Sending candy to a friend or coworker for a special occasion or to a client as a thank you is probably something you've done a time or two.
Sweets are, after all, an American favorite for gift-giving.
But a Denver-based company formed by two local women flipped the idea of sending candy on it its head with the launch of Sugarwish, a company they say puts the gift-receiver, rather than the giver, in the drivers' seat.
"We thought, 'what if we could create that feeling and experience that wasn't about receiving candy, but picking that candy – that kid in a candy store experience' we might have something," said Sugarwish co-founder Elisabeth Vezzani.
The boxes range from $16 to $95, including taxes and shipping.
Launched in November 2012, the business is based on a simple concept: the giver purchases a candy box from the Sugarwish website, Sugarwish sends the receiver an e-card and then the receiver chooses the candy they want in their gift box on the website. The box of candy is then shipped to the receiver, who gets it three to five days later.
"I found a lack of clever gifts that would stand out," Vezzani said, referring to her former job where she worked for a staffing firm. "It seemed like there were the same few options that everyone used. I was always the crazy one looking for that fun idea – that would get them excited and make their day."
Vezzani co-founded Sugarwish with Leslie Lyon, which immediately drew the attention of national media companies. Vezzani and Lyon have appeared on The Today Show twice, and the Sugarwish concept has been featured in magazines like In Style, Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, People, iVillage and more.
"We knew instantly there was interest," Vezzani said. "We just kept getting phenomenal press. It was such a quick, viral growth. We were amazed."
Seeing the potential, Vezzani said they quickly looked to experts for help to scale it — they were one of eight women-led startups selected by Merge Lane, a Boulder-based startup investment accelerator.
Since launching, Sugarwish has grown 2.72 times per year and is up to nine employees who work to fill orders and handle customer service out of its office near I-25 and South Colorado Boulevard.
"For every person that receives a Sugarwish, 15 percent turn around and send one," Vezzani said, saying that's one factor that's led to the company's rapid growth. "Social media has been fantastic for us, too — Instagram in particular. Because they're a fun gift they picked … so many people share their Sugarwish on Instagram when they receive it. That's been a wonderful way for people to find out about us."
And last February, Sugarwish branched out into the corporate world with the launch of a platform designed specifically for companies that want to quickly send customized candy boxed to employees, clients and customers.
"If a hotel wants to thank clients after an event, they can send 'sweet thanks,'" Vezzani said. "They're able to use their own custom cards to use as Sugarwishes. It goes out and the receiver gets to pick exactly what they want, but with that customized packaging."
Vezzani said like the main business, corporate interest in the new program has been "tremendous," with Sugarwish signing up three to five new companies for the program a day "We're really continuing to build out our corporate platform," Vezzani said, adding that will be her main focus in the coming years. "[We want] to make them stand out to their employees, stand out to their clients and give them more options."
(The thrill of victory and the agony of sore feet. :))
It’s hard not to be awe-struck by the extrodinary efforts being brought to the Rio Games, by arguably the best athletes in the world.
While watching intently, with our mouths wide open in amazement---we are reminded of what can be accomplished with hard work, determination (…and a little bit of natural ability:)).
The energy of the Olympics is spilling out into the "real worldâ€, as we find ourselves getting up a little earlier, working a little harder, and giving that extra push to get things done…as if there was a finish line somewhere on the horizon. And regardless of whether the it’s the grace, grit, or glory that is sweeter to watch, the whole Olympic experience has been inspiring and motivating in a way that only a 23rd gold medal earned in a single sport can be.
Right hand man, gal Friday, lifesaver….no matter what you call them, they are the building blocks (and foundation) of every successful company out there.
Often under-appreciated, we love seeing Admins get every bit of recognition they deserve! To that end, we are thrilled to be partnering with the Admin Awardsthis year.
Sugarwish is all about acknowledging great people for good deeds, so when we were asked if we could sweeten the day of the best of the best (of the best) in the Admin world—we jumped at the opportunity.
