Chlosuniblog And Relax Box
Hollie is the founder of And Relax Box and everything she sells right now is available to buy online. The boxes include ethical brands and share strong eco values. Read on to hear about her favourite box and what factors she thinks other should consider before starting up!
Where are you based and when did you start up your business?
We are based in a town called Harrogate in North Yorkshire, however our business is based online and we deliver nationally. I started And Relax Box in February this year.
I love the concept of your boxes, what inspired you to create this? Where did it start?
A couple of years ago I tried out a few subscription boxes as I have always had an interest in skincare and beauty. I enjoyed receiving regular items in the post from new brands, but I found that I was looking for a more unique experience. This is where the inspiration for And Relax Box came from.
I realised that I was looking for a subscription box which provided full size items and included a mix of other wellness products at an affordable price. I was also interested in discovering new brands who had ethical and eco-friendly values.
Each of our boxes is focused on a different aspect of wellbeing. This year we have launched a box focused on improving sleep (DREAM), increasing energy (BOOST) and we recently released our GLOW edition for summer.
What was the hardest part of setting up your business?
I think the most difficult part of the process for me was deciding when to launch the business. I am such a perfectionist and I wanted to be extra sure that everything was right before sharing the brand publicly.
Whilst it was important to make sure specific steps were followed correctly as this was my first time putting something together like this, this resistance did leave me holding back for quite a while. It was only later that I realised that you need to set a starting point and then you can always build on that momentum.
Describe your business in three words.
Rest. Unwind. Indulge.
What message would you give others who want to start up a small business?
It is an exciting step for anyone to take and I think it is important to enjoy the journey as you go. There isn’t just one way of doing things so don’t be afraid to break the mould and carve out your own path.
What is the most rewarding part of having your own business?
I really enjoy the whole creative process, designing each box and selecting the best brands to work with. I have always worked in creative jobs but working on your own business and having complete control is very rewarding. Seeing customers enjoying their boxes gives me a wonderful feeling and I am proud of what the business has accomplished in such a short space of time.
What is the main message that you want your brand to say?
I think many of us lead a very hectic lifestyle and it is important to understand when your body and mind needs a break. And Relax Box gives customers the tools needed for this self-care, allowing them to relax and unwind. I believe that even focusing on wellness for a short amount of time can have a deep impact on our overall wellbeing.
Which is your favourite box?
Every time we launch a new box it feels like a new favourite. Right now, I am excited about our summer box GLOW. This collection is full of products with fresh, floral scents from beautiful brands. In this box we have some great skincare products, including a hydrating facial oil from True Skincare and a nourishing shea butter soap bar from Nuddy. For our candle lovers, we have a Seychelles soy wax candle and Raspberry & Black Pepper melts from Fika Candles. Finally, we have a set of eco friendly make up remover cloths from Danielle Creations and tropical anti-aging eye patches from Kocostar.
Which is the most important factor to think about when setting up?
As with everything good in life, starting up your own business takes plenty of effort and hard work. I would recommend overestimating on both time and money when it comes to setting up. Double your original value and then add some extra on top.
If you are setting up on your own, then I would also advise using family and friends as a sounding board for your ideas so that you can get some early feedback.
What keeps you motivated? Do you have certain goals or mantras?
It sounds cliché but my daughter really is a key motivator for me. I want her to learn when she is older to have confidence in her ideas and to go after whatever she wants to do in her own life. It would be hypocritical for me not to do the same as her parent, so this is a big driving force.
Where do you want And Relax Box to go in the future?
We are still learning a lot as we grow and working hard to create special boxes that our customers will love. We would love to expand more into the wellness space and create some new subscription options too (our boxes are released quarterly at the moment).
Working with a wide range of unique independent brands has given us plenty of ideas for boxes that we can create in the future.
Go check out @andrelaxbox on Instagram to see more of the products that go into the amazing boxes and visit the website to order one!
Loving local shops and supporting small businesses really isn’t that hard, plus with such gorgeous products, like the ones highlighted in this blog, how can you say no? Seeing businesses grow is beautiful, especially for the people behind the products who work so hard at developing and creating them! Be sure to give these small businesses a follow and check out their websites!
Look out for another ‘Loving Local and Supporting Small’ blog soon!
