A Pioneering Spirit: The Woman Behind the Whisky

During Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting stories of artisan innovators and inspirational female leaders. As we celebrate these global go-getters, you’ll see their drive and determination to build businesses and lift others. We hope these stories inspire you to take your next bold step. (Note: We are not sponsored by or affiliated with any of these organizations or businesses.)

To help you celebrate the accomplished women in your life this month, we’re excited to offer our limited-edition Strong & Sassy Gift Box. (Today’s the last day to order, 3/31/22.)

Today, we're raising our glass to another artisan and female business owner making history. This pioneering spirit is one of the first Hispanic founders of Scotch Whisky. Not only has she built a successful business, but she's also created a fund to support other entrepreneurs of color.

As a first-generation Cuban American and woman entrepreneur, Carin Luna-Ostaseski knows a thing or two about building a business. Fueled by her desire to create a modern scotch blend and revamp the outdated perception of whisky as "an old man's drink," SIA Scotch Whisky was born.

Like most successful entrepreneurs, Luna-Ostaseski was scrappy in the early days going on distillery tours, visiting Scotland, attending whisky tastings, reading books on the subject, getting her bartender's license, hosting focus groups and workshops, even becoming a certified whisky ambassador.

In 2012, the initial funding for SIA Scotch Whisky came from an unlikely source, a Kickstarter campaign. She raised almost $50,000 in 28 days. It's one of the first scotches to be crowdfunded, and the result paid for the first production run. Since alcohol is prohibited as a reward, creativity ruled the day with shirts, flasks, and tickets to launch parties given in exchange for financial contributions.

Luna-Ostaseski held multiple jobs during the course of building the company. She grew SIA while working full-time in graphic design and communications for large companies like Reuters and small businesses. Her years of experience were instrumental in SIA's design, leading to the selection of the label, glass color, and bottle shape. Like most entrepreneurs, she worked on her business over lunch breaks, evenings, and weekends for many years. When necessary, she added freelance design work to fund the business.

Her persistent networking and community-building skills proved vital in growing the company. After several failed meetings with importers, her luck changed when Luna-Ostaseski met female executive Lauren Shayne Mayer of Spirit Imports. Mayer, along with other family members, helped guide her through the process with assistance in everything from manufacturing to distribution. Another group also noted as instrumental to SIA's success is the Women's Cocktail Collective, a group of 25 female founders of spirit brands. The biggest piece of advice Luna-Ostaseski has for female founders? Find community.

In 2021, she decided to expand her efforts and support other business owners of color. The Entrepreneurial Spirit Fund by SIA Scotch was launched, with the help of online platform Hello Alice, to support entrepreneurs of color build successful companies. Luna-Ostaseski joined forces with actor Wilmer Valderrama, and together they used the Fund to deploy $250,000 to 25 multicultural small business owners, each one receiving a $10,000 grant and 1:1 business coaching. The plan is to repeat the process this year, continuing to provide community, mentorship, and capital to minority business owners.

Carin Luna-Ostaseski is flying high these days, both inside and outside her business. She’s one of the few women (Less than 20%) licensed as a private pilot. Her Scotch Whisky is a multi-award-winning brand scoring 96 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2016). In San Francisco, she won a Double Gold Medal in the World Spirits Competition (2014), a prestigious and exclusive award. For Luna-Ostaseski, it seems the sky is the limit.

Elevating Artisan Entrepreneurs in Guatemala

During Women’s History Month, we are highlighting stories of artisan innovators and inspirational female leaders. As we celebrate these global go-getters, you’ll see their determination to build businesses and offer meaningful ways to empower women. We hope these stories inspire you to take your next bold step. (Note: We are not sponsored by or affiliated with any of these organizations or businesses.)

This month, we’re also excited to offer our limited-edition Strong & Sassy Gift Box to help you celebrate the accomplished women in your life. (Today’s the last day to order, 3/31/22)

---

In 2002, Ruth Alvarez-DeGolia took a trip to Latin America as a student volunteer. Her goal was to teach rural artisan women the skills to create retail websites, apply for funds, and access business resources. It was an experience that changed her life.

