What inspired Jule's Baskets?
I get asked often what inspired my company Jule's Baskets and why it has been so successful and become more than a gift basket business.
The short and simple answer is that it's passion driven. It serves a purpose and filled a void. It was more than just a business idea, it was a way for me to directly make a difference in the lives of others while also doing my part to be the change I want to see in the world.
Simply stated, it's a conscious company. It's an extension of my belief system. It has a clearly defined mission and brand.
I believe in promoting health and wellness. I believe in simplicity, I believe in conscious consuming. I believe in sharing and giving. I believe in self-expression. I believe that less is more. I believe in quality. I believe in eliminating waste. I believe in substance and value.
I wanted to offer a quality product with an exceptional service to help spread love and joy to conscious people who value relationships and their health.
How Jule's Baskets started and what makes it so unordinary
I realized there was a demand in the gift basket business for something ‘different’ than conventional gift baskets. I have receive gift baskets from time-to-time and was always disappointed that the sender wasted money on a gift that I couldn’t or wouldn’t consume due to my own dietary restrictions and lifestyle choices. Some companies have tried to incorporate healthier items in their baskets, but it’s rare. My business is 100% committed to quality and healthy-conscious products. You can pop on my site and trust that anything you discover will be a good choice. My baskets range from new baby to housewarming, sweets and treats to get-well-soon.
Also, Jule’s Baskets look very different than the conventional gift baskets. I have put the emphasis on the products, not the basket or the fillers to make it look grand. Clean is a word that comes to mind and that was a vision that I had for the products to the presentation to the logo and website.How I choose my products
What inspires new products?
I gravitate to things that I love or would want or items that align with my vision. I have a thing for reading labels and discovering new products, so when I find something that looks like a great fit, I pursue it. So many things come into play when selecting suitable products. This is why Jule’s Baskets are unique. We don’t think all products are a fit for our brand. They are carefully curated and made with intention.
The products that I select are quality, luxury and health-conscious! I am very fussy about what is acceptable in our baskets. The products need to align with my vision and brand. I need to like the products and stand behind them.
Because the types of baskets range, so do the products. Anything health related I am open to, but it needs to look good and have ‘clean ingredients’! I am a practical person so I won’t go for anything that isn’t useful or enjoyable. This is why you will find water bottles, body lotions, soaps, as well as sweets and snacks that would be loved by all. Even though they are health-conscious, they are enjoyed even by those who aren’t on the health bandwagon.
Not everything needs to be organic, gluten-free or vegan. However, no products can have refined junk in them! All products are health-conscious and the reason I use that term is because I am not promising that everything is healthy. Chips or cookies are never healthy, but I have sourced some of the best. This is what makes the baskets so great. They are for real people who want healthier options. However, if someone is a total health nut, they can find lots as well!
Julie McLachlan
Hi, I'm Jules; a multi-passion business woman, boss babe and entrepreneur; a mom to 2 big girls and a baby girl, luxury travel and fitness lover, planner, organizer and lifestyle blogger. I live mid-town Toronto with my daughters. Any chance I can, I'm booking a vacation. I appreciate quality and love natural products!