So how exactly did A Bunteful Life get started in the care package business? Hmm..to quote one of my fave stand-up comedians, “Come gather ’round the Snapchat, children!”
Let’s see. It all started with my own cancer journey when I was so lovingly gifted a handcrafted cancer care package by my friend Jessica (check out her IG @jess_rabbitxo and let her know I sent ya). I loved it so much – it was a little bit of everything from a journal to on-the-go travel wipes all the way down to a handmade wall decor sign with an uplifting friendship quote. So totally up my alley. I mean, come on, one of everything?! Sign me up!
And the icing on the cake was the timing. It was completely unexpected. To backtrack, I was fortunate enough to have had a support system that took care of all the logistical aspects of treatment, and for that I am forever grateful. I guess I just didn’t know what else I was needing at the time until I received this unique little ray of sunshine in the mail.
Why? Because it reminded me that I was MORE than my diagnosis. That I was a legit human being and not some random walking science experiment AKA a “statistic.”
And that is exactly the feeling I want to recreate for all the recipients of my care boxes.
Fast forward to my life post treatment. After dealing with all the different stages of treatment, talking to other afflicted young adults with cancer, yada yada yada.. I began retreating to my crafty side in an effort to breathe some life back into me. A little bit Nancy, if you will. Schitt’s Creek fans where you at??
Anyway, that’s when I started having a tiny inkling of an idea about possibly curating my own box to offer to the world. You know, use my research skills to figure out not only what thrivers (that’s the PC term these days) really want, but also what they really need. As well as working to bridge the gap with the cancer muggles. I found that many wanted to help but just didn’t know how. Or they didn’t want to step on any toes (how much humor is too much?) and least of all, they did not want to put me on the spot. See, I didn’t learn about Amazon wish lists and CaringBridge and Meal Train until later. N00b.
[Be on the lookout for a subsequent post exploring all the ways to help and what patients really want and need]
Ever since I first got that little nugget of an idea, it unfortunately had to be tucked in and put away. You know, in that “maybe some day later in the probably far distant future when I have time and money which means most likely never” mental file folder we all have. Well, luckily, before this one got shelved [in my mind], I shopped the idea around to my support system, and they seemed to be really encouraging. YAY! And just FYI, my support system has no problem telling me when they think something is a bad (or good) idea so this was a real yay.
Prior to the whole cancer ordeal, I was already on my way to *trying* to live a greener lifestyle, which inevitably included taking a good long hard look at the ingredient lists on my current toiletry products. I had collected and gathered so much info, it’d be such a waste to not share! That’s why it just felt natural and organic to want to curate and sell these comfort gift boxes. I wanted to help anyone else out there who might be similarly struggling. Save them from wasting precious time/effort trying to figure it out themselves. And even if I ultimately only helped one other person out there, it would have def been worth it IMO.
Side bar: I had previously taken a million different allergy tests..both dermal and by blood..and discovered I was allergic to a handful of common preservatives and fragrances. Not cool. I love fragrance! And I thought preservatives were all good! Spoiler alert - you're about to see the dermal allergy patch test from my back..
Fast forward another few years, as I was repivoting my career path, we found out my maid of honor’s hubby had been diagnosed with cancer. Haley (@chaoswithcorsi) had been there the entire journey for me. Heck, she even took me to an appointment once when I didn’t have a ride..with her two young kids..while she was pregnant with #3. Oh, and did I mention she lives 1.5 hours away from me? Okay enough about her, back to how I’m cool too lol!
So obvi I made her hubs a curated box. Along with a custom file organizer (COMING SOON to the shop!).
Then came the domino effect chain reaction. The subsequent curation being for a teen girl from my church.
Then one for a fellow young adult cancer survivor. It was like right when I would finish a box, I would learn of someone else who just got diagnosed.
Friends sought out my advice on what to buy, how to help without overstepping, what to say or not say, etc.
Then with the next box request, it basically came full circle for me. Young adult metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer patient. Who was ALSO a designer. AND when I peeped her insta to gain a better idea of her style/taste preferences, I came across a [sarcastic humor] meme of a cartoon conversation between two women and love of dogs AND ONE OF THEM WAS NAMED NANCY! (And if you didn’t know, I LOVE dogs especially my little baby Boxer who’s actually a 15yo chihuahua lol & I LOVE sarcastic humor).
I was like okay God, I get it I get it. Cancer box business coming soon! Just please stop giving people cancer!
And this was basically the beginning of custom care boxes by A Bunteful Life.
NBD.
Each new box customization was an opportunity to tweak the final product list in what would later be known as my Queen Bee Cancer Care Box.
Feedback from both gifters and giftees was super integral for this, and since these were for friends of friends, I lucked out in being able to get honest opinions in real time. Plus, the timeframe for me to ask follow-up questions was wide open and easy to access. Basically researcher #goals lol!
If that wasn’t enough, I took a few additional steps to accomplish my goal of offering a thorough product lineup. I sought out advice from my breasties in the breast cancer community – some active advocates, some volunteers, some regular patients – all just trying to make a difference. I also did some research on my competition – generalized care boxes as well as cancer care boxes. And of course dug up my old notes on [future] box curation ideas.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how A Bunteful Life was born! I can’t wait to show what else I’ve been working on. Cancer muggles need self care too! Stay tuned!
Hey, I’m feeling ’22! Are you?! Come join me!
(Just to clarify, the year 2022. Not the age haha yeah been there done that #noregrets but yes, most def referring to the year. Sorry not sorry T.Swift!)
