Far beyond being just a candle, the ‘Moments' candle embodies a symbol of remembrance and solace. It's been thoughtfully crafted to serve as a physical reminder of the love and cherished memories we hold dear of those who are no longer with us. Taking a moment to reflect and remember.
What sets this collaboration apart is our shared dedication to making a positive impact. By partnering with another social enterprise, Acorn, an organisation that empowers young adults with mixed abilities, and showcasing the talent of artist Maud McArthur on the candle, we're not only championing inclusivity but also nurturing our creative community.
The ‘Moments' candle will be readily available through our website. And here's the cherry on top: with every candle sold, Storybox will generously donate £2 to PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland, further underscoring our commitment to mental health support.
This scent is a captivating blend of warm woods and cashmere with floral and Oriental notes, evoking a comforting feeling often likened to a warm hug. It features prominent essences of sandalwood, cedarwood, musk, and vanilla, offering a unique olfactory experience.
Launching just in time for the lead-up to International Women's Day and Mother's Day 2024, this candle holds special significance as we honour the legacies of the remarkable women who may no longer be with us but whose stories continue to resonate and inspire.
We firmly believe in the power of small gestures to make a big difference, and the ‘Moments' candle embodies our commitment to providing comfort and support to those who need it most.
]]>Get ready to mark your calendars because Storybox is teaming up with our wonderful business friends at Portview once again for an exciting pop-up event! Following the fantastic success of our previous Christmas pop-up, we are thrilled to reunite as a collective to offer a diverse range of high-quality, locally sourced gifts just in time for some very special upcoming occasions.
Joining us for this exciting event are some incredible businesses:
And of course, Storybox will be there with our signature selection of purposeful gifts, including gift boxes, luxury chocolates, pottery, candles, artisan soaps, handmade stationery, and much more!
This time around, we're setting up shop in the beautiful taproom of Boundary, another fellow social enterprise. Their spacious back room provides the perfect backdrop for our pop-up shop, where you can browse through our curated collection of gifts while enjoying the welcoming ambiance of Boundary. As an added bonus, the generous team at Boundary is offering a 10% discount on their beers with any purchase from our pop-up.
As a group of female-led business owners, we're kicking off the weekend on Friday, 8th March, which also happens to be International Women's Day! It's a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women everywhere, and we couldn't think of a better way to start the festivities.
Saturday, 9th March, presents an exciting opportunity to gather with friends and family to watch an important day of rugby for Ireland. Come down to the pop-up, enjoy a pint, catch the match, and perhaps find the perfect last-minute gifts for Mother's Day, which is just around the corner on Sunday. And for those who tend to leave things to the last minute, fear not! We'll be open on Mother's Day too, so you can still find that special something for Mum or even bring her along to pick out her own gift.
Event Details: 8th - 10th March 📍 Boundary Taproom, Belfast.
Stay tuned as we may have a few surprise guest food businesses joining us to keep everyone well-fed throughout the event. More details will be revealed soon, so keep an eye out for updates!
We can't wait to celebrate these special occasions with you and showcase the incredible talents of our local businesses. See you there!
]]>This candle is more than just a scented delight; it carries with it a story of hope, inclusivity, and a commitment to our planet.
About the Lough Neagh Dusk Candle
Lough Neagh Dusk, a candle that embodies the essence of the evening sky over the tranquil Lough Neagh linked with other gorgeous NI landmarks, offers a unique and enchanting experience. The blend of citrus top notes, delicate jasmine, velvety amber, and the comforting aroma of dry cedarwood creates a scent that captures the magic of dusk in the heart of nature.
But, there's much more to this candle than meets the nose.
Handcrafted with Heart: Acorn and Bolster Community
Our Lough Neagh Dusk candles are not just any ordinary candles. Each one is meticulously handcrafted with care and dedication by a remarkable team of young adults with mixed abilities at Acorn and Bolster Community. This commitment to inclusivity and giving opportunities to all members of our community is what sets our candles apart.
Artistry Meets Charity: Amira McDonagh's Touch
The Lough Neagh Dusk candle wouldn't be complete without its beautiful exterior. The artwork adorning our candles is a masterpiece by the talented local artist, Amira McDonagh. Her work not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the candle but also highlights the incredible talents within our community.
Candles that Give Back
Our commitment to making a positive impact doesn't stop with inclusivity and local artistry. For every Lough Neagh Dusk candle sold, we donate £1 to PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland. This contribution goes towards supporting their vital work in helping those in need, shedding light on the importance of mental health and suicide prevention.
Additionally, we're dedicated to protecting our planet. To that end, £1 from each candle sale is donated to Friends of the Earth NI, an environmental charity. They are currently campaigning for the much needed protection of Lough Neagh, ensuring the preservation of this precious natural wonder for generations to come.
A People and Planet Approach
We're proud to say that our Lough Neagh Dusk candle takes a "people and planet" approach. It's not just a product; it's a symbol of unity, care, and sustainability. As we approach the festive season, we aim to support both these amazing charities to the best of our abilities, ensuring that the spirit of giving back shines bright.
The Perfect Gift that Gives Back
As the holiday season draws near, the Lough Neagh Dusk candle becomes the perfect gift for your loved ones. It's a thoughtful present that not only fills their homes with warmth but also fills their hearts with the knowledge that their gift is making a difference in the world.
Pair this enchanting candle with our Mini Storybox collections for a truly heartwarming gesture. These collections offer the perfect token to gift someone, showcasing the beauty of local craftsmanship and artistry.
This winter, let the Lough Neagh Dusk candle illuminate your home with its comforting aroma and your heart with the joy of giving back.
Order online here and make a difference, one candle at a time.
]]>Visitors can expect to find a diverse selection of items: vegan hair products, stunning photography, art prints, luxurious wreaths, faux flower bouquets, jewellery, artisan chocolates, pottery, candles, handmade stationery, social enterprise goods, curated gift boxes and many more.
It is hoped that the joint venture will celebrate the power and spirit of small businesses whilst encouraging consumers to consider shopping locally.
Rachel McIlgorm, founder of Storybox NI CIC said, “The collaboration aims to demonstrate the resilience and creativity of the local business community while providing a tailored shopping experience for all. By supporting local enterprises, visitors and customers can not only find one-of-a-kind treasures but also play a vital role in bolstering their neighbourhood’s economic well-being.”
In addition, several other local artisans have been given the opportunity to trade in the facilities on Saturdays and Sundays, adding an even greater selection to the pop-up's range whilst supporting fellow small businesses.
The Portview Pop Up is the latest venture amongst a growing number of eateries, bar, and shops in the area, such as Banana Block, Boundary Brewery, Creative Exchange, Dandy Lion and more. The area offers visitors the chance to make a day of exploring this vibrant hub.
This holiday season let's come together to celebrate the extraordinary offerings of our community and make this festive period truly special.
About The Portview Pop Up:
The Portview Pop Up is a collaborative venture between six local small businesses with studios located in Portview Trade Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Their mission is to offer an exceptional shopping experience while promoting the strength and importance of small businesses in the community. Visitors can explore a wide range of products and gifts from various categories, all while supporting local entrepreneurship.
Other Information
#ThePortviewPopUp #ShopLocal
OPENING HOURS: (4th November to 23rd December):
The objective for Ulster University was to source meaningful and sustainable gifts for international and VIP local speakers as well as attending the conference. They wanted gifts that not only expressed gratitude but also reflected the conference's sustainability objectives. The aim was to move away from traditional plastic-filled merchandise and embrace a more environmentally responsible approach.
Storybox NI proposed the "Do Your Bit Kits" as the perfect solution. These kits featured a carefully curated selection of plastic-free products, each with its own ethical and sustainability credentials. The kit included:
Each kit also contained informational snippets about how these products contributed to a more sustainable and ethical way of living.
Overall, the gifts from Storybox NI were met with enthusiastic approval from Ulster University and the international speakers. The Do Your Bit Kits perfectly encapsulated the values of sustainability and ethical sourcing that the conference aimed to promote.
