Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Wetzel
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Dallas County and met my hubby while working downtown. We moved into Lake Highlands in 2013. We love the idea of being close to the lake and all the green space. When we moved into our house, we only had one daughter and now have three! Before kids, I was always working and after having my first, we decided I would stay home for awhile and that turned into years!
I have taken on a few part time jobs over the years and like many moms have a few “gigs” going on all at once. For years, my friends and family would ask me to wrap their gifts or make big bows for their door wreaths. I just did it as a hobby. In 2021, a friend mentioned that I should post about offering a holiday gift wrapping service on a local Facebook group and see if anyone was interested. I quickly filled my schedule. The Lake Highlands moms are so supportive of small businesses and love a service that can help take one more thing off their plate (especially during the busy holiday season). My clients now reach out to me year round to wrap for their special occasions, corporate gifts and of course their holiday gifts. Many of my clients have become really great friends!
When not gift wrapping or driving my girls all over town, I can be found substitute teaching at our local elementary school.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, it has been pretty smooth. I have tried a few service options over the years to see which works better and feel like I have really defined my offerings.
My biggest challenge is that most of my work comes in November and December and there is only one of me. I have had to turn clients away in the past. Last year, I hired a few helpers and we were able to tackle some really big projects!
It can be a struggle running a business out of your home especially in December but I love wrapping so we make it work.
As you know, we’re big fans of Wrapped in Lake Highlands. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Wrapped in Lake Highlands is the name but I want everyone to know we do work outside of just our little pocket of East Dallas. Most people choose to drop off (and pick up) their gifts at my home but I also offer a service where I go to my client’s home or place of business. This past year, I expanded into offering gift wrapping services for my corporate wrapping events and got amazing feedback. The employees loved bringing their gifts to work and having the company pay for gift wrapping. I also did my first influencer event for a UK beauty brand.
During the holidays, I offer a special hourly rate for those who choose to drop off and pick up their gifts. They love that they pay by the hour and not the gift.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the diversity in our city! Dallas’ economy is thriving and there is so much to learn, see and do here – not to mention all the different types of food. The biggest downside to living here are the temps in the summer! We always try to get away to the mountains for a week before school starts to cool down.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @wrappedinlh
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550927109435
Image Credits
Profile picture credit: Sarah Lane Thompson Photography
Gift images all by Jennifer Wetzel
