Founded with heart during the pandemic and built to last well beyond it, Cheerfetti Gift Co. is a Dartmouth-based online gifting business helping people show up for one another—no matter the distance. Created by founder Iwona “Evona” Tatarkiewicz, Cheerfetti offers modern, thoughtfully curated gift boxes (or build-your-own options) designed to celebrate life’s highs, comfort its lows, and bring a little extra cheer to loved ones across Canada. We spoke with Iwona, Founder & Assembler, to know more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Cheerfetti Gift Co. is an online gift shop offering gifts to celebrate the highs and soften the lows for the VIPs in your life. Though we don’t have a retail location, we’re based in Dartmouth, NS and offer local gift delivery as well as Canada-wide shipping.
What made you want to do this work?
A strong entrepreneurial drive and a desire to give people a fun and meaningful way to stay connected during the throes of the pandemic, when everyone was still experiencing all the highs and lows of life, but in a more isolated way. Though the pandemic is over, we still live in a world where people are spread out, and at its heart, Cheerfetti exists to help people be there for each other in times of sorrow, celebration, and everything in between, despite being miles (kilometres!) apart.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I wanted to create a modern, done-for-you gifting service as an alternative to traditional wicker-and-cellophane gift basket providers. Our gift boxes can either be re-used or recycled, and have a modern and clean look that customers and recipients love. But obviously it’s what inside the box that counts most! We have a variety of curated gift boxes, and all the items you see in our curated gift boxes are also available individually, so customers can build their own gift box that’s tailored to their needs. We also have a small but mighty selection of some sassier items that you won’t find in a traditional gift basket shop.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
We cater to both individual and corporate gifting customers. While we serve a wide range of customers, the majority are women in their thirties through to their fifties who live in Atlantic and eastern Canada and are looking to spread some cheer to their friends, loved ones, or employees.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
It’s similar to a retail model where inventory is bought in bulk for a wholesale price and sold at the retail price.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We’re located in Dartmouth, NS.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
What do your customers love most about your business? I think this question gets at what makes a particular business stand out, and allows the customer to compare their must-haves to what the business is known for. For Cheerfetti, customers love our thoughtful and unique gift options, the quality of products and presentation of packaging, reliable delivery, and exceptional customer service.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is finding fabulous products to include in the online shop and hearing from customers about their gifting experiences. The worst part is trying to juggle everything as a small business owner: marketing, customer service, operations, the website, and dealing with the uncertainty of running a small business – it’s a lot! Order fulfillment always comes first, so some of the other things end up on the back-burner, but I know this is a temporary part of growth.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Why did the gift box start a podcast? To unbox its feelings.
Where can we follow you?
We’re most active on Facebook and Instagram.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Made with Local is a great local healthy snack company.
