The Gif Box owned by Marlon and Olivia Lake has only been open for six months but is already garnering reviews like “this is just what Anguilla needed.” The origins of this business date back to 2010 under the name Unique Expressions. In December 2016, it transitioned into The Gift Box which has a more diverse range of offerings. Olivia shared, “We knew that edible arrangements would not be enough to sustain the public in gift options and realised that there is nothing else in Anguilla like the Gift Box where you can find so many gifts in one place.”
The Gift Box carries a wide assortment of gifts for women, men and teenagers and even a selection of local souvenirs for visitors. Gifts include gift baskets, trinkets, perfumes and lotion sets, bags and jewellery – just think of something you would like to have or give for every day or special occasions and it just might be available at The Gift Box. Available at the Gift box, in store or via pre-order, are gourmet items and edible arrangements such as chocolate covered strawberries, fruit trees etc. These can also be ordered from the Gift Box for events. The Gift Box also provides beautifully packaged gifts for baby or bridal showers, weddings and other special occasions. Customised gifts when given sufficient time are also part of the offering at The Gift Box.
Marlon and Olivia who both have experience running businesses noted that they still faced a number of challenges. One of the challenges for the new business is marketing. Marlon described the challenge in the following way, “It is a challenge keeping up with how much time and effort it takes to do marketing including getting our brand out there. We have to keep abreast with informing our customers about our products. We tend to use social media and that is a job in itself. Persons are catching on to what we do and who we are but it will take some time before we are fully established.” Other challenges shared included keeping relevant so customers stay interested and remaining creative while balancing family life and a second business.
When asked about the ease of doing business, the dynamic husband and wife team shared that the climate of trade is not easy in Anguilla as due to logistics it is time consuming trying to get products in.
Olivia shared that she prefers to keep the spotlight on the benefits of running her own business particularly the joy she is able to bring to the lives of others. She shared the exuberance of one customer who realised she owned The Gift Box and said” I received a gift from The Gift Box for Mother’s day and I love it!”
Marlon added other benefits. He said, “These are challenging times but being able to establish a business and tap into an entrepreneurship idea and persevere gives you that self-satisfaction of I can do this and in spite of what I am faced with will have the strength to overcome.”
The Gift Box distinguishes itself from competitors by ensuring their items are top class. Olivia shared, “When I do something, I ensure it is something I would like to receive as a gift. I like to make my items extra and make them stand out so when you get it you appreciate it, love it and you come back. When you come back a second and third time I feel great and I know you are satisfied with what I did.” In 10 years, they see franchises or outlets of The Gift Box across the Caribbean.
The best advice this duo would give to aspiring entrepreneurs is to persevere. Olivia shared one of her favourite quotes, “Proceed as if success is inevitable.” Marlon continued, “Put your mind to it. There is nothing that can prevent you from achieving your goal if you stay focused on the end result. Entrepreneurship is in no way an easy journey. If you are going to venture into it prepare yourself to work hard. Hard work produces results. On top of that if you are going to do anything regarding business step up the game on professionalism. It is lacking in our society but cutting edge is indeed professionalism.”
To the general public:
“We pride ourselves on making gifting easier for the customer. We take on the stress of providing a quality and meaningful gift item so you can just come in and choose and feel good about what you are purchasing. You can feel confident that your gift will bring joy. That is what we want to bring to Anguilla – options and ease of business. We stay true to our slogan, “Unwrapping smiles one gift at a time.”
By Shellecia Brooks-Johnson