Key Takeaways
Future Collaboration
The team at Ulster University were extremely impressed with Storybox NI's services, unique offerings, and dedication to sustainability. They look forward to future collaborations to further promote ethical and sustainable practices in the realm of sport management.
Storybox NI's 'Do Your Bit Kits' successfully showcased how conscious gifting can make a significant impact, not only as a token of appreciation but also as a statement of values in line with a sustainable future.
Dr Rachael Telford, Associate Head of School, School of Sport, Ulster University had this to say:
"As the organiser of the 31st EASM Conference at Ulster University, I want to express how helpful Storybox NI was in providing gifts that aligned with our eco-friendly focus. Storybox NI's "Do Your Bit Kits" offered meaningful items, such as ethically sourced tea and reusable straws, that our international speakers truly appreciated. These gifts embodied our commitment to a greener approach and were a hit with our attendees. We were thoroughly impressed with Storybox NI's dedication to eco-conscious practices and look forward to future collaborations to promote these values in sport management."
Find out more about our corporate gifting options here or get in touch to receive a brochure via info@storyboxni.com.
]]>A Vital Cause: PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland
PIPS Charity is a local charity dedicated to delivering Suicide Prevention and Bereavement Support Services across Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland. Their services encompass a wide range of support, including Counselling, Crisis Support, Complementary Therapies, Befriending, one-to-one sessions, mentoring, support groups, and signposting to other support organisations.
What sets PIPS Charity apart is their commitment to offering tailored services to cater to individual needs. They provide a unique "open door" service with no appointment needed, ensuring that there's always someone to reach out to when in need. PIPS is a beacon of hope for those facing vulnerability, suicidal thoughts, or simply seeking assistance.
When someone turns to PIPS for help, they receive immediate support, and a stay-safe/support plan is put in place. PIPS operates with an open door policy, eliminating the need to wait for days or weeks to see a counsellor or therapist. Moreover, PIPS acts as a gateway to other services, offering comprehensive support to ensure that no one feels alone.
PIPS also extends its impact through bespoke training programs and workshops, raising awareness and equipping individuals with intervention tools and knowledge on topics like suicide prevention, self-harm, eating disorders, self-care, and befriending. These programs have reached diverse audiences across Northern Ireland, from students to community activists and businesses.
Our Commitment to PIPS and Lough Neagh
Our dedication to support PIPS and make a difference doesn't end here. We're excited to announce the upcoming launch of our winter edition, Lough Neagh Dusk, at the end of this month. In response to the environmental crisis facing Lough Neagh, we've decided to take action. For every Lough Neagh candle sold from now until December, we'll donate £1 to PIPS and an additional £1 to an environmental charity dedicated to preserving this precious ecosystem. PIPS supports our cause, as they share our deep concern for Lough Neagh's welfare.
We want to express our immense gratitude to everyone who has purchased and supported this vital cause. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you'll continue to embrace gifting with purpose.
About Lough Neagh Dawn
This candle is a collaboration between Storybox NI, Acorn (a social enterprise operated by Bolster Community), and local artist, Amira McDonagh, as we come together to raise awareness of mental health and support suicide prevention. Our joint effort has resulted in the creation of a ‘candle with cause’ called Lough Neagh Dawn, a symbol of hope and positivity. For every candle purchased, £2 will be donated to local mental health charity, PIPS Suicide Prevention. This bespoke candle embodies the spirit of Northern Ireland, while promoting positive mental well-being.
]]>About Storybox
Storybox NI CIC is an ethical and sustainable gifting company based in Northern Ireland. Our mission is to support and raise awareness of local social enterprises, small businesses, artists, and creatives while promoting conscious and sustainable shopping choices.
The Challenge: Crafting a Meaningful Corporate Gift
The team at VANRATH approached us with a challenge: to find a meaningful way to show appreciation to their clients during the festive period. They wanted a gift that would express gratitude while creating positive social impact and sustainability.
Our Solution: A Curated Gift Box with Purpose
We stepped up with a unique solution. We curated 100 gift boxes, each thoughtfully designed to convey appreciation while supporting local social enterprises, small businesses, artists, and creatives. The gift included:
We collaborated with Danni Simpson Art to design beautiful and festive packaging for the gift boxes, adding a touch of artistic flair to the presentation.
The heart of the gift boxes lay in the carefully selected products. We included items from various local and social enterprises, emphasising our commitment to ethical and sustainable shopping. These products included:
This curated selection allowed VANRATH to send a powerful message of support to their clients while making a positive impact on various social causes.
Results and Impact: Spreading Joy and Making a Difference
The specially curated gift boxes made their way to client partners of VANRATH, reaching destinations both in Belfast and across the UK. The impact of this gesture was profound:
A Testament to Ethical and Social Gifting
Our collaboration with VANRATH exemplifies the power of sustainable gifting and supporting local business. Through a carefully curated gift box, we enabled them to express their appreciation while making a tangible difference in their community and beyond. This case study demonstrates the impact of conscious shopping choices and the beauty of supporting local businesses with a purpose.
"Working with Storybox NI to create these gift boxes for our clients was an absolute delight. Not only did the beautiful packaging by Danni Simpson Art add a festive touch, but the curated selection of products, each with its own meaningful story, made our clients feel truly appreciated. It was heartening to see how these gifts, beyond their aesthetics, supported various local businesses and social causes close to our hearts. The convenience and thoughtfulness of Storybox NI's service allowed us to focus on what matters most – our client relationships. We couldn't be happier with the positive impact these gifts had, and we look forward to future collaborations with Storybox NI to continue making a difference.”
Julie Moore, Operations Director, VANRATH
For more information about Storybox NI and our ethical gifting solutions, get in touch with Rachel at info@storyboxni.com
]]>A Collaboration with Bark & Amble
The Bark & Bliss - Doggie Bundle is the result of a wonderful collaboration with a local business, Bark & Amble. Located in Belfast, Bark & Amble is owned by Hannah, who has a deep background in animal care. With her knowledge and creativity, Hannah crafts handmade pet supplies that are not only beautiful but also beneficial for our furry companions.
Sensitive Pup Shampoo Bars
One of the highlights of the Bark & Bliss bundle is the sensitive pup shampoo bars. Handmade in Northern Ireland in small batches, these bars are a testament to our dedication to natural and ethical products. They are made from 100% natural, human-grade ingredients, including real Irish oats, moisture-rich ingredients like coco and shea butter, and coconut oil. These bars have been tested on people and approved by pups, ensuring that your furry friend gets the best care. Plus, they are plastic-free, keeping our planet in mind. Using them is a breeze - simply scrub into your pup's coat, and watch as it creates a rich lather that rinses out easily, leaving their coat squeaky clean. Each bundle includes a soap bag and scrubber for added convenience.
Soothing Balm for Nose and Toes
Dry noses, cracked paws, and overall dryness are common concerns for our pets, especially during harsh weather. That's where our soothing balm for nose and toes comes in. Like all our products, it's handmade in small batches and contains 100% natural ingredients. With shea butter and beneficial oils infused with vitamin E, it's perfect for nourishing the skin. Beeswax is added to create a natural barrier for moisture retention, which is especially useful during the winter months when salt and grit on the roads can take a toll. And here's the best part – it's lick-safe and apparently quite yummy! In fact, it's so safe that even humans can use it as a lip balm or cuticle oil.
Standard Bowtie or Sailor Bow
Every dog deserves to look their best, and our handmade bowtie from Belfast is here to make that happen. Designed with double-backed fabric for strength, these bowties don't fold or crumple like many high-street options. Whether your pup is little or large, our regular-sized bowtie looks great on any size. It's attached to the collar via an elastic for easy wear. Please note that these accessories are intended for occasional wear.
