Meet Ariel Henderson | Gifting Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariel Henderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I worked in a specialty gift shop for a few years which sold cards, stationery and premium items for gifting. The store also offered gift wrapping services. While working there, I really became fascinated by the entire process of gifting, from selection of the gift to its presentation to the intended recipient. As I’ve gotten older I realized there is a definte and delicate art to gift giving. During the Christmas holiday of 2018, I offered personal gift wrapping services to everyone I knew and soon after I began to receive opportunities to curate gifts and create my own packaging techniques. As demand grew from clients and my excitement for the opportunities grew, it was then that I knew it was time to launch my own business. I wanted to use my expertise to guide people in translating the message of sentiment they wish to convey by way of giving.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I absolutely love the response and reviews I receive from clients and recipients alike about their experience and reaction to a gift that was specifically created with them in mind. I am proud that I take great pride in the skill set I’ve built over the years, and am committed to the highest standard when presenting my brand. There have been some points where I have almost let overwhelming anxiety speak louder than my passion for my brand, causing me to almost give up. But each time I would almost give in to the pressure of it all, there would be an affirmation sent my way to encourage me to keep creating. I truly believe that this brand allows me the opportunity to leave lasting impressions on the people I love and have been blessed to work with. This experience in building my brand has taught me that you can turn your passion into your purpose!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I’m from LA, I’m spoiled in location, weather and brunch spots! Lol Brunch and enjoying the LA sunshine is a must when Bestie comes to town!!

We would definitely go to:
Perch Rooftop
EP & LP
Poppy & Oak
Hilltop Cafe for coffee and light eats in Inglewood, CA.
Then swing over to museum row for photo ops
A trip to The Grove in mid-city
We’d hit up one of my favorite pizza spots, Berri’s on Crescent Heights
The 90’s experience Pop-Up Exhibit
Hot & Cool Cafe in Leimert Park
Sika in Leimert Park
Rooftop drinks at 71 Above
Dinner at Mrs. Fish
Poolside at the Rosevelt Hotel
Brunch in Topanga at Cafe on 27

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to acknowledge my husband, Marc Henderson, for encouraging me to use every skill I have to fulfill my purpose in this life! And for providing every level of support that has gotten me this far! I’d also like to extend sincere gratitude and appreciation to each person who has allowed me to provide any level of service or creative partnership in the art of gift giving. Lastly, I’d like to shoutout, Shanell Tyus, for being a constant encourager and model of excellence!

Website: www.paperboxbow.com

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