Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Allie Lee. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Allie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?
It wasn’t necessarily one monumental instance, but constant support from my parents. They’ve always fostered any goals/dreams I’ve had, but since starting this business venture they’ve been my biggest cheerleaders. Social media shares and comments, creative and design advice, referrals, not to mention being consistent customers. I am so fortunate for all the ways in which they show their support and love.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
The journey to where I am is a bit of a squiggly cluster rather than a straight line. I grew up in New Ulm, MN and developed a love for the history and culture of the town. From there I went on to the U of M earning a degree in American Studies, enthralled with the cross sections of history, culture, art, race, politics, and everything in between, and how everything influences the others. After some time enjoying the food, music, and arts scenes in Minneapolis, my partner and I moved to Honolulu. We were there for a couple of years, learning so much in the service and retail industries, and about local life. After some time we went back to Minneapolis for a summer to get married, then off to a new adventure in Portland, Oregon. We were there for about five years, which is where I started transitioning from retail management into corporate gifting and promotional marketing. Yet again, gaining so much knowledge in work, and all the amazing things to do/see/experience in Portland.
Once Covid hit, we had to assess our situation and decided to move back to New Ulm to be closer to family. It was at this time that everything started to come together. Looking at my hometown for the first time in fifteen years with adult eyes made me realize things were changing. People my age were paving their own way, being creatives, makers, and entrepreneurs. I think there was a bit of a shift at the onset of Covid; with everything turned on it’s head, people were given the opportunity to really look at their lives and make strides to pursue what they truly wanted to produce. That is really the main feeling behind the name Zeitgeist Gifting; the spirit of the times.
With my background in retail and promotional marketing, I started to partner with old and new friends to curate themed gift boxes with a focus on locality. It all came together surprisingly quick, actually!
From the gift boxes as initial development, I wanted to fill a price point gap and have something that was 100% made by me. I had always been interested in polymer clay and decided to give it a try. Cut to a year and a half later, after much trial, error, and lots of supplies. It’s addicting and so rewarding to have endless possibilities of creation, and absolutely warms my heart when someone is as excited as I am for the product!
Because I enjoy making so much, I also recently obtained my cottage food license and have been developing a variety of scones as well. Who doesn’t need a gift box, earrings, and some scones all in one go?
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
In person craft shows and events are such an amazing way to create new customers. I love to watch it catch people’s eye, they walk over, start to look, and it just sort of snowballs from there. Often times it also turns into such amazing conversations as well. It’s jokes and memories from the more novelty earrings, and discussing all the amazing work companies in the gift boxes do to give back, be environmentally friendly, etc. That’s such a key element to the boxes; every product tells such an important story.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
I’m not exactly a savant on social media, but I do love keeping people updating with new projects I’m working on. It’s such a great way to develop direct communication and consistently keep it in the forefront of people’s minds.
Loyalty is a much more intricate thing. I love working with clients to create just the right product for custom jobs, keeping in touch with repeat customers, providing repairs, and just overall establishing meaningful connections through the products and process.
Contact Info:
- Website: zeitgeistgifting.com
- Instagram: @zeitgeistgifting
- Facebook: @zeitgeistgifting