CBD Dog Treats and Custom Packaging for The Biscuit Barkery


Like so many true entrepreneurial stories, the tale of The Biscuit Barkery of Northern Colorado has a humble beginning. You’ve read similar stories; founders begin a business hinged on solving a problem or filling a need. As the business grows, they learn strategies to become more efficient and adapt to new situations. It’s why we love hearing stories like this- the lessons learned are like golden nuggets of knowledge. For The Biscuit Barkery of Northern Colorado, those adjustments had nothing to do with the product itself, but fell entirely to the packaging.

CBD dog treats custom packaging.
All-natural CBD For dogs

Nan Barron and her co-founder started the “barkery” in a basement, where the two women began mixing, hand weighing and baking natural CBD dog treats. The business drew attention in their Colorado community through local farmer’s markets and soon outgrew the original space.

They quickly added an online storefront. But working with CBD required something a little extra. The Biscuit Barkery has always taken extra steps to ensure every single recipe is approved by the department of health - for both customer satisfaction and full transparency. Labeling and signage for each products is a must. “We did our due diligence - and now we’re licensed by the DOH and DOA. They’ve been impressed with how tightly our business is run,” explains Barron .

Others were also impressed with the dog treats, but the product packaging fell flat. The team was hand stamping standard shipping boxes. “That got us some unenthusiastic feedback,” notes Barron. “We really wanted to project a professional image that reflected our quality product.”

packaging strategy multiplied

So The Biscuit Barkery turned to CompanyBox for custom packaging. It was a threefold solution. Barron explains, “We decided to use a custom package because it's both advertising and branding.” But the box design also incorporated a packing slip - printed right on the outside of the box. “It saves us and the customer time.”

“The team at The Biscuit Barkery understands marketing,” says Cara Walters, marketing lead at CompanyBox. “They’ve created this amazing dog product and now their packaging also sends a message of quality.”

dog and people speak

Human feedback has been stellar. Barron tells us, "One customer even said she uses the boxes in her greenhouse because they are not only sweet looking but great quality." The furry friends seem to love the barkery as well. The team has made and mailed a little over one million dog biscuits thus far!


Can we help to unlock your brand's potential? Contact us to collaborate.

This brand also launched out of a basement and has propelled themselves to thousands of unboxing views on YouTube.




MOTD KNOWS ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING IS IMPORTANT


The importance of animal rights is undeniable. Today’s consumers are increasingly concerned with animal testing and the safety of ingredients - opting for cruelty-free alternatives. If your product is animal friendly, you also need eco-friendly packaging that won't pollute the oceans and endanger wildlife.

Even veganism, once considered a niche concept has sprouted up and become mainstream. As brands start taking a stance on eco-friendly products, it’s here that veganism meets sustainability. MOTD Cosmetics (Makeup of the Day), a cruelty-free, vegan brand took this stance all the way to their product packaging. 

holding to brand values

MOTD has a commitment to inspire beauty enthusiasts to make a compassionate choice with makeup brushes and lashes. Their goal is to educate and inspire cosmetic users with vegan, cruelty-free products. Today, you can find MOTD brushes at Anthropologie, Free People and QVC. But the idea started as a marketing school assignment. One where Chantal Azamian, MOTD founder and CEO discovered that over 44% of women don't know which brush to pick when applying makeup.

The concept behind MOTD uses witty phrases (instead of meaningless numbers) on each handle to help women know how to use the brushes. "When I did my presentation, people said 'you need to sell this' - so I started a campaign on Kickstarter." She reached her goal in 30 days.

Azamian knew right away she wanted products free from animal fur. It was also important the product packaging aligned with the brand’s values. “Custom packaging is important because the branding from your website should be cohesive with what lands in the customer's hands,” she explains.  

creating the perfect look

MOTD turned to CompanyBox to take on the packaging. They needed a solution to match their commitment to the environment, both in the material and ink. CompanyBox’s water-based ink is not only low VOC and odorless, but extremely gentle on the environment.  

“CompanyBox’s sustainable ink and sustainable packaging really resonated with me,” says Azamian. “My customers also love it.” 



Here's to clean beauty and safer products 

As demand for MOTD’s pro-performance makeup brushes increased, the company added a luxury lash line instead of using mink fur, Chantal once again opted for synthetic material. She is now working with celebrity makeup artists like Mario Dedivanovic’s Master Class along with several shows on the E! Network.  

