I am so excited that I had a chance to meet and photograph Lana and Daphne of YEGBox just days before the inaugural box arrived on the doorsteps of its’ lucky recipients! This monthly offering features quality handcrafted goods from a variety of local Edmonton artists and vendors. The sold out March Box included items from Tiny Treats Soap Co , Fruits of Sherbrooke, The Violet Chocolate Company, CB Designs, and Essentials By Nature and was so jam packed with value; I was blown away! The 4 to 5 items (with a minimum $75 retail value) inside are always a surprise until the box arrives, but future boxes will include jewellery, textiles, spa treatments, skin care, household goods, as well as food items and sweet treats. May’s Box will feature items that mamas will love and June’s Box will be a little more male-centric for Father’s Day.
This project has only really been in the works for about 4 months, and these two awesome women have worked so hard to launch their amazing vision. They’ve been on CTV news, done an interview with 92.5FM and have an upcoming feature in Avenue Magazine. They are both so passionate about shopping locally and realized that most people actually don’t know HOW to support local business. As they explained, we get into ruts: we live and shop in the same way that we have always done, without exploring other options. Without a guide, it is difficult to find those locally created treasures. This curated box is a step towards helping people rediscover Edmonton and how much it’s changed in the last ten years. We’re not just a boring prairie city: YEG is a diverse, thriving, eclectic town with talented artisans and passionate creators.
The YEG girl’s philosophy is one of community, developing real connections, and promoting the abundant local talent that we have right here in Edmonton. They really believe in the vendors that they include and are excited to help them succeed. Many of their featured artists are creating items exclusively for YEGBox. They also love the surprise aspect of the YEGBox; it’s like opening a gift. As Daphne said, “There are very few good surprises in life!”
The future of YEGBox is so bright. Daphne and Lana are so much fun; they’re hilarious and it honestly felt like I had known them forever. As we talked, the girls were continuously brainstorming and new ideas were flowing out of them. They are already in the process of launching YEGBox Baby (which I am SO excited about!) that will likely be available as early as April or May that will include a Newborn as well as One Year option. They are working on a Corporate Box as well, which is genius.
The overarching theme while we chatted was, “People should really just help each other out!” Combine that attitude, the passion they have for this city, and the thought and care that they put into each item that they include, and the result when you receive your very own YEGBox will be as they intended: anticipation, surprise and wonder.
You can also connect with these lovelies on Facebook and Instagram, or contact them at info@yegbox.ca.
These are FANTASTIC images of a really cool looking product!