Upon her return to Yale, Alvarez-DeGolia began selling handmade Guatemalan bags on campus. She made $5000 her first weekend, enough to send 26 girls to school for a year. What started as a college side passion soon evolved into a larger social enterprise. Alvarez-DeGolia launched Mercado Global in 2004 with $100,000 from the Yale student business plan competition and funds from early-stage investor, Echoing Green.

Based in Brooklyn, New York, Mercado Global’s mission is to match artisan women with international retail brands (Think: Levi’s, Target, Nordstrom, to name a few) and create sustainable women-owned businesses. Under Alvarez-DeGolia’s leadership, Mercado Global focuses on three areas: They teach advanced sewing skills to help women attract a premium price for their products. Workshops provide education on personal finance, women's health, and childhood nutrition. The third area of emphasis is asset development, a matching funds program that aims to assist women entrepreneurs in buying floor looms and sewing machines to create a more substantial, viable business.

Mercado Global has become an accessories brand and nonprofit with approximately 25 employees and revenues exceeding $1 million. From its humble beginnings working with three artisan women groups, the organization is now engaged with 750 artisan women. Their data shows that the women in their network have seen significant increases in financial resources, leadership skills, and children’s access to education and food.

Alvarez-DeGolia isn’t done yet, she continues to move her mission forward. Based on her success in Latin America, she is now working with the current Administration to host delegations and be a voice for the broader migrant community.

How to nurture your indoor garden

Colorful ceramic pots are mixed in an eclectic style soaking up the sun on our window sills. It's a soothing space that radiates energy as we carry on with work and life. We're choosing patterns, textures, and materials that mirror our lush green environment and infuse a sense of calm. Our design and decor preferences are changing as we explore new ways to visually connect with nature.

The trends show that we're creating more genuine spaces around us that display confidence and offer a clear reflection of who we are. Gone are the days of homogenized design. "Biophilic design" or "the love of living things" made the Pinterest Predicts trends report. And "biophilic architecture" landed as the leading search term. 

Green garners the limelight. It's not just our green plants that are popular. The color green owns the spotlight this year, with virtually all of the paint companies selecting some hue of green as their 2022 color. (ECOS paints chose Everlasting Sage, Benjamin Moore picked October Mist, and Sherwin-Williams named Evergreen Fog.)

The arrival of staircase gardens and plant-filled nooks express our individual style while creating space to rejuvenate and replenish our minds. See @hiltoncarter on Instagram for examples.

Fabrics, paint colors, and wallcoverings display playful patterns and bold illustrations of foliage, wildlife, and florals across our kitchens, workspaces, and bathrooms. Velvet has regained popularity for its luxurious feel and rich colors. Visit @thejungalow on Instagram for examples.

The attraction to earthy designs by way of warm wood grain, leather, and rough clay textures highlights our desire for natural finishes. 

Turns out, we're giving new meaning to "living rooms."

Raise your glass to romance

Some years we overlook the days designated for romance. What’s at the heart of this? Let’s be honest; it can feel like work to orchestrate events for a calendar-assigned day. Instead, we love the idea of creating small heartfelt moments to fan the flame all month long. These mini-moments feel easier to accomplish and sprinkle the love around. Sounds like a sweetheart deal, right?

We’re here to help you be “mine” ful of different ways to surprise someone as their not-so-secret admirer:

• A flirtatious flicker - Dim the lights with the glow of candles (amber, sandlewood, bougie) to set the mood.

• Romance in full bloom - Skip the usual bouquet. Share fresh florals in a custom box matched with treats in an artisan cup. Give gifts that last and remind them of you long after the day.

• Sip with your sweetheart - Celebrate the evening with a gorgeous pair of handcrafted wine goblets as unique as your loved one. These keep the love flowing all year long.

• Lavender love - Soak up the sensation of calm and quiet at the end of a beautiful evening with a gift of natural lavender detox soap.

• Date night tasting menu - Create decadent dessert trays or passion fruit plates to spice up the meal. Have fun with the napkins and skewer sticks too. Natural wood holders make a beautiful frame when serving up the details of a romantic evening.

