We chat to Melissa Volmink about the ins and outs of her business Boujee Box.
Q: What products do you make?
A: I make customised gift boxes.
Q: When and how did your business start? What inspired you to embark on the journey?
A: I had been thinking about starting a business for a long time but did not want to do something solely for the purpose of making an extra income. Last year, the urge heightened due to financial constraints. In February 2023, I put it to paper and drafted a business plan. I had so many ideas that were sparked by the love of gifting. I decided to try and capitalise on this since I know that not many people have the time to search for and prepare gifts in the special way that I do. A friend approached me in April and asked for ideas for prizes for a team-building function she had arranged. I used the opportunity to share my business idea and she became my first client.
Q: How many people do you work with?
A: I am working on my own with the support of close friends and my family. It is my dream for my small business to branch out to create job opportunities in the near future.
Q: How do you come up with ideas for your packages?
A: Each order is packaged uniquely with no generic formula, as each gift box varies depending on the budget of my clients and their requests. I try to get as much information about the recipient to customise the gift box accordingly.
Q: Who is your target market? What type of occasions do you create packages for?
A: My target market is broad as I believe that everyone deserves a gift for an occasion or for no reason at all. I make gift boxes for birthdays, graduations, any milestone, as a prize or a token of appreciation to name a few. If a client requests a gift for their pet, I will happily supply.
Q: How has the public responded?
A: I have had a very positive response to my business. The interest and orders are growing.
Q: What is the biggest challenge that you have faced and how did you overcome it?
A: The biggest challenge I’ve had so far is finding suppliers. Since my business is fairly new, I have not yet acquired the business relations I intend to have. My objective is to fill my gift boxes mostly with items produced in East London. I am reaching out to small businesses as I go along, and I know with time and networking I will reach my goal.
Q: What are some of your goals for this year and going forward?
A: My goal is to expand beyond the outskirts of East London and have Boujee Box become a national brand, servicing the lower income market and the more affluent market because everyone deserves a gift wrapped in love.
Q: What advice or tips do you have for someone who wants to make their own product from scratch like you did?
A: My advice is to find something you love doing and to share that passion with the world in the form of a service or product that bears profit. In tough economic times, we have to get creative in making an income but if it comes from a place of passion, it becomes a joy running your business, no matter how small it is. Unwrap your God-given gift and share it.
Q: Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know?
A: Boujee Box gifting services cater for any of your needs and if required includes delivery at an additional cost. Gift boxes can be couriered anywhere in SA, not limited to East London.
Q: How can our readers get hold of you? (Contact details and social media)
A: WhatsApp: 076-673-5188
Instagram: @boujee_giftbox
Email: boujee.giftbox@gmail.com
Facebook: Boujee Box