Cheesy Crackers for Happy Tummies
And finally, we couldn't forget about treats for your furry friend! Our cheesy crackers are made with dairy-free cheese, enriched with turmeric and coconut oil, and packed with golden flax seeds. These seeds are loaded with omega fatty acids, perfect for maintaining healthy skin and coat. Turmeric is added for its anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for keeping those joints supple. Coconut oil contributes to overall health, including digestion, coat health, and additional anti-inflammatory benefits.
The Bark & Bliss - Doggie Bundle is not only perfect for your own beloved dog but also makes an ideal gift for a friend's dog. It's a celebration of ethical and sustainable pet care, supporting local businesses, and, most importantly, the joy of making our pets' lives a little brighter.
We hope you and your furry companion enjoy the Bark & Bliss - Doggie Bundle as much as we enjoyed curating it.
View more and order by clicking here (Launching Wednesday 27th September at 10am).
]]>We are thrilled to announce that Storybox NI has been shortlisted for the prestigious Social Enterprise NI Awards in not one, but two categories: "Best Use of Social Media" and "Emerging Leader," recognising our founder, Rachel McIlgorm.
This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting local businesses and social enterprises while advocating for the power of conscious shopping. We are both humbled and excited to share this news with you.
Best Use of Social Media
At Storybox NI, we believe in the power of storytelling. Our mission has always been to tell the stories of amazing local businesses and social enterprises in engaging and informative ways. Our platform has become a canvas where these stories come to life, inspiring individuals to make more conscious shopping choices.
Through our website and social media channels, we've celebrated the incredible work of local artisans, small businesses, artists, and creatives who are making a difference in Northern Ireland. From heartwarming success stories to the behind-the-scenes glimpses of these enterprises, our social media presence has been a powerful tool for raising awareness and fostering a sense of community.
Emerging Leader: Rachel McIlgorm
The "Emerging Leader" category shines a spotlight on Rachel McIlgorm, the visionary founder of Storybox NI. Rachel's passion for supporting local businesses and using purchasing power for good has been the driving force behind our company's success.
Rachel's journey as an entrepreneur and advocate for ethical products has been a remarkable one. Her dedication to the cause, tireless work ethic, and genuine love for the local community have inspired countless others to make socially responsible choices particularly in the world of corporate gifting.
Social Enterprise NI Awards: Friday 27th October 2023
We're looking forward to the Social Enterprise NI Awards, which will take place on Friday, 27th October at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast. This event promises to be a celebration of the incredible work being done by social enterprises across Northern Ireland.
Last year's event brought together over 600 people from various sectors, highlighting the collaborative efforts between social enterprises, the private sector, and the wider community. We are excited to be a part of this inspiring evening, where the winners will be revealed.
As we continue on our journey to promote ethical and sustainable products, we remain deeply grateful for your support. Being shortlisted for these awards motivates us to keep pushing boundaries and telling the stories that matter.
Thank you for being a part of the Storybox NI community.
]]>Community Strength
We believe that local shopping is not just about acquiring products; it's about building a stronger community. When you choose to shop locally, you are actively contributing to the wellbeing of your neighbourhood. Whether it's by helping to create or sustain jobs, supporting the small business economy, or embracing diversity, your purchases have a far-reaching impact. At Storybox, we understand that our choices as consumers have the power to shape the communities we live in, and we are committed to making those choices count.
Unique Finds
Have you ever noticed how every visit to a local market or the discovery of a new local product online always offers something more? There's always something special, something unique, that sets these offerings apart. We know that local businesses take pride in crafting products and experiences that you simply wouldn't find anywhere else. It's the essence of individuality and creativity that makes each purchase so special.
Ethical Choices
One of the most remarkable aspects of supporting local businesses is their dedication to ethical choices. Many of these small enterprises start with a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing right from the beginning. They understand the importance of responsible practices, even when faced with limited resources and smaller profit margins. At Storybox, we are inspired by these businesses that prioritise people and the planet over profits. It's a philosophy we wholeheartedly embrace in everything we do.
Personal Touch
In a world of impersonal transactions, local businesses provide a refreshing personal touch. It's the handwritten thank-you note that accompanies your purchase or the warm conversation you have with a friendly face at a market or shop. This level of genuine care and connection goes such a long way. We believe that these personal touches create not just customers but lifelong supporters and friends.
Preserve Character
Our communities are made up of unique characters, and local businesses play a pivotal role in preserving that character. They are the heart and soul of our society, shaping our weekends spent at local markets, festivals, bars, restaurants, and events. These small businesses, social enterprises, artists, creatives, and more contribute to our vibrant tapestry of life.
They keep us entertained, inspired, and engaged in more ways than one, and we couldn't be prouder to support them.
Finally, at Storybox, our mission is clear: to champion local businesses, celebrate their uniqueness, and advocate for ethical and sustainable choices.
We invite you to join us in building a stronger community, one purchase at a time. Together, we can preserve the character and charm of our neighbourhoods while making a positive impact on the world.
To get in touch or find out more information, get in touch with Rachel at info@storyboxni.com.
]]>For those who are orchestrating corporate gifting initiatives on a larger scale (think 150+ recipients), our recommendation is simple: get in touch sooner rather than later. By initiating these conversations now, we're able to explore a diverse and delightful array of options tailored to your needs.
At the core of our approach lies a passionate commitment to sustainability and purpose. Our products are meticulously sourced and crafted by talented artisans, each with their own story to tell. These dedicated creators infuse their passion into every item, often while simultaneously contributing to various community services.
While they wholeheartedly accommodate larger orders, it's important to remember that the genuine sustainability and local essence of their creations inherently take a bit more time. Quality, after all, thrives in care and consideration.
Corporate Gifting Options That Embrace Your Values:
The journey from idea to reality is seamless with Storybox NI. Our offerings extend beyond the conventional, allowing you to foster connections while supporting local businesses, artisans, and social enterprises. The best part? We ensure delivery directly to the doorsteps of your recipients.
What our Customers say:
"We have worked with Storybox on a couple of occasions to deliver gifts with purpose to team members and we couldn't be happier with how the gifts have been received by staff. Something we really like about Storybox is that many of the food items stocked are gluten, dairy-free, and certified vegan, which means it was straightforward to cater to the various dietary requirements whilst at the same time provide a quality gift to someone."
Diane Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, Deloitte.
"Storybox helped us source beautiful gifts as a token of thanks to guests for speaking at a recent event we hosted. The 'Handcrafted Box' by Storybox did just that with goods from social enterprises; Orchardville, Loaf Pottery, and Bolster Community as well as local business, NearyNógs. Our speakers absolutely loved the gift boxes and the meaning behind the products. A very straightforward process from ordering to receiving the gift boxes with a very quick turnaround!"
Adam Bradley, Programme Coordinator, Catalyst.
Are you ready to make an impact through purposeful gifting? Our booking slots for September to December are now open, giving us the time to craft something truly extraordinary.
Let's connect, explore the possibilities, and co-create meaningful moments that align with your values.
To explore our offerings, visit our website: www.storyboxni.com or get in touch with Rachel at info@storyboxni.com. *Brochures supplied on request.
]]>Who is The Designerie?
The Designerie is more than just a shop; it is a thriving social enterprise that embraces local artists, creators, and artisans. Situated at 88 Main Street, Bushmills, The Designerie provides a unique shopping experience where handmade products from talented individuals take center stage. The establishment operates with a noble purpose - to support local businesses and creatives, empowering them to thrive and contribute to the local economy.
The Designerie Makers House has welcomed us to Bushmills by offering a temporary pod from Wednesday 2nd August to Saturday 5th August in the their shop in the Main Street. There we will have the opportunity to meet with like minded entrepreneurs and small businesses and essentially, come away from the week with new knowledge and contacts for the future.
An exciting opportunity
This initiative by The Designerie has offered us an ideal platform to showcase our thoughtfully curated products to a wider audience. Simultaneously, The Designerie's social enterprise mission will receive enhanced recognition from our own following, drawing even more support from local communities.