Welcome Gifts: Create an Atmosphere of Anticipation

Scenic trails, cozy blankets, and crackling campfires are what we imagine when we’re dreaming of a weekend getaway. The door swings open, you step inside, exhale, and leave your worries behind. There’s a gorgeous view to enjoy as you embrace the cabin comforts and anticipate the weekend ahead. A beautiful gift box is there waiting for you. It’s an unexpected surprise, an invitation to explore new tastes and treasures. Each element inside the gift box hints at the excitement to come. Isn’t this the way all weekends should begin?

The way we welcome our guests sets the mood for an entire experience, whether it’s the start of a relaxing retreat or a thank-you to lifelong friends in your wedding party. Here are three ideas to inspire your gifts as you welcome friends, family, and guests.

The flair of local flavors - Highlight local artisans from the region with savory treats made by small businesses. It could be the scent of pine, cinnamon spice, or palo santo candles paired with snacks like caramels, chocolates, or pretzels made by a family business. A sample beverage from a nearby brewery, coffee beans, or a sip of spirits (bonus for a catchy name or creative label) is another way to spice up your gifts.

Bring back memories - Include at least one piece that lives beyond the sips and snacks as a joyful reminder of the experience. It could be engraved wood coasters, a festive pin, distinct ceramic cups, or a handwoven towel. Give your gifts in a handcrafted wood gift box to leave a lasting impression.

The karma of kind words - Take the time to include a personal note. Jot a few words on the back of a scenic postcard from the area and include a second one for them to share, leave your message on a beautiful hand-illustrated card, or add heartfelt thanks inside the day’s itinerary. You might be surprised at how many times these notes get pinned to a corkboard at home, used as bookmarks, posted in the office, or shown proudly on a refrigerator. Your words are appreciated, take the time to say something from the heart.

The magic happens when you infuse your personal style throughout the gift experience and create an atmosphere of anticipation for what’s to come.

If you’d like ideas on how to reuse these beautiful gift boxes you can get a copy of our free guide here. These deluxe wood boxes can be found on our Specialty Series page.

At ease, please. And other lessons learned.

Each year we review the data and glean the facts to determine what stays and goes in our business. We experienced excitement and frustration as we embraced new tools and technology. We worked around the supply chain issues. We enjoyed the satisfaction of launching new product lines (Specialty Series) and new gift box designs. We met clients and colleagues in person to laugh and live again. And we were aware of the continued heavy news cycles layered on top. Upon reflection, our business lessons revolve around communication and marketing channel growth, time, and our mindset toward all of it.      

 The raw numbers we collect (opens, clicks, visits, engagement, etc.) are combined with anecdotal information (texts, comments) to celebrate the wins and decide what we need to start or stop doing. Web analytics, social media tracking, and sales stats are some of the gauges we use to evaluate a given year. And, are we having fun? This is an important metric too.

 More is just more. It’s easy to get wrapped around the axel of social media and spend precious hours in the vortex of producing posts, stories, reels, videos, and feeds. Posts on social media channels were once a way to boost visibility when we had extra time. Today, with so much vying for customers’ attention, digital and social channels are a minimum point of business entry. More is not necessarily better. Weaving creativity into the message is the differentiator now. 

 One challenge is the sheer number of unique social platforms and products available. The vast amount of social media options that offer visibility, sales, and engagement are fantastic - and terrifying. (Do I really have to jump around and point? Ah, maybe.) Focusing on which channels to grow and our efficiency in content creation is vital. We’re an online business; however, we make a physical product, so we manage much more than the online elements.

 Another lesson was the self-inflicted tension around the learning curve of digital and web-based tools. Wouldn’t it be nice if it was all short and fast? Some things took more time than was allotted, which caused frustration in scheduling. You have to be mindful of and evaluate the size of your team, your circumstances, the true time investment necessary (an eye-opener), your goal for the platform (leads, sales, visibility, engagement?), and determine what works for your business and life. For the coming year, we’ve settled on a more reasonable frequency, a better-planned process (batching and tools like Later), and an intention of embedding ease into our day (more on this below.). Everyone wins when we accomplish this.

Add ease, please. It won’t surprise you to hear that this year is about a mindset of ease. We still have deadlines and schedules to follow, and things will not always go as planned. However, we can have more patience, reduce the “hurry” mentality and be more content with the journey. There will always be new products and technologies, and some deadlines will slide from their original dates. And yet, we’ll figure it out, life will go on, and it will be amazing.

