We were lucky to catch up with Cara Laine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cara , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the decision of whether to donate a percentage of sales to an organization or cause – we’d love to hear the backstory of how you thought through this.

I feel it is very important to give back. I donate a portion of every box to a local non-profit. Since I started my business, I have donated to these two amazing Bay Area organizations: hungerathome.org and collegeofadaptivearts.org.

Each day in Silicon Valley, tens of thousands of pounds of excess food and surplus goods are dumped in our landfills and go to waste. In a Valley where one in three people experience food insecurity, Hunger at Home was created to connect the food and goods with those in need.

College of Adaptive Arts provides equitable higher education opportunities for adults with special needs who previously and historically have not had access to continued education in a collegiate environment. They strive to be the Special Olympics of Education.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to spread light and love to everyone. I fiercely believe the world is in dire need of more light, love, and compassion. I started the Spark Joy Box to spread love and joy like wildfire. When you receive or give one of my boxes, know that you are sharing in that too.

In August of 2020, I launched The Spark Joy Box. The Spark Joy Box is a luxurious box of self-care that arrives every three months when you subscribe. There is the option of sending it as a one-time gift box to a loved one. Additionally, I provide corporate gifting that really shows the heart of your company.

On my website you will see there are always three boxes available: Pamper, Refresh, and Indulge. The Pamper and Refresh boxes contain 4-6 items and the Indulge has 7-8 items – for when you want a little extra comfort and care. While The Spark Joy Box is primarily geared towards women, I have also created a self-care box for men as well as a gender-neutral box for Mx.

We promote sustainability, giving back, and paying it forward. We do this by being conscientious of our packaging; gifting a part of the proceeds from every box goes to a local non-profit; and including a pre-stamped pay-it-forward card in every box to help further spread the love. I believe in promoting other small businesses that are out there doing good in the world, so we print a card for every item in the box that will give the background and contact information for that business.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I have owned and ran a custom couture wedding invitation business since 1995. Then Covid hit, and the business went flat. I kept thinking about a subscription box idea that my good friend and I had discussed. Without any money coming in, I dismissed the idea as ludicrous. However, the thought wouldn’t leave my brain! I mustered up the courage to really start thinking about it. When I did, I got excited – I felt joy! This was the point I knew I needed to pivot and I HAD to create this new business. What I didn’t expect was how much this business, The Spark Joy Box, really resonates with the core of who I am. I have been told that my heart really comes through when someone receives a box. I always feel so much joy when I receive a review, a heartfelt thank you, or a photo with a very happy recipient and their box. One happy customer wrote, “If only you could’ve seen the excitement on my face as I opened up each portion. I told myself, ‘How did Cara know I loved [this] and [this] and [this]! It’s like you read my mind as to what my favorite things are. Then when I read the cards, wow! That’s when I realized all the work you put into this for all of your clients. Your attention to detail was the first thing I noticed.”

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I was actually supposed to launch The Spark Joy Box in June of 2020. When I originally ordered my luxury gift boxes (they have a magnetic closure, ribbon closure, and hot foil stamped logo), the company that I ordered from turned out to be a sham company. They took my money and ran. I did not let it stop me! I learned from it, found another company, and did finally receive my new boxes and launch two months later.

I do not feel anyone should give up on their dream. Keep going! Keep persevering! BELIEVE it will happen and keep putting in the leg work. If you want it bad enough, you will get there. If I can start a new business in the middle of a global pandemic, with zero money coming in. and some pretty major setbacks, you can do it too. Just keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sparkjoybox.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkjoybox/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparkjoybox
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caralaine/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/thesparkjoybox/

Image Credits
Sarah Eichstedt Photography