How could we resist? We’re pretty sure no one at the office deserves candy (and kudos) more than they do! :)
Maybe it’s the conversation hearts adorned with silly sentiments, oversized candy boxes filled to the brim, or the fact that the true purpose of this super sweet holiday is to tell people that you love...just exactly how you feel. Now THAT’s something we can get behind—and in front of. And we do. #sendloveandcandy
As it turns out, it doesn’t take all that much to keep employees in their “sweet spotâ€. Glassdoor (an online career site) found that 80 % of employees are motivated to work harder when their boss shared a little sugar (a.k.a. showed appreciation for their work).
In addition, bosses who express gratitude help keep workers from looking elsewhere for their kudos (and their paychecks).
So what might do the trick...keeping an employee feeling satisfied, with their loyalty intact? A little goes a long way, as findings suggest that it doesn’t take all that much to go from “nah" to “yah". In fact, 46 % of employees would feel more appreciated if their boss gave them an unexpected treat, including such things as a snack or a "thank you" note (pssst…. Sugarwish is both!). Sweet!
We knew it! Sugar (wishing) is good for your health...and the health of your business. Read this recentarticle featured onInc.com by Cheryl Snapp Conner to find out why:).
Here's Science-Based Proof That Giving Is Good for Your Business
Giving is good for employee engagement, customer retention, and even your personal health.
Giving feels good, and scientists have actually proven that generosity is also good for your well being and health. Making a difference is good for employee engagement and culture. But beyond this, experts note, generosity is good for the bottom line of your business as well. Here's how.
Giftology author John Ruhlin notes that nearly everybody likes gifts. The little touches such as getting a Trackr for the friend who keeps losing his keys, or a Sugarwish candy box for the admin who's paved the way for a hard-to-get appointment are nice touches that express in a simple way that you appreciate someone's friendship or the extra attention they've given to a critical task.
In almost every case, the gift produces warm feelings and a desire to help or support the person again. And as Ruhlin notes, anyone who does not respond favorably to a token of appreciation is likely not a client worth having and would respond negatively in any circumstance at all.
It is important, of course, that the gift be a token of genuine appreciation, and not a bid for an expected quid pro quo exchange. Says consultant Curtis Hale: "Remember, you are out to build a relationship, not just to win a bit of business."
Ideally, you should plan your generosity budget in advance, Ruhlin advises, and suggests that you earmark 2-5 percent of the revenues from a client to gifting activities that will remind you to show your appreciation of the customer in a tangible way.
Former content manager Leo Dirr loves the concept of generosity so much he left his writing role to launch a new business, The Generosity Engine, to teach the practice of giving to others. In coaching calls he teaches clients to identify their most valuable relationships and to strengthen those connections through activities such as social media support, award entries and handwritten thank you letters and notes in addition to traditional gifts.
Dirr teaches the science of relationship building by coaching clients to set "giving goals" through tools that provide relationship scores. They create Kindness Calendars and Generosity Journals. These activities provide structure and metrics for giving. But they also reinforce the feel-good rewards of giving, which science has shown will increase the giver's sense of well-being and contribute to the giver's engagement, health and longevity, too.
It's not necessary to take all of the steps of giving on your own to reap the good news benefits, Dirr maintains. Those who are pressed with time can hire The Generosity Engine for functions such as:
• Writing or editing of thank-you notes
• Researching ideal gifts for customers, partners, employees, family and friends
• Setting up online alerts to keep executives informed of important news about their connections and companies
• Assistance with handwritten notes and letters for a more personal touch
• Writing or editing nomination letters for awards and leadership positions
• Writing or editing LinkedIn recommendations
• Planning memorable activities that allow you to "go deep" with a particular person
• Writing and designing invitations to dinner parties and special events.
The power of giving can start with as little as a goal to do three good things a day, and record them. Then, when the spirit moves you to do so, add a little more. Share your outcomes with others and they'll be inspired to join in.
