If you asked me what my plans were in 2020 BC (Before Covid), I would have told you I will be taking some down time, study a few online courses, travel a little bit, and when my weary soul has recovered, go and get another job. Starting an online gifting service would not have been in the plans.
I had just left my job in the creative service industry where I worked at for over 15 years. Why? I’m not quite sure myself. I was just spent, emotionally and mentally (perhaps losing my mom the year before had a lot to do with it) and wanted a little break.
In the quick months that followed January 2020, just as I started my journey to recovery, the world came to a halt. We all know what happened after -- a flurry of fear, uncertainty and the adjustment to the “new normal”.
I found myself stuck at home. I have completed the online course I wanted, I had enough sleep and felt a bit more refreshed. The two things left in my list of plans were 1.) to travel (completely out of the question), and 2.) finding a new job (deemed to be more challenging given the situation).
With the time I had, I found myself mulling over things I could do.
I started sending care packages to friends which included home baked goods, some exotic tea I found in my supermarket explorations (a trip to the local grocery was a treat during Covid as it meant leaving the house) and simple cards with illustrations done by my husband.
I've always taken pleasure in putting together things for friends and family. Oftentimes when I'm browsing online or window shopping in a mall, I would spot something that would be perfect for someone in my life. In some of the companies I worked for, I would always be first to volunteer to source for gifts for special occasions — whether it was a colleague's birthday, or a boss' going away present. I love seeing smiles on people's faces when they open their presents. Suffice it to say that Christmas is my all time favorite holiday. The rush of coming up with my list, finding the gifts and wrapping them nicely.
Dear Julie came from that place, that desire to come up with gift packages for people I care for. One evening I was sitting with my husband in our living room and we started to brainstorm on what I should call this gifting service I wanted to do. We had cheeky names like “GIFTED” and "THE BOX EDIT" but none of them felt right. He suggested to go with a feeling instead. He asked, what emotions do you want to evoke with your brand new venture? I immediately gravitated towards warm, fuzzy feelings. The idea of a sweet note, a warm hug, the comfort of your mom’s affection and from there, the name instantly flowed -- Dear Julie.
"Dear Julie" is, at its core a love letter to my mother, Julie, who embodies the generosity of spirit and taught me the joy of giving.
I want to share this joyful experience through a curated gifting service with thoughtful hand-picked items for your loved ones or even for yourself.