The Designerie is a shining example of the positive impact businesses can create by supporting one another. In an age of impersonal transactions, they showcase the genuine care and camaraderie that small businesses can foster within their communities.
#SupportLocal
By embracing this philosophy and rallying around the #SupportLocal movement, we can all contribute to building vibrant local economies and nurturing the incredible creativity and talent that surrounds us. #LittleByLittle
So, let's raise a toast to businesses supporting businesses and the flourishing communities we can create together!
For any further enquiries, please send an email to Rachel at info@storyboxni.com.
]]>About the collaboration with Acorn
Crafted with care by young adults with additional needs in Newry - we are proud to partner with Acorn to help product this candle. Acorn is an inspiring social enterprise that empowers their candle makers, fostering a sense of connection, value, and purpose within a supportive group environment. Their wonderful team pour their heart and soul into developing products whilst being supported by a skilled team of mentors and support workers employed by Bolster Community. By purchasing from Acorn, all profits from this purchase go back into supporting Acorn’s parent charity, Bolster Communities who provide practical support and assistance to individuals, families, and communities in need.
Mental Health Focus
In addition to supporting this amazing social enterprise, with every candle sold, £2 will be donated to PIPS Suicide Prevention, a vital charity providing counselling and befriending support to in need.
Beyond raising funds, our mission is to spark open conversations about mental health and well-being, aiming to reduce the stigma surrounding these issues. We believe that by sharing our experiences and supporting one another, we can create a community that promotes mental well-being for all.
PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity plays a vital role in our collective effort to support those struggling with mental health here in N. Ireland and will be our dedicated partner charity for this initiative. Their compassionate services provide counselling and befriending support to individuals experiencing or who have experienced suicidal thoughts or mental unwellness. Additionally, they extend their support to families and friends affected by suicide. PIPS offers free, confidential counselling sessions with no restrictions, as well as walk-in and telephone crisis services during their opening hours.
About the Candle
The Lough Neagh Dawn Candle is made from natural soy wax and carries a captivating scent, carefully curated to evoke the beauty of the lough during spring and summer. A harmonious blend of white musk and amber captures the freshness of the water, while the warm notes of amber symbolise the promise of a new day dawning. As you light the candle and breathe in its soothing fragrance, let its gentle glow serve as a reminder that each day brings renewed possibilities and hope.
The artwork adorning the Lough Neagh Dawn Candle has been meticulously handpainted by Amira McDonagh. Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking landscapes of N. Ireland, the candle captures the essence of Lough Neagh, a central point connecting the counties. As we know, feeling well connected to others is crucial for our mental health, physical well-being, and overall sense of purpose so we wanted this to be represented through the artwork.
We are incredibly excited to unveil this remarkable collaboration and invite you to join us in this important cause. The Lough Neagh Dawn Candles will be available for purchase on our website starting Tuesday, 27th June at 9am. We will also offer corporate gifting options for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
View and purchase Lough Neagh Dawn here. For any further inquiries, please feel free to contact Rachel at info@storyboxni@gmail.com.
Together, let's shine a light on mental health and make a difference in our community.
]]>Here are 8 Father's Day gift ideas that combine quality, uniqueness, and purpose.
Escape the Ordinary Gift Box: Treat your dad to an extraordinary experience with the Escape the Ordinary Gift Box. This package includes a handcrafted pottery mug, a stunning photography print, and luxurious chocolates. It's the perfect combination of trust and quality, allowing your dad to unwind with a Belfast Brew and enjoy a truly special gift that will never go unnoticed.
Irish Stout Soap: Pamper your dad with the luxurious Irish Stout Soap by Bathe Botanicals. Made with natural ingredients, this soap has an intense woody floral fragrance. Crafted with cedarwood, sandalwood, juniper berry, and lavender, it creates a wonderful scented bar that will leave your dad feeling refreshed and revitalized.
A Touch of Irish Charm: For a touch of the Emerald Isle charm, consider the A Touch of Irish Charm Gift Collection. This curated set features a Madlug 100% organic tote bag, Irish stout soap, mint drinking chocolate, a wooden keyring, and socks, all in beautiful shades of green. It's the perfect way to commemorate this special day while supporting amazing local businesses.
Do Your Bit Starter Kit: Encourage your dad to embrace sustainable living with the Do Your Bit Starter Kit. This eco-conscious gift box introduces him to sustainable practices with soap and shampoo for sustainable hair and body care, a stainless steel straw set, and ethical chocolate for a sweet indulgence. Help him make a positive impact on the environment with this thoughtful gift.
NearyNógs Honeycomb Slates: Indulge your dad's sweet tooth with some honeycomb chocolate slates. Made with the finest dark chocolate and crunchy honeycomb pieces, these delicious treats are vegan, gluten-free, and free from palm oil. It's a guilt-free way to enjoy a chocolate treat while supporting local artisans.
Suki Loose Leaf Tea: For the tea-loving dad, treat him to Suki's signature Irish Breakfast Tea, Belfast Brew. This loose-leaf tea offers a rich and full-bodied flavor, perfect for a relaxing morning or afternoon cuppa.
Drinking Chocolate Blend: Experience the indulgence of a hot chocolate blend by Refuge Chocolate. Ethically sourced cocoa and luxurious flavors make this 180g pack a special treat for any occasion. What's even better is that Refuge Chocolate donates proceeds to Flourish NI, a local anti-human trafficking charity. By gifting this delicious hot chocolate, you are supporting a worthy cause.
Soy Wax Candle Jar: Create a cosy atmosphere with a handcrafted soy wax candle from Bolster Community. With a choice of scents, these candles not only provide a warm glow but also contribute to supporting vulnerable individuals and communities. The profits generated from these candles go towards providing essential support services, helping those in need to get through and get ahead.
This Father's Day, make a difference by choosing a beautiful gift with meaning. Check out the full list of gifts here.
]]>In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, we are excited to announce our inspiring new charity partnership with PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland. Our carefully selected collaboration with PIPS perfectly aligns with the launch of our new product, which aims to raise awareness about mental health and generate vital funds for this incredible organisation. At Storybox, we strive to promote mental wellbeing and support PIPS in their invaluable work to prevent suicide and provide assistance to those in need.
Making a Meaningful Impact, Step by Step:
As we embark on this journey, we embrace the uplifting affirmation of "little by little, day by day." Our goal is to make a meaningful impact by raising funds for PIPS. We firmly believe that even the smallest contributions hold great significance, as every little effort adds up to create a greater whole. Each step forward, regardless of its size, brings us closer to our ultimate objective of making a difference in the lives of others through gifts and products with purpose.
Supporting PIPS and Promoting Mental Well-being:
PIPS is renowned for their invaluable work in suicide prevemtion and providing crucial support to individuals in need. Through our partnership, we aim to go a little way amplifying their efforts and contribute to their noble cause.
Why PIPS Stands Out:
Exciting Initiatives and Surprises Await:
We are thrilled to share that our charity partnership extends beyond our small business. We have collaborated with a fantastic line-up of incredible businesses who are equally passionate about mental health. This exciting new initiative promises a range of exciting activities and surprises. Stay tuned as we unveil them all very soon. We can't wait to share what we have in store!
Stay Up to Date
Mental health awareness matters all year round, and our new charity partnership with PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland aims to contribute to this important cause. As we embark on this journey, we invite you to join us in making a difference in promoting mental well-being. Together, let's recognise that every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Stay updated on our progress and be the first to know about exciting developments by joining the Story Club newsletter. As a subscriber, you'll receive exclusive updates, information on upcoming events, and more. Join here.
Stay connected with PIPS and their impactful work by following them on social media via the following sites:
The aim of the collaboration is to showcase simple ways on how to 'do your bit' for the planet through learning about a collection of environmentally friendly product alternatives that can be used to replace some well-known plastic household items (many of which have a longer duration!).
We hope to attract corporate organisations, SMEs and other employers to this new collection as we believe they can play a significant and influential role in helping their staff and clients opt for more environmentally conscious choices.
