Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Combs.
Annie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My business began shortly after quarantine took place. I found myself stuck at home during the last two months of my senior year of college and my mind was constantly racing with how to keep myself busy, occupied, and happily entertained. Not being able to spend my last few months as a college student with my friends and roommates was very difficult so I decided to make them each a gift to show them my appreciation. After some thought, I quickly whipped together five matching gifts and immediately thought to myself not only how aesthetically pleasing they were but how fun they were to put together! I have always enjoyed creating and putting together gifts for family and friends so I thought what better way to pursue one of my passions than to turn it into something! I am a “doer” so, within the next few days, my business was up and running. Two months later, I have a lot of support and it has become bigger than I had originally imagined! I am receiving orders daily and am constantly looking forward to creating gifts for people’s loved ones to “perk” them up.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I first launched my business, it was right before Mother’s Day. Because of the upcoming holiday, I was hoping to get some orders. I eventually received around 15 Mother’s day orders and was ecstatic. However, in the weeks following, my business went quiet. I was not receiving orders and I realized that it was so fun to be able to make these gifts for others and I enjoyed every minute of it but it probably wasn’t going to last. Two weeks later, I got a text from a friend asking if I was still taking orders and how to place them. I immediately realized that even though the successful start that I had slowly declined, people were still interested in!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business, “Perk,” is a gifting company. It started out as gifts for Mother’s day, birthdays & girlfriends and has quickly blossomed into providing floral arrangements, large gift baskets, and personalized gift bags for customers clients. My “signature” gifts are unique in the way they are wrapped and the products they contain. Whether I am putting a bottle of rosé and a candle together as a birthday gift or a large gift basket full of cheese, crackers, and charcuterie supplies, I truly do “enjoy the perk” and look forward to every order I receive! Being able to personalize an order for a recipient is one of my favorite parts about my business because I know they will be getting a gift that they really will enjoy.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been an outgoing, personable and bubbly person who likes to “provide” for others. Whether that is having my friends over for dinner, planning the activities on a family trip, or dropping something off on the porch of a loved one to cheer them up, I tend to focus on people’s happiness and determining how I can bring it out of them. I am always looking for my next project and new ways I can help, perk others up, and turn any of my ideas into reality.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 214-769-9586
- Email: avcombs@gmail.com
- Instagram: @enjoytheperk
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
