Women’s Council of Entrepreneurs had the privilege of interviewing the woman behind The Rare Blooms Gift Shop, Dana Garrett! Continue reading to learn more about Dana, how her daughter’s rare medical diagnosis inspired her business model, and her advice about starting a business for yourself!
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT YOU DO:
We are an artisan gifting business specializing in gift box collections for every occasion. We offer Gift Box single purchases from any of our collections. We also offer Club Blooms, a budget friendly seasonal subscription highlighting our current best sellers. Custom gift box and bulk order requests are available to order.
In 2021, I began investing in US & Canadian wholesale brands that offer high quality, intentional products for both women and children. Men’s Collection coming soon!
Launched in the Fall of 2022, The Rare Blooms offers thoughtfully curated gifts online, an option to join the seasonal subscription Club Blooms and will host Pop Up Shops locally.
We value perfectly curated collections as much as we do the memorable moments that are invoked. Our ready to ship gift box collections are meant to replace stress with joy when gifting to another, or oneself!
HOW OR WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
I initially got the idea as I was often asked what to buy our daughter for her birthday. My 9 year old, Alana Grace, is nonverbal and was diagnosed with Coffin Siris Syndrome and Autism at 4 years old. I began researching sensory disorder gifts and struggled to find what I envisioned would be the perfect gift for our daughter. In the meantime, I was seeking natural ways to stay calm and balanced for our family as we navigated through special need parenting. I realized surrounding myself with a supportive community blended with an intentional self-care routine was a magical recipe for balancing parenthood & life. Everyone deserves quality self-care items that can transform everyday challenges into something encouraging. From an uplifting essential oil roller to a piece of inspirational jewelry, I wanted to offer collections to invoke a feeling of beauty and balance. For kids, I knew I wanted to offer products that would spark creativity and exploration, for all abilities.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS BUSINESS OR INDUSTRY?
I’ve wanted my own gift shop since I was in high school. I love shopping and being creative, but what matters most is that I’m able to support other small businesses and give back to the community. As a buyer, I seek out quality items as well as the intention behind them. I love getting to know the artisans and discovering new products that will transport you to a zen place amidst everyday life chaos.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS?
Gift giving with intention adds meaning and joy to both the giver and the recipient. It’s not just about what’s in the box. Thoughtful products that represent a mood, goal or a wish can ignite a remarkable feeling that can last beyond the moment they open their gift. We value perfectly curated collections as much as we do the memorable moments that are invoked.
WHAT WOULD YOUR ADVICE BE TO OTHER WOMEN WHO WANT TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
This is your sign to go for it! If you have a passion for something, do your research and find a way to make it happen. Stay organized and give yourself deadlines. Find a mentor in your field to ask the hard questions. Remember that everyone starts from the beginning, but it’s those who stay consistent and optimistic that succeed.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE “CHEAT’ OR TIP THAT HAS HELPED YOU BALANCE THE BUSY LIFE OF A BUSINESS OWNER?
I use My Daily Overview Planner everyday to keep me organized and on task. I actually sell them on my website because I love them so much! When I’m on the go, I make notes in my phone and at the end of the day, transfer everything to my planner. Writing things down is therapeutic to me and reduces stress knowing that my to do list is somewhere else besides running through my head.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR BUSINESS IN 5 YEARS?
In 5 years, we’ll still be a successful Ecom store with even more collections, but also operating out of a cute brick & mortar storefront. In the meantime, we’ll be working hard hosting pop up sip & shops, attending markets and festivals around town.
TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my husband, Grant. He keeps me grounded and keeps things realistic. I’m definitely a dreamer and can get carried away with wild ideas! We’ve been together for 14 years, so he knows without asking when I need support with the kids or encouragement to take the next big step with my business. Best decision I ever made was saying “Yes” to that man!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SMALL BUSINESS AND WHY DO YOU LOVE THEM?
I absolutely adore Pals Socks, a women owned small business from PA! Their mismatched socks are a wearable celebration that what makes us different is dynamite. Their mission is to create a more open-minded, more empathetic and more colorful world and I couldn’t love them more. Their instagram page is full of bright colors and contagious happiness! Beautiful humans making the world a better place, bravo.
We had such a wonderful time learning all about Dana and The Rare Blooms Gift Shop. Shopping with The Rare Blooms is so easy and is a one stop shop to make your holiday shopping simple!
To connect with Dana and shop The Rare Blooms today please visit any of the following links today!
Website: www.therareblooms.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/therareblooms
Instagram: www.instagram.com/therareblooms_
Email: info@therareblooms.com
If you would like to share about your business with WCE please contact us at connect@wearewce.com
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