We recently connected with Mary Ann Murtha and have shared our conversation below.

Mary Ann, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

As the Owner and Chief Creative Officer of A Never Ending Basket, my journey began in 2016, deeply rooted in decades of experience within the corporate landscape. Throughout my career, I was fortunate enough to ascend through various leadership roles, allowing me to witness firsthand the intricate dynamics of organizational culture. Yet, despite the accolades and successes, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something crucial was missing in many workplaces: gratitude.
In my years of navigating the corporate world, I observed how often gratitude was sidelined. I saw talented employees who felt undervalued and unrecognized, which inevitably impacted their motivation and productivity. The disconnect between leadership and employees became clear to me—gratitude wasn’t merely a nicety; it was a necessity for fostering an engaged and thriving workplace. This realization ignited a passion in me to create a solution that would transform the way organizations approached employee appreciation.
Thus, A Never Ending Basket was born. Our mission is simple yet profound: to cultivate a culture of gratitude within organizations, harnessing the power of appreciation to drive both personal and organizational success. We believe that when gratitude becomes a shared value, it creates a ripple effect that enhances collaboration, innovation, and overall workplace happiness.
At A Never Ending Basket, we focus on practical, actionable strategies that organizations can implement to weave gratitude into their daily operations. We encourage practices such as daily gratitude journals, where employees can reflect on their experiences and acknowledge the contributions of their colleagues. We also advocate for writing thank-you notes for even the smallest acts of kindness, reinforcing a habit of appreciation that can transform relationships within teams.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is sharing case studies of companies that have successfully implemented gratitude initiatives. These stories serve as powerful testimonials, illustrating the tangible benefits of fostering a culture of gratitude. From increased employee engagement to enhanced retention rates, the data speaks volumes about the positive impact of appreciation in the workplace. We regularly assess these outcomes through metrics such as employee satisfaction surveys, performance reviews, and retention rates, allowing us to measure the effectiveness of our programs.
Navigating obstacles is a crucial part of integrating gratitude practices into any workplace. I have learned that starting small can lead to significant changes. For instance, initiating voluntary small group sessions where employees can share their gratitude stories creates a safe space for expression and builds a sense of community. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of leadership buy-in; when leaders model gratitude, it sets the tone for the entire organization. Workshops focusing on the significance of gratitude help leaders understand how to incorporate appreciation into their daily interactions, framing it within the context of the company’s core values.
Regular gratitude events have become a hallmark of our approach. Organizing monthly or quarterly gatherings dedicated to recognizing achievements and showing appreciation reinforces a culture of gratitude. During these events, we celebrate not only project milestones but also personal achievements, fostering an environment where every contribution is acknowledged and valued.
As we continue to grow, my heart is filled with inspiration from the stories of gratitude shared with us. Each story highlights the profound impact that appreciation can have on individuals and teams. I often reflect on the journey of A Never Ending Basket, which reminds me of why I embarked on this path in the first place. Together, we are creating a legacy of gratitude that transcends traditional workplace dynamics.
The journey is ongoing, and I am excited about the future of A Never Ending Basket. We are committed to spreading our message and empowering organizations to embrace gratitude as a core value. Our vision is to create workplaces where gratitude thrives, transforming not only teams but entire cultures, making them more inclusive, supportive, and successful.

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.

At A Never Ending Basket, we specialize in creating unique and personalized gifts that beautifully express gratitude. Our gifts are designed to surprise and delight recipients while highlighting the heartfelt appreciation from the sender. We collaborate closely with local small businesses throughout the Delaware Valley, actively supporting and celebrating entrepreneurs who enrich our community and strengthen the local economy.
Our expertise lies in designing meaningful, sustainable gifts that embody gratitude, offering one-of-a-kind experiences that allow our clients to convey appreciation in a personal and impactful way. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to a distinctive design philosophy—every gift is thoughtfully crafted using materials sourced from local artisans and suppliers. This approach ensures that each gift tells a story and supports our community, making each piece not only special but also rooted in authenticity and craftsmanship.
I am most proud of the relationships we’ve built with our clients and the positive impact we’ve had in helping them express their appreciation. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that our products resonate with people who value artistry and meaningful connections.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that A Never Ending Basket is more than just a brand—it’s a movement towards fostering a deeper sense of thankfulness in society. We invite you to join us in celebrating creativity, supporting local artisans, and embracing a lifestyle that values both beauty and gratitude. Every purchase contributes to a larger mission: uplifting local business owners and strengthening our community.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

