Check Out Minnie Erickson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Minnie Erickson.

Hi Minnie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Minnieology®️ Gifts (Minnie Box at the time) came to life in 2005 when I was wrapping gifts for two friends’ milestone birthdays. I couldn’t celebrate with them in person, so I decided to make the experience of opening their gifts the best that I could. I wanted them to feel loved when they opened the box, so I personalized the flaps, and everything inside was specific for them. Fast forward to August 2018 when I left the corporate world to focus on my health and happiness, and started to create gift boxes to celebrate my two best girlfriends, turning 40, who are also moms and busy professionals.

I recently moved to Middlefield from Los Angeles to be closer to my in-laws. When I’m not curating gifts, I enjoy the Bachelor franchise shows, TV dramas like Grey’s Anatomy, A Million Things, and This Is Us and traveling to new places. And last but not least, I love Justin Timberlake so much I married a “J.T.” (KIDDING).

I contribute a portion of sales proceeds to non-profits throughout the year.

In 2020-2021, donations have been made to:

– Dine11.org – Helping small restaurants feed front line workers
– Color of Change – Racial justice organization
– Breast Cancer Resource of Texas – to empower those affected by breast cancer with personalized support and compassion
– Geauga Sogi Support Network – Engaging with individuals, families, friends, and the community to embrace Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
– True Circle Organization helping the homeless in Los Angeles
– Proverbs 12-10 Animal Rescue and Sanctuary care for the needs of their animals while even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

Please follow on Instagram or Facebook to see all the gifts Minnieology has created and spark an idea for the perfect gift box of your own!

– 🎁 Personalized & Thoughtful Any Occasion Gifts
– 🕯️ Non-Toxic Soy Wax Candles & Reed Diffusers
– 💌 Greeting Cards
– 📦 Free shipping on orders over $60 or local pick up in Middlefield, OH
– 📺 Featured on New Day Cleveland

Minnieology Candles and Reed Diffusers can also be found at Forage & Feather in Mantua.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I first started, I had no idea how to run a business. I thought, “if you build it, they will come.” I created and designed my website, along with social media pages and nothing. It was a very slow start, and along the way, I learned and educated myself about retail and customer engagement as I had no idea what it took to build an online business.

It is not easy, but I have taken each struggle as a learning experience. When COVID-19 in 2020, no one was buying non-essentials, so I rolled up my sleeves and taught myself how to sew face masks. I sold over 300 and donated all the proceeds to Dine11.org; this organization collaborated with restaurants to serve first responders and families in need with hot meals in the LA area.

My plan for 2021 was to have my candles and reed diffusers in stores. With so many candle makers, I was getting no a lot. I kept trying and have my products in 4 stores/studios at this time. I also was featured on New Day Cleveland a few months ago https://fox8.com/on-air/new-day-cleveland/custom-gift-boxes/.

I am a one-woman show; I touch everything in this business from marketing, sales, website, budget, inventory, shipping, creating gift boxes, making candles and reed diffusers. I’m learning new every day, and it’s been an invaluable experience for me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Each gift box is designed and made with love for your special people in mind and the environment. Products are thoughtfully selected from other small businesses to be reusable, recyclable, and an eye toward sustainable packaging. I want to make the recipient feel the love without creating excess environmental waste.

I help busy women and working professionals send thoughtful and personal gifts in an era where we simply click and ship gifts over the internet. The recipient receives a standard box in the mail; however, upon opening, they find the personalized decorated box flaps along with thoughtful gifts. You can also build your gift box, or I can work with you to create a custom box for those going through something significant in their lives.

The most significant response received to date is that these aren’t your ordinary gift boxes; it’s like a hug in a box, and there have been happy tears. It takes it a step further to truly showcase your thoughtfulness and show your people how much you are thinking of them.

One of the most requested boxes is sympathy. It’s so hard to provide support when someone loses a loved one. It’s been well received.

I also hand-pour non-toxic soy wax candles and reed diffusers with no parabens or phthalates.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You may shop online at www.minnieology.com, subscribe to my weekly newsletter for gift tips and ideas.

Follow on Instagram www.instagram.com/minnieologygifts or Facebook www.facebook.com/minnieologygifts.

Contact Info:

• Email: shop@minnieology.com
• Website: www.minnieology.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/minnieologygifts
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/minnieologygifts
• Other: https://g.page/r/CbgVat_15lidEAI/review