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

Alright, Vicki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

It was always in my heart that someday one of my creations would make a difference. Since 1990, my career as a graphic designer took me down other paths until 2014. This is when my previous dreams of having my own creative and purposeful business started. Over the years, I was known as ‘the hugger’, had great joy in gifting, giving back, creating, learning and practicing healthy, eco-friendly ways of living. So it was inevitable that all of these attributes would someday contribute to the conceptualization of the Hug Box.

The first steps for the Hug Box mission involved creating a gift with packaging and goods that were sustainable and good for people and the earth. While the sustainable way of life will not be perfect, every little bit does help. The Hug Box gift boxes are a simplistic design made up of reusable, recycled materials and all made locally. The goods that fill the boxes are happy and healthy products created by local artisans and small businesses. Most of which also strive to be sustainable by using natural ingredients and handmade, repurposed materials.

During these last 8 years, watching the Hug Box grow and evolve fills my heart. Through my gift business, people’s hearts have also been filled whether they received a Hug Box, gifted a Hug Box, are a part of the Hug Box as an artisan or a nonprofit supported. Since the brick and mortar opened in 2018, being closer to the customers, artisans, community on a daily basis, face to face, has proven to be mission accomplished. The connections, love and support is in constant “hug it forward” mode.

The Hug Box supports local nonprofits that focus on children and animals. As a local small business and community space, we offer whatever we can to help bring awareness, contribute monetarily and partner up for special events.

It has brought so much joy helping others all across the US and locally give meaningful gifts from their hearts – to send a hug from afar, and to support local artisans and small businesses, and give back to communities and the earth.

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

The Hug Box started out as a gift box to ‘send a hug’ and now it is also an actual shop with even more local artisan goods and gifts. Each Hug Box gift is a custom-wrapped with sustainable materials made in the US, and a personalized notecard is included with the gift. The Hug Boxes are filled with local artisan goods that are handmade, natural, eco-friendly, and organic. Customers can shop easily online for meaningful gift boxes. They may choose from specially-curated themes for get well, cheer up, birthday, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, baby… any occasion. And they can also shop individual goods or Build a Hug Box at the brick and mortar. They can choose to ship anywhere in the US, pickup at the shop or choose local delivery (currently only Newnan, GA). Custom gift box orders are also available for individuals, groups and events. Locally-sourced gift boxes are perfect for clients, employees, wedding party and guests, baby showers – whatever customers need! And with 30 years experience in graphic design, custom group and event gift boxes can be designed to suit any business brand or event.

The Hug Box gives back to the community by way of supporting local artisans and small businesses, non-profits, the earth and sending hugs! A Hug Box makes a difference… with each delivery!

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

Resilience has proven to be a day to day requirement. There are no perfect systems in a business and there are constant changes, disruptions… ups and downs… just like life in general. After only 8 years, I have learned so much from taking chances, trying new marketing methods, putting myself out there and not worrying what anyone thinks, building relationships, taking special interest in my customers and making mistakes and getting back up again. You have to be ready to adjust to whatever comes your way like things like a pandemic or inflation. I surround myself with people that are loving and supportive and even have the same path, small business owners, artisans. I take breaks from social media and don’t compare my business to others. I focus on my brand and my mission and stay true to that. I also have tremendous faith in God and what His plan is for me. I continue to keep my eyes and ears open to what is sent my way whether that is a customer that comes into the shop and tells me their story or needs a shoulder to cry on, or an artisan friend needs a confidant to talk about business or life. I take in the moment, the present, with my full attention. (I’ve learned that multi tasking IS NOT effective or good for anyone). And I take time for some self-care, so that I can stay strong and focused and filled with joy. This things will help you fulfill your journey.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

You can’t be all for everyone, but you can be your all for your customers. I pay attention to who they are and hear their stories and give them my undivided attention. I love being a very small business because it allows me to be involved and make connections. If there is an issue I face it with a smile and kindness and it always works out ok. I have many loyal customers and appreciate them immensely and let them know it. Giving back to the community and being warm and welcoming at the shop are important to me. The Hug Box brand is exactly that… caring, friendly and joyful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thehugbox.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehugbox/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehugbox
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thehugbox%E2%84%A2/?viewAsMember=true
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmyFw4_7uYU
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-hug-box-newnan
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/thehugbox/

Image Credits
Photos of just me were taken by Chasity Posey Photography