There's Nothing Like Watching Their Faces Light Up

We watched her smile, slowly turning the gift box around to admire it from every angle. When it turned to the front and she saw the engraving, she gasped with surprise and delight. There’s nothing like watching their faces light up when you give a memorable gift. We rarely get to see the reaction first-hand when a gift box is opened. It’s usually shipped to destinations far and wide or delivered for a reveal at a later time. We hear about the excitement in texts or phone calls (sometimes both!) from those who send the gifts. In this instance, we were fortunate to be there for the experience - and how fun! Do you get stuck deciding what to give that’s meaningful and unique? Do you wrestle with how to leave a lasting impression? If so, we’ve got some ideas and inspiration to help make your selection easy.

Personalization is what makes a gift unique; it’s the gorgeous wood grain, the artisan elements, and the craftsmanship that makes the gift recipient feel special. In the case of this gift box, the venue is perched high in the Catskill Mountains, surrounded by cabins and firepits and an incredible view. With that setting in mind, we selected long matches for their campfires and ceramic tumblers with an earthy glaze pattern that inspires thoughts of mountain peaks and walking paths. Tucked inside is a mini ceramic air plant pot with an artful design that reflects the distant mountains, and a candle fills the air with a woodsy aroma. Engraving is another way to personalize a gift. Imagine an inspirational quote, a favorite music lyric, or in this example, a logo etched in the wood for a finishing touch. This gift box is made from natural hardwoods (black walnut, and white maple) right down to the beveled handles. The entire design is with the customer in mind. While it may be easy to grab generic, off-the-shelf items, if the recipient doesn’t remember you (and never uses your gift), you’ve missed an opportunity. Or worse, you’ve made the wrong impression. A personalized gift sends the message that they’re important to you.

Is it a gift they’ll love each time they use it? That’s the goal of a memorable gift. Is it a handcrafted beauty, distinct in style? Is it reusable? Does it reflect the texture of natural materials? Consider these ideas, and light up someone’s day with your gifts. We encourage you to take a few moments to determine the impression you’d like to make. Then, we invite you to shop our Gift Box Collection, Specialty Series, and the Marketplace to make your memorable gift selection. It feels amazing to receive a gift like this, and it feels pretty darn good to give one too.

Highlights from Hudson

As we packed up the luggage and tossed in our final bag, I felt incredibly grateful that we were going twenty minutes down the road, not the full five hours home. After such a big family event, the best thing we did for ourselves was plan to stay in Hudson, NY, and have an extra day to decompress, just the two of us. Between naps and a glass of wine, we took the time to reflect on the wedding weekend, and here are a few of our favorite details. Two are from the celebration itself, and two are post-event to encourage you to indulge in rest and comfort after your milestone moments.

Tablescapes are a personal expression of the wedding couples' style. Is it bold, bright, subtle, or ornate? So many directions you can go. On this occasion, simple yet beautiful was the choice, with each element selected by the brides. Their passion and appreciation for nature were evident in the venue choice of Gather Greene and each detail surrounding the event (including the ceremony in the sunlit woods.). During the design process, we were asked to make handcrafted menu holders to complement the tables. Each one was made from white maple, black walnut, red mahogany, or white oak. It seemed only fitting that the menus be highlighted by something natural, a piece of rough-cut lumber finished with a beveled edge.

Walking the quiet streets of Hudson the next day, we bumped into guests from the wedding. As we talked, we noticed there on his jacket was the enamel pin he'd received at the reception (a travel van surrounded by palm trees). You wouldn't think an enamel pin, probably the least expensive decor piece, would be such a big hit, but it was. A dozen different styles, each in outdoor, adventure-themed designs (think: airstreams, campfires, cameras, mountain ranges) were part of the décor that pinned the guests' table numbers onto the seating chart. Colorful and festive, the pins suggested something unique about each guests' story. By the end of the evening, people all over the dance floor were wearing the enamel pins on suit lapels and jackets—what a fun surprise.