A Never Ending Basket began in the basement of my home where creativity flowed as freely as the laughter of family bonding. After spending years in the banking sector, I found myself at a crossroads when I was downsized from my corporate job. It was a challenging time, but it also marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my life.
For years, my mother, sister, and I had been creating unique and personalized gifts for our loved ones. Each gift was crafted with thoughtfulness, designed to leave a lasting impression on the recipients during special milestones in their lives. Friends and family consistently showered us with compliments, often saying, “You should start a business!” Their encouragement lingered in my mind, but it wasn’t until I found myself unexpectedly free from my banking career that I felt ready to turn that dream into reality.
During this transitional period, I was serving as a Board Member of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Philadelphia Chapter. I shared my vision for A Never Ending Basket with the board, and to my surprise, they rallied around my idea with enthusiasm. Their unwavering support and belief in my mission fueled my determination to launch my own business.
The first significant milestone came shortly after my decision to move forward. I received an order for 40 gifts from the NAWBO board, marking the official launch of A Never Ending Basket. This initial order not only validated my concept but also provided me with the momentum I needed to start building my brand.
As word spread about our unique gift offerings, we began to see a steady stream of orders from family, friends, and eventually, referrals from satisfied customers. Each gift was crafted with love, ensuring that it was not just a present, but a cherished memory.
To scale the business, I focused on enhancing our marketing strategies. I established a presence on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, showcasing our creations and sharing customer stories. This not only helped us reach a broader audience but also fostered a community of gift-givers who appreciated our mission.
Today, A Never Ending Basket is a growing business. We’ve built a loyal customer base and continue to receive heartwarming testimonials from clients who appreciate the personal touch we bring to each gift. Our mission remains the same: to create meaningful gifts that celebrate life’s special moments.
As we look to the future, my goals include expanding our online presence, exploring new partnerships, and introducing additional gift lines that resonate with our customers. I am excited about the journey ahead and am grateful for the incredible support that has helped turn my side hustle into a flourishing business.

Any advice for managing a team?

To effectively manage a team and foster high morale within a gifting company, especially with a focus on enhancing workplace culture and mental health resilience, consider the following strategies:

1. **Cultivate a Positive and Supportive Environment:** Encourage open communication and active listening. Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements to boost morale and reinforce a sense of belonging.

2. **Prioritize Mental Health and Well-being:** Implement programs or initiatives that promote mental health, such as stress management workshops, mindfulness sessions, or access to counseling resources. Normalize conversations around mental health to reduce stigma.

3. **Enhance Team Cohesion and Relationships:** Organize team-building activities, including creative gifting events or collaborative projects, to strengthen interpersonal relationships and trust among team members.

4. **Offer Personal and Professional Growth Opportunities:** Provide training, mentorship, or skill development programs that align with employees’ interests and career goals, increasing job satisfaction and engagement.

5. **Implement Flexible Work Arrangements:** Allow flexible hours or remote work options where possible to support work-life balance, reducing burnout and increasing productivity.

6. **Encourage Autonomy and Ownership:** Empower employees by involving them in decision-making processes related to their work, fostering a sense of control and purpose.

7. **Provide Meaningful Recognition and Rewards:** Use your core gifting principle to create personalized recognition gifts or tokens of appreciation that acknowledge contributions and boost positive affect.

8. **Promote a Culture of Gratitude:** Regularly express appreciation and encourage team members to do the same, cultivating a positive and resilient mindset.

9. **Monitor and Address Workload and Stress:** Keep an eye on workload distribution and proactively address issues to prevent burnout, ensuring sustainable productivity.

10. **Measure and Adapt:** Collect feedback through surveys or informal check-ins to understand the team’s needs and adjust strategies accordingly.

By integrating these practices, your company can enhance workplace culture, improve mental health resilience, and foster greater job satisfaction, positive relationships, and team dynamics—ultimately leading to increased productivity and reduced turnover.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://aneverendingbasket.com/
• Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-never-ending-basket/?viewAsMember=true
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552010840650
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-never-ending-basket/?viewAsMember=true

Image Credits

Stephen M. Powell