Gift box company grew from side gig to storefront in 12 months. Here’s how they did it.

Martina Springer, the visionary behind Boxed Up Expressions, has transformed her online side hustle into a unique storefront experience. With a relentless drive and a passion for crafting unique gifts, Springer has built a business that brings joy to others and lays the foundation for a legacy. In a recent interview, she shared her inspiring journey and its profound impact on her family.

Tell me a little about what has happened since we last spoke.

“When my story ran last summer, this was still just something fun I did on the side,” Springer shared. “I continued contacting realtors and businesses to see if they would let me assemble boxes for them. People would refer me to others, and eventually, a realtor started using me for her boxes. That’s when I knew I had an opportunity to showcase my work and gain more visibility.”

“I knew even then that this would be successful with the right help, namely Blake Fleegle,” she continued. “With his unwavering support, I felt empowered to pursue my dreams. He motivates, encourages, and supports me in ways that make the entrepreneurial journey less overwhelming and daunting. Having someone with that level of guidance is invaluable.”

Springer has also rebranded her business. “The ‘expressions’ part of my new logo is my daughter’s handwriting,” she said. “Every person in our family has touched at least one piece of the business, and in this, we are teaching our children valuable skills like inventory management and the art of creativity.”

You have a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 30; tell me about your storefront.

“The storefront will offer a range of gift boxes that customers can browse and purchase,” Springer explained. “I want to create a space where people can come in, relax on a couch, write a heartfelt card and truly enjoy the experience of giving. We’ll have a variety of boxes and options available. Our customers will have the opportunity to build their own box in real-time, selecting items that resonate with them.”

Springer’s goal is to create a unique gifting experience. “I want to create a space where people feel excited to return,” she shared. “We will likely be open just a couple of days each week as I continue to work another full-time job. I want to build on my brand and share my family’s passion and dedication in this store.”

What’s your why?

“My family is my motivation,” she shared. “I want to make something bigger for them and pass down this business as a legacy. In the future, I would love to take what I’ve learned and use it to inspire and teach others how to open similar businesses.”

As Springer eagerly anticipates the moment she opens the doors to her dream storefront, she reflected on the serendipitous nature of her journey. “Everything happened when it was supposed to,” she shared. “From building my brand to discovering the perfect and unexpected opportunity for a storefront, it all fell into place. Walking into the store for the first time, I fell in love with it. It truly is a dream come true.”

The ribbon cutting event will be on June 30 at 11 am at her new storefront located at 10 Entrance Drive, Johnstown.

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