The holidays will be here soon enough. That means planning company parties, soirees, and end-of-the-year events. There is so much to consider in that arena, such as what to provide guests, preferred clients, and those employees who performed well beyond their expectations.
While it can be a burden just to start thinking about what to either offer or purchase for these occasions, there is a viable solution. Rather than giving out mugs, cups, designer pens, and other common gifts, there is a recently-opened, Rhode Island-based company that is primed to deliver on presenting their clients and preferred customers something truly unique and memorable, while drawing attention to the black-owned and persons of color-owned owned companies.
That is the background to a new venture called Boxed in Black. Developed by Founder and President Crystal Da Cruz, she looks to merge these opportunities for each side while providing a much-needed service with a twist. She sees the company as a springboard toward shining a light on small business owners, who may not be as well-known.
“Boxed in Black came into being to highlight companies that are minority owned, while providing high-end and exotic gifts. It’s such a good message to help the small business owners, and showing companies there are other viable and less expensive ways to demonstrate gratitude,” Da Cruz said.
Da Cruz added that her company works to cater to any company or group that wants to create a different vibe.
“We can help organizations, corporations, conferences, boards of directors, events, or other venues, where they can stand out in terms of recognition,” said Da Cruz, who recently held an event in late August to celebrate its grand opening. “We can set up a gift box that will set itself apart from the others. If there is a group of people you want to recognize, then we have ways of making that happen.”
When you visit their website, www.boxedinblack.com, you can view many of the available options. Each order comes in a high-quality box that is a gift in and of itself. They are partnering with nearly two-dozen brand-name products. Her hope is to significantly escalate the number of vendors by year’s end.
Their grand opening celebration featured remarks from some of the vendors, the unveiling of their boxes (both the large and mini versions), and some of the items that can make up the gift packages. They also remarked on potentially shopping these items nationwide. The event held in Downtown Providence provided the backdrop to an endeavor that is ready to take off in more ways than one.
Da Cruz noted the initial support was overwhelming.
“When I set out to create Boxed in Black, the vision was to provide quality and to acknowledge those in business who may not get the positive notoriety others might,” she said. “Seeing the people who came out to support me, the vendors, and the company, meant so much to me. I hope to use that momentum and energy to turn this into a growing enterprise.”
At Boxed in Black, they carefully curate elegant gifts, showcasing premium items from Black-owned and culturally diverse brands. The company believes that luxury shouldn’t play favorites, which is why their gift range spans from premium to ultra-high end. As the go-to source for the widest selection of BIPOC brands, they aim to provide an exceptional gifting experience, with thoughtfully crafted offerings.
At the heart of their mission is celebrating culturally-diverse brands. That’s why the business reserves a portion of their box sales to support the development of ventures founded by entrepreneurs of color. Through this commitment, they aim to promote greater representation of brands, within their luxury space.
While the company can do individual jobs, Da Cruz said that taking in group orders in bulk (orders with a minimum of 10 boxes purchased), makes it better for all parties. That takes into consideration, finding and securing the materials, cost considerations, and more.
There is no shortage of possibilities Da Cruz and her company can do to help make a good event great, or a great event become truly memorable.
“We are looking to build a moment for someone who receives these boxes something to remember the occasion by,” she said. “There are no shortage of ways our staff can assist. It does not matter what the circumstances are or who the events cater to. Boxed in Black is created to ensure that what we deliver, will be remembered long after they initially open the gift.”
More details may be found by visiting the website to view the selection and to place orders.
