Julie Tadeson solved a problem all young professionals have encountered: receiving a gift basket where pretty much everything in it is either unhealthy or something we’d never personally enjoy. Here’s why we love here business, Jules Baskets…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Health-conscious, luxury gift baskets beautifully curated by a culinary nutritionist, holistic lifestyle coach and mindful mom.
Jule’s Baskets is the only gift basket company in Canada 100% committed as a brand to beautiful, luxury, health-conscious products. That means no mass-produced gift baskets filled with unhealthy processed food and junk that gets tossed or re-gifted. All of our gift baskets are hand-selected and hand-made brimming with local artisan, organic and socially responsible goodies!
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
As a mindful, conscientious, healthy, fit woman/mother and someone who has received my fair share of gift baskets, I realized that all of the food and products in the baskets were unhealthy and lacked quality. I had never received a gift basket filled with items that I would actually like, enjoy or use. I enjoyed the gesture, but felt a little uneasy receiving gifts that we so far off from what I would enjoy. I felt bad wasting the products that almost always got tossed or re- gifted.
There was a demand for a luxury gift basket company that delivered an exceptional product with a brand committed to a gorgeous array of healthy and quality items, all while providing top notch service.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I absolutely love sharing health and happiness. This is the best way for me to bring health, wellness and happiness to people while they cultivate the relationships that matter to them most. I also love curating custom baskets.
The most challenging part is keeping up with the growing pains! I need more staff and time. Another challenge that I experience is bookkeeping and accounting. I find it to be extremely time consuming.
Where do you see your business going in five years?
I have NO idea. I didn’t expect it would be where it is now just five months ago. I dreamt big, created a solid brand and an operational system that is scalable. I plan to use my e-commerce site to offer more than just gift baskets. The goal is to create a one-stop shop where people can shop the artisan, health-conscious specialty products for themselves as well as gifts. I hope to be a well-known brand that delivers quality in every aspect – product, service and experience.
What does success look like to you?
For me, personal success is feeling accomplished. I love checking things off my list. I have very successful days where I am very productive and efficient. When I want something, I go for it. Success is realizing what I want and checking it off my list. I am a results-oriented person. Business success is moving forward, overcoming challenges, gaining brand recognition, expansion, increasing sales and decreasing debt.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
The final day of my vacation in Exuma this past August, I received an email with a single order from one corporate client for 650 holiday gift baskets. Everything got very real, very fast.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Absolutely nothing comes easy, but everything is possible. Being an entrepreneur is scary; a lot of hard work and can be very lonely. But at the end of the day, it’s wildly rewarding. You learn as you go. It’s okay to make mistakes and admit that you are wrong, or that you don’t know. Outsource what you’re not good at or can’t make time for.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Yes, I support Nellie’s Women Shelter and Eva’s Initiatives. It’s important to me because of my core values. I am a very grounded, giving and nurturing person. It warms my heart to know that I’ve supported those in need.
What is Notable to you?
Wholesome, hardworking, honest people with a sense of humour. I love meeting successful people with integrity and good hearts.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone 6. I am an Apple girl – 100%
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
Well, this is my specialty! Food, supplements, healthy habits, love, laughter, friendships and a little caffeine and fitness. When I’m feeling defeated or overwhelmed, I try to surround myself with like-minded women or a friend that can lighten my load.
#NOTABLE
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