Gifting a kit like this is an empowering way to educate team members and clients on eco-friendly product alternatives that exist whilst providing a beautiful ethical gift for someone, as well as the opportunity for an organisation to use purchasing power for good.
Sometimes, we get so caught up in our own lives, that it can be overwhelming on knowing where to start with making changes that positively impact the environment (we're still very much learning here at Storybox too). However, the aim of the kit is to provide a starting point for staff that will hopefully spark an interest and lead to adopting more eco choices in the future (if they haven't already done so!) - a little by little, bit by bit approach.
The range will also be available to individuals as we all have a part play having its own dedicated ‘Build a Box’ section on the website where visitors can curate a gift box and select the products they’d most like to include in a kit. To help those that need a little bit of guidance, there will be a variety of ready-made kits for customers to choose from including ‘The Starter Kit,’ ‘Kitchen Essentials,’ and ‘The Mega Pack.’ Each kit will include an informative leaflet on why the goods are better for the environment as well as the option to add a gift note if it is being purchased as gift.
Here at Storybox, we also like to 'do our bit' to support artists and creatives. The new artwork for our gift packaging has been beautifully and elegantly illustrated by local artist Maja Szotkiewicz, Founder of Majukooo. This has been printed by local business, McGowan’s Print on FSC Certified paper. All packaging included within the kit is fully recyclable or compostable.
To celebrate the launch, we will be taking part in a Spring clean up alongside Do Your Bit and Majukooo to honour the purpose of the new collection. As a business hoping to continue to do its part, we have made the commitment to take part in an environmental focused initiative once per quarter to do our bit to give back to the planet. We’ll kick off with our first clean up at a third party event in May. More information to come soon!
About Do Your Bit
Do Your Bit is a local online business tackling plastic pollution one swap at a time. When it comes to living a more sustainable lifestyle, they believe that it's all about progress over perfection. It's not about being perfect but about making small or big changes within our individual means. The goal is that we can leave a lighter footprint on this place we all call home when we collectively do our bit together.
About Majukooo
Majukooo's motto is helping you live a plantastic life, Maja does so through her illustrated day-to-day organisation & houseplant care stationery, as well as her jewellery made from responsibly sourced wood or recycled acrylic and homeware printed onto FSC Certified paper, which helps Majukooo's community be able to express themselves and their love for plants through their attire and their home!
Majukooo's online orders are carbon neutral, plastic-free and each product is manufactured in the UK using suppliers who are also passionate about the environment.
About Storybox
Storybox is an online business based at the iconic Portview Trade Centre in the heart of East Belfast. We are devoted to celebrating others, lifting each other up and preserving the magic of community. Officially registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in May 2021, it’s our job to support and recognise the brilliance of local businesses and social enterprises. We do so, by bringing together some of the most beautiful, useful, passionately made local products, and combining them to create boxes of pure joy. We also donate proceeds to support local mental health initiatives.
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We can now work (with much more arm room!) to take Storybox to the next level and continue our purpose of supplying the best ethical, social, and local gifts both online and through our corporate gifting offering. What better place to do that in that in the iconic Portview Trade Centre. A building seeped with economic history having once been home to the world’s biggest flax row spinning mill. A powerhouse of its generation and ahead of its time with its employment of women for that era.
Now rejuvenated into a dedicated space for a variety of local businesses to thrive, innovate and grow. I'm looking forward to picking up more on the history of Portview which I’ll share in the coming months, in the meantime here’s an interesting website that shares a little more about the stories behind the building.
The new space at Portview will provide us with the extra room we need to expand our product lines and offer even more unique and sustainable gift options to our customers. We are already starting to launch some new collaborations and gifting ideas, and are gradually introducing a ‘products with purpose’ range allowing customers to purchase certain goods individually as well as part of a gift box.
As part of our social enterprise model, we will continue to donate surplus profits to mental health charities. This is a cause that is very important to us, and we are proud to do our part in supporting those in need.
The new location also means that we can better serve our customers with a more accessible and convenient location to host open studio days in the future where customers can call in, have a cuppa, hear some product stories, and browse the range in person. We hope to collaborate with other businesses located within Portview as a way to work together to bring footfall into some of the Portview units and showcase the wide variety of businesses located within the site.
OPEN STUDIO DAY THIS SATURDAY!
In fact, we will be hosting a Storybox Studio Open Day on Saturday 11th March 2023. A welcome event taking place especially on the week of International Women's Day 2023 to let you see our physical new space and visit some other amazing female founded business located here at Portview.
We are incredibly grateful to our customers and supporters for helping us reach this exciting new chapter. Without your support, we would not have been able to make this move. We look forward to continuing to provide you with the best ethical, social, and local gifts and products while making a positive impact on our community.
Thank you for your continued support, and we hope to see you at our special open day this Saturday!
Storybox Open Studio Day
If you have any enquiries or would like to hear more, contact Rachel at storyboxni@gmail.com.
]]>Before I dive into sharing those plans, it’s important to reflect on what has been achieved throughout the year instead of getting caught up in the hectic schedules and endless to do lists of running a small business. The transition back into routine after the Christmas break can be challenging for any of us, so I find it helps to make a note of your proudest achievements to make you think about how you got to this point; bringing gratitude for what’s been achieved and a reminder of the learnings and challenges that were overcome along the way.
For me 2023, is all about slow and steady progress, small increments in growth to help continue our purpose of supporting social and local businesses and raising awareness about business for good. We’ll continue to do our bit by giving back to mental health charity initiatives where possible. All whilst continuing to provide you with gorgeous gifts and products that will bring meaningful smiles to loved ones, friends and colleagues.
Storybox 2022 Recap and Outlook for the Year Ahead
1. We have now partnered with 24 social and local businesses across Northern Ireland to stock their products.
When I first started Storybox in 2021, this number was 8. Over the next year, I would like to increase this to 30 with businesses that are keen to partner and who share similar ethos and values. I’ll specifically be focused on social enterprises and local businesses based in the west of N. Ireland to ensure my supplier base has a more even spread across all of N. Ireland.
2. Launched a brand new website
As a small online business, a user-friendly website is paramount and therefore, it was time for an upgrade on both website copy and layout to ensure people fully grasp the ethos and stories behind the initiative and the businesses involved, as well as be able to purchase their products with ease. The website will never remain static and will always be updated and improved however, I am extremely happy with the foundations in which to build upon.
3. Shipped our first international order to USA
In this calendar year, we have sent over 1200 boxes across the UK and Ireland and we’re proud to have sent 350 boxes overseas to a client in the USA. The local businesses engaging with the Storybox initiative have now been promoted to an entirely new demographic and client base, and we’re delighted to have made that happen for them. Let’s see where Storyboxes make it on the map this year!
4. Made donations to mental health charities and initiatives
This year, we have had the honour of using the extra profits from Storybox to donate £500 to a local women’s centre. This £500 was used to pay for mental health support for local women in need. An additional £100 was donated to PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity through a ‘giveaway with purpose’ competition we hosted in November. We aim to increase this year’s donation amount by 30%.
5. Awareness raised
Metrics for measuring awareness is always a tricky one due to not being able to accurately track word of mouth or other offline data (although we will be doing some research in this area later in the month!). However, for now, we can share some information from digital platforms which have seen on average, an increase in 35% in our following. Website sales and visits have increased by 30% since last year; encouraging numbers that are going in the right direction despite the current economic climate.
THANK YOU
Lastly, thank you to all our customers, suppliers and friends who have helped make the above happen. Thanks to you, we’re able to collectively share more about the amazing social and small businesses we have to offer here in N. Ireland.
In 2023, we'll continue to share #GiftsWithPurpose as a way to showcase more about businesses that make operating ethically a priority, are leading by example or innovating with purpose to better improve outcomes for people and planet.
Small businesses making big impact - here's to more of this in 2023!
]]>We are excited to share that another social enterprise, Orchardville has joined the supplier range with their handcrafted Irish Linen Scarves, providing another beautiful product with purpose that customers can gift to a friend or loved one.
