From Campus Care Packages to Carolina’s Go-To Gift Studio: The Handpicked Gifts Story

I was recently honored to be featured in Voyage Raleigh, where I shared how Handpicked Gifts began, the challenges I faced, and the heart behind every basket we send. For those who may have missed it, I wanted to share part of that story here — because Handpicked Gifts has always been about connection, community, and showing up for the people who matter most.

(Adapted from article)

In 2021, when my son went off to college eight hours away, I realized how hard it could be to care for a student from afar. That moment inspired me to become the “friend in town” for UNC families, delivering care packages filled with comfort, snacks, and encouragement.

From those first deliveries, Handpicked quickly grew. Today, we not only serve UNC families but also create gourmet gift baskets filled with North Carolina–made products that ship nationwide. Whether it’s a speaker gift for a UNC department, a thank-you for a client, or a birthday surprise for a student, each basket comes with our signature Artisan Story Sheet that shares the background of the local makers behind the items.

The journey hasn’t been without challenges — from bootstrapping a business to teaching myself marketing, photography, and e-commerce. But my background as the daughter of small business owners taught me the importance of hustle, heart, and customer service.

At Handpicked Gifts, our mission remains simple: to make gifting thoughtful, easy, and meaningful. Every box we pack is a chance to say, “I see you. I’m cheering for you.”

I’m so grateful to Voyage Raleigh for the opportunity to share my story, and to all of you for being part of the Handpicked journey. You can read the full interview here on Voyage Raleigh.