"I've always put myself in the mind of the consumer. I'm a sucker for packaging and so are consumers," notes Azamian. "You CANNOT cut corners on packaging if you want to be a lasting brand."

CompanyBox applauds MOTD's efforts.

“This was the perfect partnership,” adds Cara Walters, Marketing Director at CompanyBox. “We love supporting women owned businesses, especially those who share our commitment to the environment."

As CompanyBox continues to become even more sustainable, we hope to join forces with other brands who love the earth as much as we do.


Can we help to unlock your brand's potential with sustainable ink? Contact us to collaborate.

How Pura Vida launched a new packaging strategy to grab more attention on on social. Read how




CompanyBox Nominated for Charlotte Business Journal Fast 50 Awards


Each year the Charlotte Business Journal (CBJ) honors the fastest-growing private companies in the Charlotte region. For 2020, Companybox was one of the businesses proudly selected for this prestigious Fast 50 Award.  

Launching as a small startup in 2014, CompanyBox has always had the goal to grow strong internally while striving towards outward expansion.  “We are very excited and honored to be included in this group,” says Louie DeJesus, Founder and CEO of CompanyBox. “We continually focus on innovative solutions that lead to new offerings for our customer base. It’s wild to look back at where we started and where we are today.” 

CompanyBox was selected as one of Charlotte's 50 fastest growing private companies.

In the beginning CompanyBox had just two employees; Louie and his son Kyle DeJesus. If you could travel to the past, you’d see the original set up in a 16,000 square foot building, with only one printer. Today, CompanyBox has expanded employee headcount and a new 105,000 sq foot space with plans to add a third shift and additional high-tech equipment in Q1 of 2021. 

“Not only does this award celebrate the new jobs we’re creating in Charlotte, it also recognizes the effort of all our dedicated employees who have helped us grow this company,” says DeJesus.  

With a 200% customer growth rate, CompanyBox’s dedication to cultivate robust customer relationships has proven to be meaningful. “We’ve specifically put an emphasis on building a strong customer support team,” adds CompanyBox President, Kyle DeJesus. “Those are the people differentiating us from just another packaging company.” 

“We’ll never stop innovating. We look forward to continuing our work in Charlotte focusing on sustainable custom packaging. I’m excited to see what next year brings,” concludes DeJesus.  

Be sure to tune into CBJ's Fast 50 virtual awards on Thursday, December 3 at 4pm (EST) where the rankings of all 50 companies will be revealed.  


Can we help to make packaging part of your brand? Contact us to collaborate.



One Girl Inspired Subscription Box

One Girl Inspired: A Box with Purpose for Teen Girls


Each year, in lieu of a New Year’s Resolution, Deana Hicks chooses a word. Her word for 2019 was ‘purpose’. As she reflected on that word while watching her daughter enter her teen years, Deana began looking for new ways to relate. How could she start a conversation without an eye roll? That’s when she made the decision to start a subscription business focused on teen girls.

“I wanted to find a way to empower girls without being preachy - on topics that could help them build confidence to be the best version of themselves,” says Hicks.

One Girl Inspired monthly themes

She named her company One Girl Inspired - a monthly subscription box to inspire, empower and motivate teen girls to believe in themselves, dream big, and make their own mark on the world. In May of 2019 the first box went out. From the beginning, Deana planned to focus on tools and messaging that was fun and inspirational. Very quickly though, she decided her target was not just for teen girls. It was also for their parents. And it was more than a fun subscription box. This was going to be a way to build up the next generation.

2020 teen girls

Deana is right; the world is a different place today than it was 30 years ago. They have more pressure than ever to be perfect and look perfect. “Teenagers are navigating crazy times with social media and now Covid. We need to help our daughters feel like they’re not being defined by likes or follows.” she notes. “I had an opportunity as an entrepreneur to make life better.”

Coming from a marketing background, Hicks knew custom packaging would be an important part of One Girls Inspired. She explains, “Girls love to get cute packages.” After ordering from a packaging company across the country, she found CompanyBox. Our team read Deana’s story in a local paper and invited Dena and her daughter to come for a visit. “CompanyBox reached out to me to invite us in. That’s what made me realize this company was involved.” 

Inspiring confidence

One Girl Inspired now has hundreds of subscribers and is growing steadily as a one woman show. But Hicks credits that slow and steady growth for giving her the chance to be agile and change the experience. Each box incorporates a different themed message but always focuses on motivating and inspiring girls to be the best version of who they are.

