In this episode, Mia Canada, also known as Thee Gift Wrap Goddess, shares her expertise and experiences as a professional gift wrapper with almost 20 years in the industry. Mia discusses her creative beginnings, her transition from a corporate job to entrepreneurship, and the growth of her gift-wrapping business, including opening multiple brick-and-mortar locations.

She highlights the importance of taking action, learning from mistakes, and staying persistent. Mia also promotes an upcoming conference for gift wrappers and related businesses, aimed at fostering community and professional growth.

Mia Canada has an eye for style that goes well beyond tying the perfect bow. Her passion for fashion and interior design inspired her to channel her talents into an avenue for stylistic flair that had been overlooked: gift design. Mia has been teaching gift wrapping business education courses since 2020 and has excelled in assisting aspiring gift wrapping business owners in turning their passion for gift wrapping into profitable and sustainable business. Clients from all over the world have traveled to learn specifically from her.

www.thatsawrapatl.com

@theegiftwrapgoddess

Episode Highlights:

0:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:05 Mia's Background and Early Creativity

02:40 Starting the Gift Wrapping Business

05:41 Challenges and Growth in the Business

10:12 Expanding and Teaching Gift Wrapping

15:14 Seasonal Business and Scaling Up

17:34 Opening a Year-Round Store

23:50 Teaching and Pricing Strategies

30:09 The Art of Gift Wrapping: Resourcefulness and Style

31:01 Starting a Business: Training and Education

32:19 Design vs. Fulfillment: Finding Your Niche

34:41 Financial Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

36:40 Learning from Mistakes: The Path to Success

42:22 The Importance of Community and Conferences

49:20 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Welcome back to the podcast. Today Michelle, founder of Nifty Package Company, shares seven essential strategies to increase revenue for your luxury gift basket and mobile gift wrapping business. From managing perishable items and specializing for corporate clients to upselling with add-ons and reducing expenses, learn actionable, business boosting tips to enhance profitability.

Connect with Michelle

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Nifty Package Company

00:35 Cutting Out Perishables

02:15 Specializing for Corporate Clients

02:43 Upselling with Add-Ons

03:30 Becoming a Concierge Business

04:20 Decreasing Your Expenses

05:38 Leveraging Scarcity and Seasonal Items

06:38 Building a Portfolio

07:14 Teaching and Selling Your Expertise

08:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Keywords:

gift basket business

increase your revenue

mobile gift wrapping

corporate clients

specialize for corporate clients

scarcity

seasonal items

decrease expenses

organic fruit

pop by gifts

concierge business

cross marketing

upsell with add-ons

decrease expenses

portfolio with images

teach your expertise

In this conversation, Michelle shares her journey from experiencing profound loss as a widow to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the luxury gift wrapping industry. She discusses the emotional and practical challenges faced by women in similar situations, the importance of financial literacy, and the art of creating meaningful gifts that resonate with recipients. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the significance of relationships and the impact of thoughtful presentation in the luxury market. In this conversation, the speakers explore the multifaceted concept of legacy, emphasizing its importance not only in terms of what one leaves behind after death but also in the present moment. They discuss the role of personal values, faith, and determination in shaping one's legacy, particularly for women over 50. The conversation highlights the need for empowerment, support, and the sharing of wisdom among generations, as well as the significance of creating spaces for those in need, such as widows. Ultimately, the discussion serves as a reminder that legacy is a continuous journey of growth, contribution, and connection.

Takeaways

Michelle became a widow at age 50 and started a business at 51.

Loss is a universal yet personal experience, especially for women.

Women often struggle with financial literacy after losing a spouse.

Michelle created a finance grief and life coaching program.

The luxury gift wrapping business was inspired by the Uber model.

Building a business requires learning and adapting to new skills.

Celebrity clients significantly boosted Michelle's business growth.

Attention to detail is crucial in luxury gift presentation.

Relationships in business are built through thoughtful gifting.

The return on investment in relationships is invaluable. Legacy is about what we leave behind and how we live now.

Determination is key in navigating life's challenges.

Faith provides purpose even in suffering.

Empowering women over 50 is crucial for societal growth.

Core values are the foundation of a meaningful legacy.

Teaching practical skills to the next generation is vital.

Creating supportive spaces for widows can change lives.

Experience and wisdom from older generations should be valued.

A legacy is a continuous journey, not just a final destination.

Living by one's core values is essential for authenticity.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Shiho Matsuda, a renowned gift wrapping artist, shares her journey from discovering her passion for gift wrapping to building a successful business. The discussion delves into the philosophy behind gift wrapping, emphasizing the importance of heart and connection in the art. Shiho highlights the significance of the five senses in creating a memorable gift-wrapping experience and offers insights into overcoming challenges in the business. She also discusses her upcoming workshops and the legacy she hopes to leave in the gift wrapping community.

Takeaways

Gift wrapping is an art that connects people.

The heart of the gift wrapper is essential.

