Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Jo Wassink.
Hi Emma, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was 7mo pregnant with my son, I sat down in a coffee shop with a friend discussing how I wanted to see if there was a way I could not only stay home with my babies but also run my own business. Meanwhile, my friend was sharing with me how she was having a hard time trying to come up with a unique and personal way to thank her real estate clients… something in me suddenly got excited. I LOVE creating unique gifts… not only unique gifts… but gifts filled with small business goods, gifts that people actually WANT. Gifts people will USE.
Later that day, I made my first client gift.
After a couple social media shares, I quickly realized my friend was not the only small business owner struggling to find the perfect way to thank her customers and clients…. in fact, this was a pretty big struggle for most businesses!
Almost three years later, Emma Jo & Co. is a thriving custom gift box company that specializes in creating client gifts that are a beautiful continuation of your brand + services. We work with businesses that desire to not only exceed their clients’ expectations but want to do so in a way that supports their local community + small businesses.
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?
Oh my gosh, NO. Is any business story really a smooth road?
Everything from learning how to price myself, to how to market our products and services, to the ins and outs of shipping (helloooo holiday shipping during 2020)… all while also learning how to be a mom to my two littles (I have a 2.5yr old and a 5mo old) has all been a struggle to say the least… but, it overcoming obstacles and challenges is honestly what fires me up and gets me excited to do this every day. It is always easy and fun? ABSOLUTELY NOT. It is worth every bit of struggle? Absolutely.
As you know, we’re big fans of Emma Jo & Co. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Emma Jo & Co. is a custom gifting service providing businesses both big and small with a way to show appreciation to their clients, employees, event attendees…etc. We specialize in creating gifts that are a true reflection of your brand/company/services. What sets ej&co apart from other gifting companies is that we source products exclusively small businesses that we know and love. Not only are they small business products… but they are beautiful products that people actually want + will use. No cellophane-wrapped fruit baskets, and “throwaway” branded swag over here! We work one on one with clients to create gifts that will truly speak to their people and make them feel seen and appreciated.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Apps: we use click up daily for our project management as well as ship station for all our shipping needs
Books: Traction by Gino Wickman and Profit First by Mike Michalowicz are two of my favorite business books that I recommend to any small business owner or entrepreneur.
Podcasts: A couple of my latest favorite business podcasts are Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher, How I Built This with Guy Raz, and The Heart & Hustle Podcast with Evie McLeod and Lindsey Roman
Contact Info:
- Email: helloemmajoco@gmail.com
- Website: www.emmajoco.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/emmajoandcompany
- Facebook: facebook.com/emmajoandcompany
- Other: pinterest.com/emmajoandcompany
Image Credits
Kelsey Pasma Photo
