Today we’d like to introduce you to Raema Mauriello.
Hi Raema, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved putting gifts together for baby showers and for birthdays, and holidays. I love the process of finding gifts that are unique and thoughtfully chosen for the recipient because I believe gifts can be one way to help people feel seen and known. I had four friends having baby showers in a month and had four different gift baskets in my office. My husband walked into my office, noticed the gifts, and casually said, “you should do this as a business.” It had never occurred to me to turn this into a business. I decided to start a website and Instagram page to see if there was a market for what I was offering and it grew much faster than I anticipated. “Gifty Gal” officially became an LLC in January of 2022.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I have learned a lot in a short amount of time. I realized I quickly needed a license to resell items and gain access to wholesale accounts. This has helped me keep my prices within a reasonable amount. Time management has been a lesson I learned the hard way. During Easter, I curated over 40 Easter baskets on top of the business clients I work with and needed to learn how to maximize my time and prioritize tasks based on the elevated workload.
As you know, we’re big fans of Gifty Gal. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Gifty Gal thoughtfully curates’ gifts for any occasion. I enjoy taking a client’s vision and creating a gift they would be proud to give to the recipient. I have the honor of working with professionals across a handful of industries. I work with real estate agents in the DFW area providing their closing gifts. I partner with them to create a branded closing gift they can give to each of their clients. I have put together gifts for different sales reps in not just Texas but multiple states to give to their current customers or prospects. These gifts have been unique and eye-catching, helping them get callbacks and meetings scheduled. I have also helped people with personal gifts ranging from holidays, birthdays, get well, weddings, engagements, and condolence gifts.
My specialty is gift bundles. I like creating gift baskets or gifts that have a theme. Some that are popular within the sales community are golf baskets, ammo can bundles, whiskey and cigar boxes, and spa baskets.
I feel lucky to help with gift giving. For some, the process can be stressful and overwhelming, and I love that I get to remove that stress from them. Some people are too busy to put the kind of thought into a gift they would like to. I am able to bring their vision to life.
I take pride in the creativity and excellence placed into each gift I am entrusted to select as well as being conscious of my client’s budget.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
My favorite leadership book (not related to gift giving) would be “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
I pull a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and social media however, a lot of inspiration comes from just walking through stores.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.giftygal.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gifty.gal/
Image Credits
Madi May
7 Seconds Media