With the hashtag, #MakeYourOwnMark on the One Girl Inspired website, teen girls are indeed feeling inspired. “We have mother’s reaching out thanking us. Girls are asking for our subscription boxes as gifts.”

At CompanyBox, it reminds us of the power in affirmations. Every thought we think, is creating our future. “I remember being a kid," says Hicks. "Now, as adults, we’re all in it together. My daughter has given me a reason to try to affect change.”

One Girl Inspired custom box

Can we help to make packaging part of your brand? Contact us to collaborate.



National Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month: A Note from Our CEO and Founder


National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor the contributions and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans. As a native Puerto Rican, I’m extremely proud to be included in this group. My story tells where I came from and how it led me to start CompanyBox. My hope, is that it inspires others who are like me.  

At the age of six, my family moved from Coamo, Puerto Rico and settled in Geneva, a small Ohio town. No one in our family spoke English but my parents immediately sent me to first grade. I remember my mother handing me a bagged lunch and pointing in the direction of school. But the teachers didn’t know what to do with a kid who didn't know a single English word, so I sat in the back of the classroom and tried to pick things up the best I could. 

My parents did the same. They were determined to make it without any outside help. So, when my shoes started getting holes, my mom slipped a sheet of corrugated into the bottom of the shoes to protect my feet. I often joke that’s when my love of corrugated started.  

Is there a kind of bravery that forms in all of us when we’re put in difficult situations? When I watched my parents, I saw how they were reacting to this new life. They decided to start a business to help others like us, by taking in migrant workers - offering them a place to sleep and food to eat.  

Really, I credit those days for my work ethic. Watching my mother and father juggle 6 kids and a business, even with so little in their pocket and poor understanding of the language. It lit a spark in me. So in elementary school, I started working at a local garden nursery. I remember catching a ride with the immigrants staying with us to hoe weeds in the nursery fields. My $0.50/hour went directly to my family. (I’m sure I didn’t love handing over my entire pay check, but you know – oldest child duties and all.)   

After high school, I attended Edinboro University on a track scholarship. Graduating with a business degree, I began working at Society National Bank (now known as KeyCorp.) in commercial banking. Later, I took a job with a large packaging corporation; Smurfit Stone Container. They started me at the bottom, so I could learn every part of the industry, eventually growing my territory as a salesman. 

Packaging was so intriguing. I know it sounds geeky to say that, but it’s like a puzzle - you have this product and have to find a way to display or ship it. I saw so many opportunities for companies to take advantage of the plain brown box. That’s why I decided to find a way to differentiate myself from the other companies - to really push the envelope. 

I started suggesting my customers print on the outside of their boxes - flood coat it and reverse out their logo. Custom packaging; it was a new concept to everyone. Some people told me it couldn’t be done. Others loved the idea. But there was one problem. This kind of technology wouldn’t exist for 30 years. 

I improvised. Printing my designs on a plotter and sticking them to the outside of boxes using Elmer’s Glue was the only way I could get the look I wanted. It definitely wasn’t perfect. The paper bubbled, but it was new and different. Now I look back at photos of myself and see an extremely driven person. When you have to survive from zero, there’s more drive. 

By 1991, my wife and I started our first packaging business - always with the idea of offering custom packaging to everyone. But the right technology still didn’t exist, so we focused on other innovative solutions. (Like how to protect products from damage during shipping.) I was just waiting for digital printing to advance. Finally, I saw my opening to take custom printing to an e-commerce platform in 2012. 

That’s when I launched CompanyBox with my son Kyle.

It was a dream. CompanyBox is now deeply rooted in the same Hispanic family values that I had as a kid. Over half of our employees are Latino. I wanted CompanyBox to be a place where we can give other Hispanics the same opportunities I had - a way to build up their life. We're not just an e-commerce company. CompanyBox is the people who work here and the relationships we build with our customers. 

Here's to holes in shoes and all the big dreamers out there.

Louie DeJesus

Louie DeJesus


Can we help to make packaging part of your brand? Contact us to collaborate.



Virtual Events: Worthy Black Tie Auction with Custom Packaging


When it comes to celebrations, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Last week's virtual event with America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia proved that even a pandemic can’t stop a celebration - especially when it’s for a good cause. The entire philanthropic affair, cleverly named the Great UnEvent was well planned and even included wine. How did they do it? Facebook and boxes packed with delicious treats.

Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia benefit

Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia who helps feed thousands of families, usually holds a large black tie event each October to raise awareness and money for their Kids Cafe. But we all know that Covid and social distancing doesn’t play well with in-person events. It was time to rethink how an event could be adapted for the virtual world and still involve donors.

Surprise boxes

Mary Jane Crouch, Executive Director explains “we have so many people who make really nice donations to us. We wanted to show our appreciation so we teamed up with CompanyBox and Spring-Fill to create amazing thank you boxes to send our sponsors.”

The boxes, full of donated items like Joel Gott wine, local honey, tea, pralines and Spring-Fill crinkle paper doubled as a surprise treat to enjoy while watching the live auction. Each sponsor name or logo was printed directly on the box.

“We sent out the boxes and included a note to request donations on the website or bids in the auction,” says Crouch.

The Great UnEvent box
Just like the real thing

The Great UnEvent drew about 150 guests to the Facebook Live event that had all the trimmings of a real life auction. And although many were probably not dressed in black tie attire, attendees showed up with a smile on their face and donated $251,000 to this worthy cause. “We’ve never received this many calls thanking us,” adds Mary Jane Crouch. “After the boxes shipped, people began donating before the event even started.”


Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia is still collecting donations for their Kid's Cafe. To donate, please visit: www.helpendhunger.org

Can we help to make packaging part of your brand? Contact us to collaborate.



Unboxing Branded Packaging: Making Magic with 3 Fairy Godmothers


In recent years, unboxing has gone from being an online fad, to a powerful e-commerce marketing tool. Ordinary consumers are unwrapping packaging for everyone’s viewing pleasure and becoming the internet’s word-of-mouth method. In fact, a study by Google revealed 1 in 5 buyers have watched an unboxing video and YouTube has more than 3 billion views in this category. But, if you want to make a lasting impression on video, your packaging and presentation is a vital ingredient.  

Bibbidi Boxes Disney fandom gear
focused beginnings

For e-commerce consumers, it’s about the excitement and anticipation experienced by the presentation of a packaged product. This study found that attractive packaging actually activates brain responses in regions associated with reward. It’s much like opening a thoughtful gift - and brands like Bibbidi Boxes, a multi-fandom subscription box are well versed in creating this type of experience.  

Rebecca Cantrell, co-founder of Bibbidi Boxes, thought carefully about the customer journey. “We wanted the arrival of our boxes to be as exciting as the unboxing itself,” she says. “Our team has been focused on branded boxes from the beginning.”  

The business started when Cantrell, her sister Amanda and mother Brenda got the idea to share their love of all things Disney. A self-proclaimed geek, Rebecca knew there were other adults who loved fandom gear as much as her family. They began offering curated subscription boxes full of park memorabilia, fandom wear and custom products. “We started in my mom’s basement,” she explains. “Now we have a dedicated space.”  

more than a plain box 

With a focus on branded packaging, Bibbidi Boxes contacted CompanyBox. The two companies have been working together since 2018. "Bibbidi Boxes are so clever with their packaging," notes Cara Walters, Marketing Lead at CompanyBox. "They have created something that takes on the positive attributes of the brand itself. This is what turns customers into repeat business."

Rebecca explains “My sister Amanda is very aesthetically driven. We couldn’t use just a plain box.” 

unboxing magic

The decision to use custom packaging as a marketing tool has worked. With over 57,000 followers on Instagram, customers and followers look forward to seeing the boxes in social posts and on their doorstep. They also make regular appearances in many creative unboxing videos with views numbering in the thousands. That’s a lot of happy ultimate Disney fans. 

“We’re three fairy godmothers making the magic in these boxes,” jokes Cantrell.  

Magic indeed. Bibbidi Boxes has expanded that magic into other themed boxes as well. They now offer a Harry Potter themed “Wizard’s Vault”, a Star Wars focused “Galaxy Box”, as well as a Marvel themed “Universe Box”. 

Bibbidi Boxes Universe Box

If you’re looking for ways to wow your customers with an unboxing experience, check out more Bibbidi Boxes unboxing videos.


Watch the Video Podcast

Listen in as Bibbidi Box's mompreneur Brenda explains why you must have custom packaging.

Can we help to make packaging part of your brand? Contact us to collaborate.



CompanyBox holiday shipping dates

Holiday Shipping Deadlines


It’s not too early to think about holiday packaging for your business. Due to COVID-19 and the upcoming holidays, all our shipping carriers are experiencing severe delays but we’re committed to helping you navigate the busy holiday season. To ensure delivery of our products, we suggest that all orders are placed by these dates.

