Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Barber.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In 2006, I was able to combine my passion for creating with my love of helping others by opening my gift basket business. I had decided to be a stay at home mom for a few years with our 1 year old old but after a few months, I realized I didn’t wish to go back into corporate America and work hard for someone else once our child started kindergarten. I figured, I could work diligently for myself and offer a service that would help others.
It was after I purchased a book on how to make gift baskets and remember going over the different designs and thinking, ‘Hey, I can do this!’. So, I went out and bought half a dozen items, a basket, a pull bow and cello and put together a gift basket for a friend’s birthday. She loved it and that’s when I started Barber’s Gift Baskets.
I’ve learned a lot but something I was able to offer from the beginning was great customer service. Figured this was something I enjoyed receiving and wanted to make sure my customers were receiving the same.
It’s been a lot of hard work and determination. In 2007, the economy tanked just as my business was beginning to get life. I was able to reconfigure my services based on what the demand was during this period which for the most part was packaging someone else’s items and containers. Slowly through the services, I was giving as well as the economy creeping up my gift baskets were solicited once more. Importantly, is that I learned I could keep up with current demands and trends which has been invaluable to my current success.
My favorite baskets are the customized ones as they are very special to the recipient and the client loves the fact it can be personalized. Best of course is when they give me ample time to put it together! I have one client whose baskets are Florida themed to the same recipients and each year they have to be different. Keeps me on my toes during the year as I collect the items I don’t usually carry ahead of time.
Through my journey of being a Gift Basket Business owner, I discovered the National Gift Basket Association and started attending their annual conventions. It has helped me in many ways to keep my designs fresh and current as well as learning from those with more experience while mentoring those with less experience. I am a Certified Basket Designer through the National Gift Basket Association. What this means is, I have the knowledge and ability to design my own gifts and gift baskets as opposed to a drop shipping company that uses other’s designs.
My journey has also taught me valuable lessons on truly listening to what my client is asking for and how he or she is wishing to have their baskets designed. I’ve learned photos are priceless to my business and many times send one to the customer who in most cases is out of State or County and wishes to see what their order looks like. I started offering this into my third year in business as I have had experienced disappointing outcomes with things I’d ordered online only to find out it didn’t look at all what I had thought I’d ordered.
I started out as a home-based business with a home studio only and now also have an office location where I am able to meet with clients in our conference rooms to discuss their gift designs and needs as well as allow my customers to pick up their orders should they not wish to pay delivery.
I’ve focused on the gourmet food baskets, baby baskets and customized as they’re the most popular but offer an array of choices for many occasions. In the beginning, I would purchase items locally and now order 85% of the items from wholesalers throughout the U.S. including a few in our own Florida backyard. This allows for better price points on baskets and variety.
Every year, I incorporate new food items along with the popular ones to keep it fresh and different. What’s wonderful about the gifting industry is you attending food conventions as well as gift basket conventions and both allow sampling of the food items. I’ve learned not all pretty packaged items taste good!
I’ve learned when running a business and accompanying growth means bringing on staff to help out with production and deliveries. The first few years, I was able to do it all myself, then my husband helped me with deliveries while friends helped with production and now, I’m able to bring on hired help when needed. It was hard for me to ‘let go’ but boy was I happy after I did!
This year, I’ve outlined various short-term and long-term goals and I am looking forward to what the future has in store for Barber’s Gift Baskets!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I don’t believe any business is a smooth road although, some have it a bit easier than others. Various struggles I’ve encountered are when a wholesaler/supplier suddenly doesn’t carry a certain food item or container/basket or they close down. This always affects the designs and some clients who purchase on an ongoing basis have a hard time accepting a new food item or container/basket different than the original they had chosen for their personal design.
The economy always affects the gifting industry as we are not a necessity but a luxury. Having to reinvent what I offer depending on the flow of finances nationwide can be a bit challenging at times. It’ll affect my inventory and what I’m able to offer but fortunately, I’ve always found a way to make my clients happy and comfortable with their budgets.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Barber’s Gift Baskets, LLC story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m a gifting professional and the gifting designer and owner of Barber’s Gift Baskets. I specialize in great looking gifts and gift baskets with a sophisticated flair. Mainly, I specialize in offering a service to those who don’t have time to make or deliver their own gifts or for those who are creatively challenged.
I’m known for beautifully decorated gift baskets and wonderful customer service. All my bows are hand made and I add decorative embellishments to the bow to make it a ‘Wow Feature’.
My goal was always to have a sophisticated look about my baskets and I have achieved this. I’m most proud that my baskets always look like someone spent more than they did and that I’ve not only impressed my customers but their recipients as well. It warms my heart to hear of how much my baskets are loved once they’re received. It confirms I’ve done my job well!
What sets me apart from others is that my creative abilities allow me to think out of the box. So, when a client has a budget and design in mind, I not only can design within those parameters but also offer a few alternatives the client hadn’t thought of. Offering a solution to their problem goes a long way.
I’m also able to work with English speaking individuals and Portuguese speaking individuals. Having grown up in both the U.S. and Brazil and having dual citizenship has allowed me to experience both cultures and understand how to design based on the backgrounds and their cultural differences. I’d say it gives me an edge above the others in my industry.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Huh, this is an interesting question… I guess, I would consider good luck as a synonym to being blessed in having grown up in the U.S. and Brazil. I have dual nationality and read, speak and write fluently in English and Portuguese. This has allowed me to know two cultures closely and enables me to understand well how to offer a gift option depending on whether one is from the U.S. or South America.
I had good luck in that my mother was a very crafty and a talented person so as a child, I learned how to decorate, create and use lots of colors. This is incorporated into my gift basket designs. I’ve always been blessed in meeting ‘the right’ people and many times being in the right place at the right time.
I don’t consider any challenges I’ve had as bad luck but rather as learning opportunities.
Pricing:
- Small Gifts and Gift Baskets range from $15-$54
- Medium Gift Baskets range from $55-$75
- Large Gift Baskets range from $76-$150
- Extra Large Baskets range from $151 -$1,000+
Contact Info:
- Address: 12161 Ken Adams Way
Ste. 110-LL
Wellington, FL 33414 - Website: BarbersGiftBaskets.com
- Phone: 561-333-2448
- Email: Gifts@BarbersGiftBaskets.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Bbaskets06
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Barbers.Baskets
- Twitter: Twitter.com/Bbaskets06
- Yelp: Yelp.com/biz/barbers-gift-baskets-wellington
- Other: Pinterest.com/bbaskets06
Image Credit:
Barber’s Gift Baskets, LLC
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