Who is Orchardville and what do they do?
Orchardville is a social enterprise that is committed to changing the lives of people with learning disability and autism. They believe that with the right support, any individual with a learning disability or autism can reach their full potential and achieve their employment aspirations. Providing throughout Belfast, they support people with learning disability and/or autism aged 16-65 through a range of individualised services and programmes.
Social enterprises form a key part of their provision, allowing participants to experience work in a real business environment with onsite support from vocational mentors.
The Irish Linen Scarves, known as the Worthy collection, are made onsite in their Orchardville workshop in East Belfast. I had the pleasure of spending some time there where I got to meet and chat with participants and their mentors and learn more about the scarves from the Worthy collection. The atmosphere was so welcoming and relaxed. It is clear that the participants really enjoy their work and have a wonderful relationship with their mentors who support and help them to flourish in their roles.
The Orchardville Team kindly let me observe how the linen scarves are made and the process it takes to get them to the final product. I managed to capture some video footage of the process along the way, so a short video of this will be made available to view across our socials very soon!
After seeing first-hand how the scarves are created, I can assure you that the attention to detail that goes into making each individual scarf is something else. The product has a very special trait in that each scarf and its design is individual i.e. since the scarves are crafted by hand, it means each one will always end up completely unique (just like Orchardville!), so no two scarves will ever be the same. There is also no wastage in producing the scarves, as any leftover material will go back into making another scarf or creatively used to make other items such as their gift cards – see photo to the right!
A thoughtful and worthwhile gift that offers so much more than any other regular piece of clothing.
See some additional details about the scarves below:
You can now purchase the Worthy Irish Linen scarves via the Storybox Build a Box range where you can curate your own gift for someone special.
Build your own gift with purpose here.
]]>1. GIFTS THAT CHANGE THE WORLD
No matter the occasion or how large your order is, an investment in Storybox is an investment in community. Your support creates lasting positive change that echoes throughout every facet of the Storybox initiative. Every local business, social enterprise, family and human being that contributes to Storybox receives incredible opportunities that stem from your order. We now support over 21 social enterprises and local businesses.
2. GIFTS THAT ARE KIND TO THE PLANET
At Storybox, we are focused on creating beautiful gifts with minimal packaging that is fully recyclable. As well as this, we make sure that every product included in our range, is from a reputable, passionate and ethically sound brand. Each box is filled with products that have been crafted lovingly with sustainability at the core.
3. GIFTS THAT CREATE LASTING SMILES
We absolutely love supporting businesses and social enterprises to get their products out there, but what we love even more, is knowing that our Storyboxes are filled with products that every receiver can actually use and enjoy. When you’re investing in corporate gifts for your business, it is so important that your time and money is never wasted, and that your gifts will be treasured and appreciated. We do this, by ensuring that every brand and product included is of the highest quality.
4. GIFTS THAT CELEBRATE YOUR GREATNESS
When you send a gift from your business or company, the gift represents you. It’s communicating what your brand stands for and highlighting the quality and ethos of your work. We get it. And that’s why we pay such close attention to creating gifts that reflect your magnificence. Storyboxes are high quality gifts that strike the perfect balance between luxury and practicality. They show the recipient that you’re a business who cares about people, the planet and the future.
5. GIFTS THAT ARE TAILORED TO YOU
At Storybox, we value all businesses, big and small. Because of this, we will always try our hardest to tailor your order to suit your needs. We are excited about working closely with business owners to craft the perfect box to align with your values. As well as this, we will always try our best to work with your budget to create something magic for you and your team.
BONUS REASON: CONTRIBUTING TO CAUSES
As a Community Interest Company (CIC), it is our job to use the surpluses that our business makes to give back. This year, we have had the honour of using the extra profits from Storybox to donate £500 to a local women’s centre. This £500 will be used to pay for mental health support for local women in need. Having the opportunity to contribute to causes that mean so much to us, is a dream come true, and our goal is to continue making donations of this nature for many years to come. Everything we do here at Storybox, leads us to moments like the
If you like what you hear, you can request a brochure by contacting Rachel at info@storyboxni.com.
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BUILDING OUR BUSINESSES
Here in Northern Ireland, we are lucky to have an abundance of absolutely incredible local businesses that have more passion, talent and products of global quality than we could ever wish for. We only wanted to fill our boxes with products that were made with quality, sustainability and customer satisfaction in mind, and we have been so lucky to partner with 18 businesses. There are a total of 20 suppliers that are now a part of the Storybox initiative, which comprises 11 social enterprises and 9 local businesses. To know that Storybox is supporting the business owners, staff, families and every person involved in the production of their products, is nothing short of mind blowing. When you invest in a Storybox you are actively championing a wide array of people from your local community, and the impact is huge.
ELEVATING OUR ECONOMY
Since opening, Storybox has invested over £32,000 pounds buying stock and supplies from other social enterprises and independent businesses. This is a sensational amount of money that has furthered their social causes, business missions and the local economy. We love knowing that the money we invest is reaching further than our initial transaction. Every penny that runs through our company expands the economy in a magnificent way, and we’re proud to make this contribution.
GROWING GLOBALLY
We absolutely love supporting our local community, and we couldn’t be more proud of our local businesses. But one of the ways we want to celebrate them is by helping them reach wider audiences, including international customers. This year, we have sent over 1000 boxes across the UK and Ireland and we’re proud to have sent a fantastic 350 boxes overseas to a client in the USA. The local businesses engaging with the Storybox initiative have now been promoted to an entirely new demographic and client base, and we’re delighted to have made that happen for them.
CONTRIBUTING TO CAUSES
As a Community Interest Company (CIC), it is our job to use the surpluses that our business makes to give back. This year, we have had the honour of using the extra profits from Storybox to donate £500 to a local women’s centre. This £500 will be used to pay for mental health support for local women in need. Having the opportunity to contribute to causes that mean so much to us, is a dream come true, and our goal is to continue making donations of this nature for many years to come. Everything we do here at Storybox, leads us to moments like these.
ATTRACTING ATTENTION
When a business or social enterprise engages with Storybox NI, we will always strive to raise their profile as much as possible. Raising awareness and attracting the right kind of attention is so important for every brand, and we will always work hard to improve their reach. This year, Storybox NI have written 10 blog posts which have then been shared across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin. We have had over 6,000 unique visitors that have taken the time to learn more about the brilliant brands we work alongside, and we’re so pleased to have given them a platform to showcase their magic. The Storybox platform is always growing, and we hope to continue raising awareness for each brand and their cause.
The last year has been nothing short of wonderful for everyone here at Storybox NI. Knowing that every box has such an almighty reach is what keeps us going, and encourages so many people to contribute to the Storybox movement. When someone orders a single Storybox for a friend or when a large company or business orders a collection of Storyboxes for a special occasion or event, the impact is ginormous. Storyboxes carry with them a community of passionate, value-driven and hard working people that appreciate your support more than we could ever express. And for that, we’d like to thank you.
If you’re a business or social enterprise that is interested in contributing to the Storybox initiative, please do get in touch. Together, let’s make a difference for the local and social.
To order your own Storybox or order a selection for your business or company, visit the link below.
https://storyboxni.com/apps/builder?b=8pUOmCIZbb7MFKQmPJARKOsD
]]>Janet Mock
Introducing the newest #GiftsWithPurpose to the Storybox range – the Pride Box.
We are honoured to announce that we have partnered with The Rainbow Project and Refuge Chocolate to launch the Pride Box which will help share the stories of individuals and organisations from the LGBTQ+ community this summer.
The Rainbow Project is a health organisation that works to improve the physical, mental & emotional health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer, intersex and asexual people and their families in Northern Ireland. They have a team of people providing a range of counselling and advice services to individuals and families within the LGBTQ+ community. They work extremely hard to organise events that both raise funds for the provision of their services, as well raise awareness around equality for all and other important issues within the community.