Easy, cozy, and relaxing were our three priorities by Sunday afternoon. After the final wedding brunch, we checked into The Wick Hotel. The modern boutique property, renovated from an 1860's candle factory, sits on the outskirts of town, located near a fabulous artisanal cheese shop. The hotel is a short walk up the steps to the main streets of Hudson. During other recent hotel stays, we've noticed a big challenge to hospitality since Covid. Hotels are clean, but they've lost all charm and personality. Sterile is how they feel. Fortunately, this is not the case at The Wick. With stairs in beautiful, rich wood grain, a mix of textures throughout, and posters lining the halls that describe the candle-making process, The Wick was just what we needed. We discovered careful attention to detail in the light fixtures, marble, and the wall mural inside our room. It was the perfect place to recharge.

Dinner that night was an intentional choice of luxury and comfort at The Maker Hotel's Conservatory. We've followed this property on Instagram for years and knew this was the place we wanted to dine. True to the photos, it's filled with unique details, rich, soft materials, a relaxing mood defined by the lighting, tall plants and lush greenery, and outstanding service (not to mention an excellent meal.). After dinner, we carried our drinks down the hall to the plush sofa by the fireplace for our final toast - to each other.

This is one of those personal moments.

Certain moments in our lives invite us to take time off to be fully present with family and close friends, to reflect, and to experience joy. This week is one such occasion. In the coming days, we will be sharing the joy of our daughter’s wedding. This event has been years in the making with law school graduation, passing the bar, and the design of multiple Michelin star restaurants accomplished between these two amazing young women. As a content writer at heart, I can’t help but jot a few words about this moment. I expect the excitement, scenery, and design details (not to mention the dancing and after-party) will continue to inspire us upon our return.

Throughout the festivities, we’ll be using our beautiful, custom wood boxes (and more). We look forward to sharing a peek behind the scenes in the coming weeks. As you plan your milestone moments, we invite you to visit our Specialty Series, where you can select custom gift boxes, and other unique accents, for your big life occasions.

Taking the plunge, the last picture of their engagement photos. Photo @alexandraroberts

Simple Steps to Sending Your Best Client Gifts

Updated: August 28, 2023

This is the second in a two-part blog series. The first post helps you define your intention and clarify the impression you want to make with your gifts. In this post, we share ideas and examples to help you achieve that impression.

When you decide to give artisan gifts that speak to value and quality, you have several memorable options. Are you celebrating long-term clients? Are you thanking colleagues for a valuable referral? Is your customer buying an exquisite property? Perhaps special guests are staying at your luxurious resort?

Regardless of your industry, here's a sample of different ideas and questions to make gift decisions easy and leave a lasting impression.

Memorable gifts come in various sizes and shapes; they don't have to be a specific size to leave a meaningful impression. For example, a popular piece we created is our custom doorstop. The doorstop idea is unique, and they are beautifully crafted and packaged. It is distinct for clients, and we receive a lot of positive feedback. And, what a great way to literally and figuratively open doors to conversation. Custom wood coasters or small cutting boards for the bar or kitchen are also excellent options.

A creative combination. Another option is a combination of elements. We recommend a group of three pieces that blend different textures. It could be a handcrafted wood coaster paired with a ceramic cup (cocktails), a tall, elegant glass (for celebrations), or a mug (casual conversation around the table), along with a stylish handwoven towel (kitchen or bar).

Passion and personality. A custom gift box is a meaningful way to highlight a client, colleague, or friend’s passions and share a story. A theme could be one of adventure, cooking, whiskey lovers, or simple elegance. Maybe a place or location has particular relevance? Is the mood you want to create about quietly sipping a beverage by the fire or a colorful conversation around the kitchen table? We typically have 4-6 pieces with unique textures inside a box, so there's room to be creative. Plus, you can add a personal note with our custom gift tags that are part of each gift box package.

A Bonus. You may want to go the extra step of engraving to make a gift more personalized. Cutting boards, wood coasters, and artisan gift boxes all have the potential to be engraved. An initial, the last name, date, logo, or a meaningful quote (that's short) can all work. Keep in mind that engraving adds time to the process, so allow space in your timeline.

Artisan is all about the feels. It's the feel of the wood, the beauty of the rich grain pattern, a ceramic cup with its kiln-fired glaze, and the touch of textures in handwoven materials. You're giving pieces of art that elevate work and play and last long after the wine and flowers are gone.