Today we’d like to introduce you to Allie Lee.
Hi Allie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The concept for Zeitgeist Gifting was born out of the idea that while the last few years have been difficult, it has been a catalyst for immense change and creation for many, myself included. I hit a rough patch in my career so I decided to start my own business and draw upon all of the change I saw around me. My background is in promotional marketing and I’ve always enjoyed putting together premium gift kits for companies, so I decided to bring that directly to the public with a focus on small businesses and a sense of locality. I decided to bring together a collection of thoughtful, handmade products from earnest local small businesses to showcase the best spirit of the times. Along the way, I also developed a love for creating polymer clay jewelry and accessories, which has been such an unpredictable and fun endeavor where I can fully explore my creativity.
The response has been so overwhelmingly positive to the boxes and clay, and I am excited to continue evolving!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been plenty of struggles! Mainly, I had no idea what I was getting into starting a business. I consider myself a pretty savvy and scrappy individual, but you don’t know what you don’t know. I always like to say that I never aim to be the smartest person in the room, but I always want to know them and what they’re the smartest at doing.
I developed relationships with so many other small business owners, joined an entrepreneurial group, worked with a consultant through the EDA, and developed my plan with SMIF. Along the way, everyone was so patient, understanding, and incredibly helpful with all of the different hurdles that come with getting things off the ground.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I like the idea that a gift can be so much more than just stuff. That it can spark memories and warm feelings through scents, and types of items, or a collection of items as a gift can convey a feeling of love, caring, and really seeing the recipient for who they are, what they like, and what they really want. I try to strive for that with these gift boxes, and love that they’re more than just products- that every item and every brand has a story, and the people behind it who built things up from the ground, care deeply for what they do and put so much love into every detail of their creations.
On the clay side of things, I get so excited (and sometimes stumped) by the endless different combinations of clay, processes, hardware, styles, etc. It is always amazing to me where the creative process can go, and it is so satisfying and vindicating when others love them as well!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
The sense of satisfaction in helping someone with the perfect gift, whether it be for themselves or a loved one. It means everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: zeitgeistgifting.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/zeitgeistgifting
- Facebook: facebook.com/zeitgeistgifting
