We’re excited to introduce you to Nadine, the owner of Alberta gift box business Gift Smack. Gift Smack is a Lacombe, Alberta based business that creates modern and luxurious gift boxes featuring Canadian products. Enjoy getting to know Nadine!
Alberta Business Gift Smack
What does the perfect morning look like to you?
I rise before the sun and enjoy a hot, steamy coffee in my favourite mug and some quiet reflection before exercise, journaling, reading and eventually ‘tiger time’ where I plan my day and make plans to take over the world.
What’s your favourite thing about owning a small business?
Oh, wow, so many things! Being a part of moments (the notes for gift recipients provided by the purchasers make me tear up daily) is number one but also; helping people, people, unlimited possibilities, creativity, marketing, great team members, tackling challenges, personal growth, shopping for gifts, curating new gifts and growth (both personally and business).
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
The ocean anywhere but I’m particularly partial to the frigid ocean waters off the coast of Newfoundland.
What 3 words best describe your business?
Experiential. Giving. Modern.
What did you do before you started your business?
I had a successful real estate career for 8 years before taking the plunge to pursue Gift Smack full time.
What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I’m an introvert and love time to myself.
Any embarrassing moments you’d like to share with us?
Oh boy, this is a can of worms. One that still makes me laugh – when we first launched our website we had ‘Pantry Items’, however we missed the ‘R’ and had a whole section of Panty Items.
What’s your proudest moment in your business so far?
I don’t know that there’s a specific moment per se, but we grand opened our brick & mortar location on February 28, 2020, just 3 weeks shy of the pandemic shut down. We didn’t have a website yet and things were really tough. I thought about quitting many times, there were 100 other things that would have been easier and would have paid far better (or at all!), but I learned I can do hard things. We perservered, made it through and now we’re growing. I am proud of that.
What makes you laugh the most?
Definitely my husband and my kids.
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why?
Sometime prior to 2015 so I could spend more time with my Mama & Grandma’s.
What’s the last book you read?
Non-educational? I read a lot of business & educational books but my last pleasure read was The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Nadine as much as we did! To learn more about this Alberta gift box company, check out the Gift Smack website here or visit the retail shop at: 5019a 51 St Lacombe, AB