We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wotsa Koutoglo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Wotsa , thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I’m originally from Togo, West Africa, and I’ve spent over 20 years working in various industries with a focus in business product development, operations, and supply chain management. Four years ago, I lost my dear cousin, which was a devastating experience. Before his passing, he told me I had the gift of intentional giving—whether through time, knowledge, or resources—and that I should share it with the world. At first, I laughed because I’m not someone who enjoys self-promotion or selling, but he was serious. A few days after that conversation, he passed away, and through prayer and reflection, I felt called to create Lantsa Gifts. It became my way of honoring his words and using that gift to help others give with purpose.

The core mission of Lantsa Gifts is to help people give with purpose.

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.

Our custom gifts—whether for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, housewarmings, office events, or just because—are designed to create lasting emotional connections between the giver and the recipient.

Our product range includes home décor, kitchenware, drinkware, apparel, stationery, and personal accessories.

What sets us apart is our commitment to giving back. A portion of every purchase supports underserved communities and local nonprofits, as well as the tuition-free school my grandmother started in Togo, where children receive an education, they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.

Lantsa Gifts changes the way people view gift-giving. It’s not just a task to check off or a present that gets lost in a closet—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. When someone says, my recipient has everything; I don’t know what to give, that’s when we come in. Our custom greeting cards, for example, make it easy to convey heartfelt messages. Through our Tiny Words, Big Impact stationery, customers can select a card, a message, and we handle the rest, including delivery.

We also transform housewarming and corporate gifts. Realtors tell us how our gifts create lasting bonds with their clients, who often display them in their homes as cherished items, unlike other gifts that might be forgotten. Similarly, we provide corporate gifts designed to uplift teams and foster a positive work environment, going beyond titles to show genuine appreciation for colleagues.

We also offer free consultations, helping customers find the perfect gift for any occasion. Additionally, we curate thoughtful gifts for busy individuals, especially during the holiday season, taking care of everything from gift selection to wrapping and delivery.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’ve had many moments of uncertainty, and honestly, I still do. There are times when things don’t go as planned, when finding reliable suppliers feels like an uphill battle, or when people judge me based on my appearance, accent, or other surface-level assumptions. In those moments, I remind myself that this journey is not about me—it’s about the positive impact I want to make in the world. I didn’t start Lantsa Gifts for personal gain; I believe this calling came from God to help create something bigger than myself, something that spreads goodness in a world often filled with negativity. I push through those doubts by focusing on the bigger picture—remembering that even if I can positively impact just one person, it’s worth it. My faith keeps me grounded, and knowing I’m working with a purpose gives me the strength to keep moving forward.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Pushing myself out of my comfort zone to network and share my ideas was crucial to my success. Embracing a humble spirit and remaining open to learning and growth also played a big role. Through this openness, I was able to meet people who provided valuable referrals and connected me with others who became instrumental in my business journey. Some of the most impactful relationships I’ve built came from casual encounters at networking events, where individuals not only became customers but also long-term supporters of my business.

I plan to continue growing through faith and by challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone. Professionally, I want to deepen my understanding of the gifting industry and explore new ways to make gift-giving more impactful.

My husband and I are also excited to introduce Shrunk 3D to the McKinney, TX area—a concept that captures special moments as 3D figurines. We believe this will add a unique dimension to our mission of creating meaningful, lasting gifts.

In the next 5 to 10 years, I see Lantsa Gifts expanding our product offerings, personalizing even more items, and forming partnerships with organizations that align with our mission. I hope to increase our support for communities in need, not just in Togo, but globally, while continuing to offer thoughtful, intentional gifts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lantsagifts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lantsagifts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Lantsa-Gifts/100087147902559/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lantsagifts/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LantsaGifts
• Other: Another website: https://www.shrunk3d.com/mckinney