We are proud to be working alongside an organisation like The Rainbow Project to help showcase their products with purpose from their social enterprise branch, Equalitee but most importantly, to raise awareness about the work they do within the community in Northern Ireland.
The partnership also involves another local social enterprise, Refuge Chocolate whose owner and founder is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Refuge makes ethical do-good-food that supports survivors of human tracking by donating proceeds to anti-human trafficking charity, Flourish NI.
In celebrating Pride, we recognise the hard-fought progress towards LGBTQ+ equality which has been achieved by dedicated activists and campaigners. Pride also serves as a reminder that LGBTQ+ people continue to face violence, oppression, and discrimination on an all too frequent basis.
It is important that the stories of LGBTQ+ people are given a platform and opportunity to be heard. These voices and experiences have the ability to educate us, inspire us, and enrich our lives. We hope this box of #GiftsWithPurpose will go some way towards supporting that mission.
We are proud to be supporting LGBTQ+ organisations who are working towards creating a more respectful and tolerant society for us all.
The Storybox Pride Box is available for individual and corporate orders. To discuss ordering a Pride Box, contact Rachel at info@storyboxni.com
Launching Sunday 26th June to purchase via the website.
Contents of box includes:
- £32.99
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Windsor Women’s Centre is situated in the Village area of South Belfast and has been operating since 1990. The centre works within a community development framework to develop and promote equality of opportunity and champion practices and policies to better the lives of women and their families.
Situated in an area of high social and economic deprivation Windsor Women’s Centre provides much needed services to meet the diverse needs of women and their families from the surrounding communities. The centre typically works with around 300 service users a week. The services provided includes access to a range of both accredited and non-accredited training and education courses, quality day care, after schools provision and advice and information.
One of the aspects we really love about the centre, is that it has a strong focus on the provision of mental services and currently runs a dedicated health & wellbeing suite that offers a range of therapies and counselling services that are available to all who need it. They also organise Community Garden, Therapeutic Art and Information & Health sessions as part of theses services, meaning there is a variety of sessions available for a wide range of needs.
The centre recognises that the health of women is critical to families and communities and so, are committed to providing these services and are working tirelessly to improve the overall health and wellbeing of women from the local community.
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Storybox, a registered Community Interest Company (CIC), was established in November 2020 after founder Rachel McIlgorm considered ways to apply her experience in business and marketing to support local and social businesses from across Northern Ireland.
Through support and mentoring from organisations such as Work West Enterprise Agency (through Belfast City Council Programmes) and Social Enterprise NI, Storybox has become an increasingly popular option for individuals and groups who wish to buy a gift and celebrate the stories of talented local creators and social enterprises.
Speaking of the growth and success of Storybox since its inception, founder Rachel said:
“Over recent years the message and importance of shopping local has become increasingly prevalent. With the rise of giant online retailers, there has been increased pressure on many smaller local and social businesses who may struggle to make the same impact online. At Storybox, we are proud to create a space to share the stories and products of fantastic homegrown organisations. We were delighted to work with the NI Bureau to showcase some of the best local and social businesses we have to offer.”
The businesses included in the gift boxes were Refuge Chocolate, Bolster Community, Helping Communities cUp (HICUP), NearyNógs Chocolate, Suki Tea Makers, Lavender Line Photography, Arbee Print & Design and Danni Simpson Art.
Speaking about the decision to work with Storybox, Eamon McConville, Deputy Director from the Northern Ireland Bureau said:
“An important part of the work of the Bureau is to showcase the very best of local produce here in North America. This year the success of Storybox in winning the work, enabled us to draw attention to the power of the social enterprise model to give back to the community, whilst also illustrating Northern Ireland’s capability for well-designed, innovative and high-quality products from the region.”
To date, Storybox has supported 21 local and social businesses from across Northern Ireland with nearly 1000 gift boxes having been delivered across Northern Ireland and beyond. Storybox’s success has been recognised as a finalist in the ‘Ones to Watch’ category at the recent Social Enterprise NI awards.
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For more information on Storybox, visit storyboxni.com or contact Rachel McIlgorm at info@storyboxni.com
]]>“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up.”
- Serena Williams
As a female-owned organisation, Storybox is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day and to champion women who amplify the voices of others in their work. The above quotation from Serena Williams is a line that one of our corporate clients asked to be included in the greetings note along with their Storybox gifts which were ordered for female members of their team to celebrate International Women’s Day. The quotation resonated with me because it is something that we try to do at Storybox - cheer on other brilliant businesses by way of showcasing, stocking, and distributing their goods.
The theme of International Women’s Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias. Whether conscious or unconscious, we should work towards breaking the biases that exist in our communities, our workplaces, and our homes. Whilst International Women’s Day is an opportunity to highlight the continued efforts necessary to work towards gender equality and freedom from all types of gender-based discrimination and violence, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across society.
Storybox is proud that over 50% of our 20+ local and social business suppliers are female owned/led. On International Women’s Day 2022 I’d like to take the time to congratulate these women, share some of their stories, and celebrate the successful enterprises they have built and continue to grow.
Refuge Chocolate was founded by Tara Mullan, who is making the world that little bit brighter (and tastier) through making and distributing luxuriously thick hot chocolate along with other chocolate delicacies that are eco, fair trade, and traffick free. Tara is building a sustainable chocolate empire and in return donating profits to Flourish NI, a Northern Ireland based anti human trafficking charity.
Bolster Community - another do-good-business that works alongside individuals, families and communities to provide education, training, and support, as well as work opportunities for those of mixed ability, to help everyone achieve their full potential. The organisation is led by CEO, Jacinta Linden, who recently took time out of her busy schedule to have a coffee and a chat with and listened to some of my own business worries! The passion, energy, and emotion that oozes from Jacinta is infectious when she talks about the vital work Bolster do – I left Bolster’s HQ feeling uplifted and motivated after only a brief time speaking to Jacinta – we all need positive leaders, mentors, and managers like this in our lives.
Emma McFarline, the creator of Lavender Line Photography, moved into her very first studio at Portview Trade Centre just before the start of the pandemic. As events and social occasions were cancelled Emma had to find alternative ways to keep her business afloat. In the face of unprecedented challenges Emma adapted and her business grew during the pandemic. Lavender Line moved into selling photography prints as well as creating new product lines including decorations, coasters, calendars – as a result, Emma had one of her most successful years yet which is testament to the resilience and dedication she has to her work.
You Glow Girl is a social enterprise led by Chara Clarke and was founded with the sole purpose of empowering and supporting women and young girls in Northern Ireland. Chara and her fantastic team created You Glow Girl as both a local fashion brand and a movement - 100% of profits from the sale of YGG products go back to GLOW, helping them to provide bespoke programmes that tackle mental health issues, enable participants to achieve life goals and look forward to the future.
Sharon Hay, owner of Innocent Chaos is one of our most recent businesses to join the growing Storybox supplier list but is a well-established business operating since 2008. Sharon was not long out of university when she took the leap to pursue her passion of having a creative career and launch a business in the floral and dried flower space. Since then, Sharon has continued to successfully grow the business and build a strong reputation within the industry, to the point where they now sell their range at a global scale in major locations including Japan, USA, and across Europe.
Plumpy Balms was born shortly after Valerie Brown came back from a voluntary trip to Ghana where she fell in love with natural shea and cocoa butters. Valerie is another individual who used her creativity skills for good by developing her own beauty balms that are vegan and an alternative option to many of the beeswax products on the market. Since its creation in 2017, Valerie has continued to expand the range and has experienced steady growth through selling online and through other local retail outlets. Valerie’s Plumpy Balm brand is bright, bold and vibrant and not to be missed!
Storybox is proud to partner with each of these women and to be able to showcase their respective organisations through our Gifts with Purpose. I have drawn inspiration from these women who I know are Breaking the Bias on a daily basis, carving out their own niches in the business world whilst at the same time operating sustainably and contributing positively to the world.