Business consultant Jason Sisneros, for example, encourages clients at every level of an organization to begin each day with a fundamental question: "How can I add massive value to my team members and clients today?"
Dirr recommends learning to measure your life in "smiles per hours."
For many organizations with a culture of giving, the rising growth of their profit is evidence enough of a program well done. For those who'd like to get more specific, however, here's a study from the CECP of New York that will help. The Giving Forum has some suggestions for ROI measurements on the results of giving as well.
Any way you look at it, giving is good for both givers and recipients, experts say. Try incorporating a few of these practices in your business this quarter. Your clients (and employees) will thank you, and your revenue will benefit, too.
It's October! Know What that means?It's Boo Time.How to Boo 'em: 1. Send our "You've been Boo'd†ecard.2. They pick their favorite treats.3. We ship their treats (no tricks :)) to their door. No Ding Dong Ditching Required. #BOO-YAH XOXOSugar-Witches :)
We turn your list into Sweet Holiday Gifts in no time flat (...or less:)).
How It Works. (3 Sweet Options.)
1) The "I Like Control." Option.
This includes a custom company page with access to custom eCards we design just for you. Think…"You Made the Nice List" or "Wishing you a Sweet Holiday Season" eCard,designed with your logo. (This is completely free and can be set up in 24 hours). You can send the eCards for your Sugarwish gifts from your page—as many as you want, whenever you want. Sweet bonus- Company pages allow you to skip the checkout process so you will be on and off the site faster than you can say, “I just sent a bunch of Sugarwish gifts."
2) The "Take Care Of It For Me.†Option.
This option also includes a (complimentary!) company page with your custom eCards. All we need is your recipient email list and the eCard you want to use. We will send out your eCards whenever you want us to. (Seriously, it is that easy!)
3) The “I just want to send beautiful boxes filled with pre-selected candy†Option.
For this option, all we need are the names and addresses of your recipients and we will take care of the rest. (We can customize special inserts to include in their boxes!)
Sugarwish Gifts. (6 sweet sizes.)
These prices include everything from the custom eCard to the Sugarwish gift shipped to your recipients door (or desk).
$18.50. Duet (2 choices)
$28.00. Petite (4 choices)
$48.00. Classic (8 choices)
$78.00. Ultimate (16 choices)
$98.00 Wish and Dish (Beautiful glass candy dish with 4 x-tra large candy “fillsâ€)
$248.00 The Sweet Shoppe - A Pop-Up Sweet Shoppe/ Candy Bar delivered right to their office or event.
Unlimited Possibilities!
If you can dream it, we can do it! Just ask.
You can call us right now at720-722-4071, email us at info@sugarwish.com or click here for our contact page. We would love to help you!
Employees are a companies most valuable resource ---and their most precious commodity.
And while this Friday is officiallyEmployee Appreciation Day, we might want to rethink waiting 364 more days before we do it again.
According to ForbesBook AuthorVoice Don Rheem "The Key to a corporate culture that inspires employees to commit their time, energy, brainpower and initiative to the job is ongoing appreciation. Employees who feel like valued members of a team...are the most engaged and productive.â€
It sounds to us like showing appreciation is not only the “nice†thing to do, but the “smart†thing to do. And it's important to keep in mind that showing appreciation doesn’t always have to be some grand gesture.
Appreciation can come in the form of a thoughtful compliment, or a small gift given with a kind sentiment ----as long as it happens on an ongoing basis. Makes good sense to us. :) #sendappreciationandcandy
Appreciation is consistently among the top factors shown to impact how much employees love their jobs. This can be especially true for Administrative Assistants whose greatest efforts are spent behind the scenes ---making someone else look good.
Thoughtful words, and a sweet gesture, can be all it takes to make someone feel recognized and special. So be a (totally boss!) boss this Admin Day—and do a little something to let them know—that you know—that they rock!! #theydeservecandy #wehavecandy
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