Understanding the recipient enhances the gift experience.

AI cannot replicate the emotional connection in gift wrapping.

The five senses play a crucial role in gift wrapping.

Creating joy through gift wrapping is a primary goal.

Building a business requires following your passion.

Mistakes can lead to valuable lessons in business.

Collaboration can enhance creativity and efficiency.

Legacy is about leaving the world more beautiful than you found it.

Summary

In this conversation, the speakers discuss their experiences and challenges in the gift wrapping business, sharing insights on mistakes made, the importance of trust, and the seasonal nature of the industry. They emphasize the need for realistic expectations, the significance of contracts, and the value of networking and marketing. The discussion also touches on sourcing materials, manufacturing challenges, and the impact of tariffs on the industry. Overall, the conversation provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the gift wrapping field.

Takeaways

My biggest mistake was...

I didn't know anything.

You have to get your name out there.

Do your math.

Don't give up your dream, but be realistic.

It's a lot more than that.

You never really switch off.

I want to be able to say I did that.

It's a fantastic job but...

There's a lot of work goes on behind the scenes.

Summary

In this conversation, Jane Means and myself, delve into the art and business of gift wrapping, exploring its cultural significance, personal journeys, and the creative processes involved. They discuss the evolution of gift wrapping as a craft, the challenges faced in establishing a business, and the importance of understanding cultural nuances in presentation. The conversation also touches on the future of gift wrapping, including sustainability and the potential for publishing new works in the field.

Takeaways

Gift wrapping is not just a business; it's an art.

Cultural influences play a significant role in gift wrapping styles.

The journey to becoming a recognized gift wrapper can take years of dedication.

Workshops and classes are essential for sharing knowledge and skills.

Understanding client preferences is crucial in the gift wrapping business.

Creativity in design can elevate the gifting experience.

Planning and organization can simplify the gift wrapping process.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in gift wrapping.

Publishing a book can help share expertise and inspire others.

Mistakes in business can lead to valuable lessons and growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Art of Gift Wrapping

02:53 Journey to Gift Wrapping Mastery

06:01 Cultural Influences in Gift Wrapping

08:54 The Business of Gift Wrapping

12:10 Creative Processes and Design

15:01 Myths and Realities of Gift Wrapping

17:48 The Future of Gift Wrapping and Publishing

To provide guidance on decision-making for widows and divorcees, focusing on the challenges and strategies in the first part of a two-part series.

Key Takeaways

• Emotional instability significantly impairs decision-making abilities for recent widows/divorcees
• Avoid major life decisions in the first 1-2 years; third year is better for big choices
• Use structured methods (e.g., priority bubbles, action item lists) to organize thoughts and decisions
• Practice making small, inconsequential decisions to build decision-making confidence

The Challenges of Solo Decision-Making

• Shift from partnership to individual decision-making after 5-50 years of shared choices
• Emotional incapability and "brain fog" affect judgment and daily tasks (e.g., driving)
• Tendency to make poor consecutive decisions, reinforcing insecurity
• Neurological studies show impaired emotions lead to poor decision-making capabilities

The Dangers of Rushed Decisions

• Financial decisions often require quick action, creating additional stress
• Premature dating can lead to unsuitable or harmful relationships
• Major life changes (moving, selling home) should be postponed
• Risk of living in "illusions" (e.g., mismanaging inheritance, thinking $200k is inexhaustible)

Strategies for Improving Decision-Making

• Don't make big decisions in the first year, preferably wait until the third year
• Use visual aids like on/off ramp analogies to understand decision complexity
• Implement priority bubbles: central initial, surrounded by Now/Tomorrow/Future tasks
• Focus on solutions rather than rehearsing problems repeatedly
• Practice making and sticking to small, inconsequential decisions (e.g., outfit choice, meal planning)

Identity Reconstruction

• Loss of multiple identities simultaneously (spouse, job, volunteer roles, parenting)
• Importance of embracing new reality as single/widowed
• Gradual rebuilding of self-concept over 2-3 years

email me at Michelle@niftypackage.co if you would like the Decision Making Worksheet

In this podcast episode, Michelle Hensley discusses the importance of overcoming perfectionism to successfully launch a business. She emphasizes that there will never be a perfect time to start and encourages listeners to take action rather than getting bogged down by details like branding. Michelle also highlights the significance of identifying your target audience and researching competitors to find opportunities for growth. She shares practical steps for market research and stresses the importance of making compelling offers to attract clients.

• Perfectionism can hinder business launches.
• Starting now is better than waiting for the perfect moment.
• Focus on networking and marketing rather than branding details.
• Identify your target audience to tailor your offerings.
• Research competitors to find gaps in the market.
• Order from competitors to understand their customer experience.
• Use customer reviews to improve your business.
• Create a spreadsheet to track competitor information.
• Offer high-quality products to stand out in the market.
• Constantly refine your business strategies for growth.