2020 holiday ordering
Lightbulb Idea!

Use shredded recycled paper to protect your products and enhance the unboxing experience. We've teamed up with Spring-Fill to offer up lots of fun colors for the holidays. Ask us for more information. 



custom packaging for Kellys kitchen from CompanyBox

Custom Packaging: How to Find the Face of Your Brand


Branding defines the ‘you’ in your business. It’s the face, personality and values embraced by your business - and then everything in between. For e-commerce companies, packaging is that face your consumer see first. They must go through the packaging to get to the product. In fact, research suggests that almost 50% of consumers consider becoming more loyal to a brand during their first purchase. So, for start up brands like Kelly’s Kitchen Creation, it's smart to have initial brand development include packaging.

Kelly's table runner inspiration for her branded packaging
sweet discovery

Kelly Larson, founder of Kelly’s Kitchen Creation (KKC) started making pralines to generate extra money while balancing motherhood and finishing a degree in journalism. Like some of the best brand stories out there, Larson found she had discovered something that people liked. Something people wanted more of. With the encouragement from a professor, she started to blog and launched the Kelly’s Kitchen Creation shop, a place where she could offer her pralines, cookies and Uncle Wally's spice blend.

brand captured 

From the beginning, Larson was watching a friend launch her e-commerce site Southern Poms. “I thought her custom packaging was next level,” she explains. “So I wondered, ‘what could I do to make my own?’”

She selected CompanyBox to print her first set of boxes. Larson knew the boxes should capture the essence of her brand so she chose to use an image of her table runner for the outside of the package. “That table runner is my signature background and is in many of my food photos. It’s bright and very colorful and that describes me,” Larson notes. “It’s also from my kitchen - Kelly’s Kitchen. It was perfect.”

She now ships out her tasty treats in her signature box and even ties it with a bright bow. Since using her custom boxes, Kelly has enjoyed hearing the positive feedback. “I can’t stop thinking about how I'll improve my packaging. Things need to taste good. But they also need to look good.”

Can we help to make packaging part of your brand? Contact us to collaborate.


MORE WOMEN IN SUBSCRIPTION

Pura Vida launched a new packaging strategy to grab more attention on social and stay engaged with a loyal female customer base. Learn how.



Women in Subscription Recap


Our team thoroughly enjoyed spending time at SUBTA’s first Women in Subscription virtual event yesterday. If you weren't able to make it, we've got you covered. Or, maybe you attended but like us, you want to spend more time soaking in all the great information. Either way, we're here with a quick Women in Subscription recap.

Not only did CompanyBox get the chance to speak on the main stage with Katie Romant, founder of TinkerTots Boxes and Brenda Keith, from Bibbidi Boxes - but we met so many amazing women (and men!) at our booth and in the networking lounge.

Watch the video session here

Listen in as our marketing lead, Cara Walters speaks with these two rockstar women about balancing motherhood and a successful company.

Subta and CompanyBox team up for Women in Subscription
our top tips

Katie and Brenda shared their tips for women starting off in the subscription industry. Here are our top 3 takeaways:

  1. Go for it: There's never going to be a perfect time. You may stumble, but it's important to pull yourself up and keep going!
  2. Don't lose sight of your brand: Keep the brand at the forefront of everything you do. It should be a source of inspiration and focus. Customer experience is everything!
  3. Find a support network: Surround yourself with friends, family and/or mentors. Be bold when asking for help and find someone you can rely on.

We also heard from other inspirational women in the subscription industry like Brittany Rhodes, from Black Girl MATHgic, Jessica Principe founder of All Girl Shave Club and Julie Ball from Sparkle Hustle Grow. The CompanyBox team was excited to see our new partners, Spring-Fill who's recyclable paper fill is a perfect addition to any subscription box.

A big thank you to SUBTA for allowing us to sponsor and this important event. We look forward to the virtual SubSummit on November 11, 2020.

Save the Date for our next big event!

Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 15, for our video podcast: Women Who Rock.

Grab a cup of coffee and join us from the comfort of your home. We'll talk with more remarkable female entrepreneurs about growing a business, doing influence marketing right and advancing social media to the next level. You don't want to miss it!

More women in subscription

Pura Vida launched a new packaging strategy to grab more attention on social and stay engaged with a loyal female customer base. Learn how.