Today we’d like to introduce you to Wotsa Koutoglo.
Hi Wotsa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Lantsa Gifts was born out of a very personal moment. I (Wotsa Koutoglo, founder) lost my dear cousin unexpectedly, and before his passing, we had a conversation when he told me I have the gift of intentional giving (whether through time, knowledge, or resources) and that I should share it with the world. At first, I laughed because I’ve never been big on self-promotion or selling, but he was serious. Through prayer and reflection, I felt called to create Lantsa Gifts.
I started Lantsa Gifts because I believe a gift is more than just a checkbox on a to-do list. It is an opportunity to touch someone’s life in a meaningful way.
When you give through us, you’re not just sending a product. You’re delivering thoughtfulness, care, and intention. We are passionate about how your gift impacts the receiver, knowing the right gift can truly be a blessing in someone’s life.
Every purchase helps us support local nonprofits and a tuition-free school in Togo (West Africa) for underserved children, so your gift not only delights your receiver but also creates a meaningful impact in the world.
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?
Starting this business was a step outside my comfort zone, which was already challenging on its own. Social media, in particular, felt daunting since I’m not naturally inclined toward self-promotion or selling. Even with a background in supply chain and business operations, starting a business from scratch was completely new to me. I had to learn everything myself, from small business marketing and daily operations to new technology and pitching my business to potential clients.
My husband and I have two young daughters, so balancing family life with entrepreneurship and a full-time corporate role has also been challenging. But I find joy in the impact I’m making in the community. Hearing from customers about how their gifts touched someone’s heart fuels me. Those moments turn challenges into motivation and remind me why I started in the first place.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Q: How do you personalize a gift? How do you help customers decide what’s right for them?
I always start with the story behind the gift. Who is it for? What do you want them to feel when they open their gift? Once I understand the person and the occasion, I can suggest ideas that go beyond the obvious, whether that’s custom engraving, pairing items that reflect the person’s interests, or creating something one-of-a-kind like a 3D figurine.
Many customers know they want something special but aren’t sure what that looks like. My role is to listen, ask the right questions, and guide them toward a gift that will positively impact the receiver.
Q: There are a lot of personalized gift businesses — what makes yours stand out?
What sets Lantsa Gifts apart is the heart behind everything we do. We don’t just create gifts. We create moments, connections, and memories that last a lifetime.
Every gift is designed to celebrate the giver, the receiver, and even the wider community. Through our 360-degree impact model, a gift doesn’t just bring joy to one person. It supports the community.
We focus on helping people tell their story through the gift. Whether it’s a hand-picked keepsake, a heartfelt note, or a one-of-a-kind 3D figurine, the goal is to create something meaningful that resonates long after it’s given.
In a world full of products, what really matters is the emotion, thoughtfulness, and purpose behind the gift, and that’s exactly what we strive to deliver every time.
How do you define success?
Success, to me, is about seeing the positive impact of my actions, even on the smallest scale. It starts with how I’m raising my kids. Watching them grow into kind, respectful, and confident young girls who understand the value of those qualities fills my heart with joy. It reminds me that I’m already making an impact in the world.
We often talk about making the world a better place, but I believe it begins within us, in our hearts and in our homes. From there, it ripples out to our community, our country, and eventually the world.
I also believe success isn’t about numbers or recognition. It’s when a customer tells me their gift made someone cry happy tears, or when I see how our work supports a cause that matters. Success, to me, is knowing that what I do brings joy, connection, and purpose to others, bringing hope where it’s needed, while allowing me to grow and give back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lantsagifts.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lantsagifts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087147902559
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lantsagifts/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LantsaGifts
