your Cactus Flower candle we had in our Spring Succulent gift box sold out in one month!
Do you have your own personal favorite Candelles scent?
Our personal favorite Candelles scent is Toasted Marshmallow! If it is ever discontinued, we will need to buy a case (or two)! We also announced the launch of Boxtique in 2017 with a custom "Birthday Cake" Candelle, which our friends and family still burn to this day!
What is the most fulfilling part of owning Boxtique?
The biggest blessing of our business is that we get to work together as a family on a daily basis. We strive to celebrate all of life's moments (big and small) with the simple act of gift giving!
You're always adding new and exciting things to Boxtique, what are some of the things you look for in a brand when stocking a new line?
More than anything, we enjoy supporting other small and family owned businesses. We are always on the lookout for unique products and love the challenge of finding that perfect "missing piece" for each and every box.
Do you have any new projects in the works for the future of Boxtique?
We are in the process of expanding our Boxtique business to include not only our personal gift boxes, but also baskets that we can hand deliver here in the Reno/Tahoe area. Although we are an online business, we love the personal aspect of delivering in-person and meeting amazing people in our community.
Have there been any unexpected lessons you've learned while running Boxtique?
We have learned that shipping gifts is costly, but regional rates are available through the USPS! Also, forming an LLC was a long and detailed process. Most of all, we have learned time and time again how each day is a new opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.
What does an average day behind the scenes at Boxtique consist of for you?
We all have various roles within our business, but all work together to create and individualize our line of gift boxes. I (Tanya) am in contact with all our vendors, do all the ordering, make the post office runs and stay in contact with all customers with emails and hand written notes. My daughter, Kayla, is our creative designer and photographer and has the final say on product launches, presentation and packaging of all gifts. Haley, my daughter-in-law, is our expert accountant, product researcher, number cruncher and tech savvy expert! The amount of messages within our group texts, Tique Talk, every day is usually in the 100s!
What has been the most challenging part of owning your own business?
The most challenging part of owning your own business is learning how to manage inventory and the unexpectedness of knowing what customers will like to purchase. We do know Candelles is genuinely loved by all!
What message do you hope to convey to anyone who receives a Boxtique gift box?
If anyone receives a Boxtique gift box, we want them to know how much love and prayer is poured into each and every gift. We want them to simply feel special and loved.
Have you always known that you wanted to be a business owner?
I have always wanted to own a gift boutique, but having an online gift box company was a dream and plan God put in our hearts just 4 years ago. To be able to own a company with the 3 of us is a dream come true! We hope and pray our sweet little business continues to grow and blesses others along the way.