]]>Even better, each product will come from either a social enterprise or local independent business based in N. Ireland and includes 'storycard' describing these businesses and what they do, ensuring that recipient experiences the ethos and sentiment behind each box. The boxes will arrive gift wrapped in a way that is beautifully simplistic and kind to the planet, with the option to personalise further and add a greetings card with message by local art & design business, Arbee Prints.
Check out some of our recommended gifts bundles below which you can easily put together through our 4-step 'Build Your Own' feature on the website.
Brownie pack and more! Refuge Chocolate Brownie Kit, Suki Belfast Brew, Bolster Community Soy Wax Candle (choice of scent!), Innocent Chaos Dried Flowers with Jar and a Giant's Causeway Greetings Card by Arbee prints. £35.80 |
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The box with a view Lavender Line Mourne Mountains Photography Print, Handmade Loaf Pottery Mug (choice of colour!), Suki Belfast Brew and NearyNógs Honeycomb Slates. £37.85 |
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Beanie box You Glow Girl Beige Beanie, Refuge Brownie Kit, Bolster Community Candle (choice of scent!) and Suki Belfast Brew/Apple Loves Mint Tea. £37.30 |
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Box on the go! HICUP Travel Cup (choice of colour!), North Coast Chocolates, Refuge Chocolate Drinking Melts, Suki Belfast Brew and Giant's Causeway Arbee Greetings Card. £38.40 |
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Keep it simple! Blush Handmade Loaf Pottery Mug, Innocent Chaos Dried Flowers with Jar and NearyNógs Honeycomb Slates. £38.40 |
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Journal Box Positive Attractions Gratitude Journal (with tips and hints!), Bolster Community Candle, Refuge Drinking Chocolate Melts and Suki Belfast Brew. £36.40 |
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Blues Skies Handmade Sky Loaf Pottery Mug, Lavender Line Cave Hill Photography Print, Refuge Drinking Chocolate Melts and Suki Belfast Brew. £36.90 |
*Excludes postal charges. Delivery available within UK & Ireland.
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Read a little more about the social enterprise involved in this very special kids box - perfect to gift this Christmas season:
Science Starz – Grow Your Own Herb Garden
Elita Frid is Co-Founder and director of Science Starz CIC, an award-winning mobile lab that delivers hands-on, interactive science/STEM programmes to children in schools and community groups. They exist to encourage an interest in STEM from an early age to increase educational attainment for future access into the STEM sector down the line.
Since the pandemic, the organisation has pivoted by putting together science themed activity kits for the home in order to continue raising awareness of STEM despite not being able to conduct face to face workshops. (Some face-to face workshop events are now back up and running)
The Science Starz ‘grow your own herb garden’ means children can plant the garden kit with the guidance of a parent or guardian, look after it and watch it grow as a practical yet simple way to showcase science and nature in action. Hopefully and quite literally ‘planting the seed’ in children to think about science or nature, ask questions and perhaps develop an interest!
WayMaker Child Therapy – Adjustable Kids Apron
WayMaker has a huge dream to help rewrite the mental health of children in Northern Ireland through the healing power of play. The organisation has a team of professional and highly trained therapists who specialise in providing personalised 1:1 play and creative art sessions, coaching and counselling. They believe all children have the right to access highly trained therapy services regardless of their financial circumstances or situation.
Operating as a Community Interest Company, WayMaker has recently partnered with local business, Ted & Stitch to produce an exciting new clothing range for adults and children that will help fund these services whilst raising awareness of the cause. The adjustable kids apron seemed like the perfect match for this hands on activity box and will certainly come in useful again for other fun activities.
Refuge Chocolate - Brownie Recipe Kit
Refuge Chocolate was founded in 2017 to not only provide us all with luxury chocolate delicacies, but to help give people a brighter future through their support of Flourish NI (a Northern Ireland based anti human trafficking charity to which they donate proceeds). Flourish exists to provide long term support to survivors of human trafficking - they believe every individual should have access to the support services they need during recovery to provide a pathway to living an independent resilient life.
The brownie recipe kits are a great learning tool to educate kids on ethical goods and social enterprise as well as equipping them with practical cookery, maths and science skills. Not to mention being a tasty treat for the whole family to enjoy.
The Kids Box will arrive beautifully packaged (but minimalistic!) in a Kraft box with tissue paper, filler and card describing the businesses behind the goods. There is also the option to add a personalised and handwritten message if sending as a gift.
A sustainable and kind to the planet gift to send this Christmas that supports three wonderful social enterprises in their missions. Find out more/order a box here.
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There are many types of socially led businesses within the social enterprise sector. Some of these include Community Interest Companies (C.I.C.), Co-operative, Credit Unions and Non-Governmental Organisations to name a few. They function and operate like businesses by working to generate profit; however the capital raised is reinvested into the activities involved in achieving their social or environmental missions. Some examples of social enterprises within Northern Ireland which we have collaborated with are Now Group, Refuge NI, Bolster Community, HICUP and USEL. All these businesses are driven by their social purpose and every aspect of their business will work toward achieving it. For example, HICUP (Helping Communities cUP) is a social enterprise that has developed eco-friendly reusable coffee cups. Their mission is to support the growing number of people using food banks across NI and further fields - for every sale of a cup, provisions for a care package will be donated to a local food bank with enough supplies to provide a meal for a family of four (HICUP, 2020).
The social enterprise sector is making huge impact on society within Northern Ireland and has played a key part in supporting the most vulnerable during the global pandemic and will continue to #buildbackbetter in the coming years. In fact, the sector has seen significant growth in recent years with the number of social enterprises increasing from 12,200 in 2013 to 24,860 in 2018. Out of the current number of social enterprises operating, 43% were started in the last 5 years highlighting the potential for further growth and expansion (Rebalancing the NI Economy, 2019).
However, like any other business, social enterprises need support to continue to grow, thrive and most importantly fulfil their social missions – we at Storybox hope to go a little way in supporting the sector through offering gifts with purpose.
Storybox and its mission to support social and local
Storybox is collaborating with social enterprises and local independent businesses to bring together boxes made up of #giftswithpurpose and that can be conveniently ordered online and delivered straight to a recipient’s door. Some of the gift box themes have included a ‘Christmasbox’ and ‘Coffeebox’ made up of goods from across 10 social enterprises and local businesses. The boxes have also proved popular in the corporate world as an employee/client appreciation gift that is both personable and supports the local community.Interestingly, as result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing challenges we face, consumers are revaluating their responsibility to society and how their purchasing decisions can impact this (Forbes, 2020). We hope for Storybox not only to offer another sales channel for consumers to #buysocial but also the opportunity to learn from the inspiring stories behind the businesses and raise awareness of their vital causes.
Interested in using your purchasing power for good? Get in touch here.
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- Oscar Wilde
We love finding ways to add art to the Storyboxes. Whether it's through the stories, packaging, imagery or products, it's wonderful to incorporate ways to celebrate creativity and individuality whilst simultaneously, supporting other businesses.
Creativity is something our small business very much lead the way on and is often achieved without the backing of large teams and access to an abundance of resources. This is something we can sometimes forget and a reason to shout even louder when a local business does something amazing!
With this, we are excited to introduce to the Storybox family Amira Paints - a local art business which brings much of her inspiration from the beautiful County Down.
Amira started her venture with the aim of making good quality artwork accessible to people, of places, and scenes that were recognisable or resonated with them.
Amira wanted to help break down barriers that were traditionally found in museums and galleries, where people were too intimidated to talk about art or express an interest in it.
By injecting her colourful take on familiar places and landscapes she hopes that people won't be shy in expressing an affection for art and that her works will spark conversations as well as joy.
You'll now be able to find Amira Paints postcards as a greetings card option to add to your Storybox. A postcard can be personalised with any message and then kept and framed as a beautiful piece of art in someone's home or office.
More to come soon about our latest supplier, Amira Paints. In the meantime, click here to create a Storybox.