We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christine Coen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christine below.

Christine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I owe my inspiration and my business name to my mother. Sometime during my teenage years, she began calling me, “Buttercup.” For as long as I can remember, my mother has mailed handwritten notes (or “paper hugs” as she calls them). Notes of encouragement, birthday wishes, thank you notes, condolences, etc. She sends so many notes that there is always a stack of cards stamped by the front door to go to the mailbox.

On Valentine’s Day of 2020, I got a call from my mother that my father had suddenly collapsed and was rushed by ambulance to the ICU. He had no known health issues and was an active 70-year-old man who enjoyed sailing and walking his dog several miles each day. My father spent 48 hours on life support before we had to say goodbye. We were shocked and devastated.

While these were the hardest days of my life, I was constantly reminded of the love around me. My girlfriends showed up for me. They watched my children and my dog. They delivered food, flowers, cards, wine, you name it. They checked on me daily. They were and still are the BEST.

As we continued to grieve, COVID-19 entered our lives, and we all remember how difficult 2020 was. Many of my friends were struggling. They felt isolated and frustrated with homeschooling. It was my turn to send some love back. I began creating and mailing them inspirational cards. I quickly realized how a small gesture like a handwritten note to a loved one could make ME feel happier. Buttercup was born!

Christine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

We carefully select unique gift items from brands that we love to create beautiful one of a kind gift boxes. You can select the perfect box for any occasion, and we will send it with love. We also create custom boxes for business owners that we send for them. We can add personalization, custom cards, etc.

We work with many local, women-owned makers. We love to support them and grow together. Buttercup Boxes are unique because 98% of our clients and customers are women supporting other women, many going though challenging life circumstances.

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

On a hard day, I will look back and think about some of the women that have received support boxes from Buttercup. These are strong women that are going through really hard things like chemotherapy or the loss of a loved one. This reminds me why I started this business and why I will keep going.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My first year in business, I tried to do it all alone. Finding the right balance between all the things that come with being a business owner is such a challenge. Collaborating with other women and asking for help has been a game changer!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://buttercupboxesoflove.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttercupboxesoflove

Image Credits

Le Petite Studio Photography