CompanyBox Announces Donation of 100,000 Secure Takeout Boxes in response to COVID-19
CHARLOTTE, NC- APRIL 6, 2020- CompanyBox announced that it has developed a new secure, food-safe ink takeout, pizza, and bakery box. We will donate 100 free boxes to any restaurants in the United States who would like to use them. These take out boxes have a single use seal, which keeps the food securely inside until the recipient removes the adhesive tear strip.
“Businesses like bakeries, breweries and food trucks need a helping hand.” stated Louie DeJesus, CEO of CompanyBox. “Our hope is that this added peace of mind drives more takeout orders and helps all those involved.”
Free curbside pick-up will be offered for locals. A delivery option with shipping fees is also an option for those outside the area.
Learn more information on the Secure Pizza Box.
About CompanyBox
CompanyBox was formed in 2014 by Louie DeJesus and the DeJesus family. A company that believes in the power of branded packaging to make customer connections, CompanyBox launched with the aim to make custom packaging available to everyone. Their mission is to set a new standard for print, with packaging products that allow others to build their brand and elevate their presentation in the e-commerce and retail industries.
Water-Based Ink is the Eco-Friendly Choice
When it comes to ink, not everything is equal. As digital printing becomes more commonplace, manufacturers are taking a good look at their ink. What does environmentally safe mean in printing and what is the best option for packaging food?
A high-profile case occurred in 2005 involving a massive recall of Nestlé baby milk formula in Europe. The brand had to recall 30 million liters of products after trace amounts of ink chemicals were found in the cartons. Nestlé lost an estimated €1. 6 million worth of products.
The industry calls this issue "migration": when ink from the surface material enters the product contained in a package. This case forced retailers and brands around the world to take a closer look at their own packaging.
Digital ink options?
UV-curable inks are immediately exposed to ultraviolet lights as they are printed. This method ‘dries’ or cures the ink when chemicals react with certain wavelengths of that ultraviolet light. This process makes the ink firm and more resistant to abrasions. Unfortunately, these same chemicals can migrate into the interior of the package and interact with food and beverages.
Water-based ink avoids the use of these UV-reactive chemistries. Ink is still delivered to the top of the material. However, instead of using ultraviolet light to cure the ink, this new digital process uses heat. The result delivers the same durable, vibrant quality. This is the safest packaging choice for products that are edible.
Why we invested in new technology
Water-based ink stand out as odorless, low VOC and nontoxic. This option opens up huge possibilities for companies who want a more environmentally friendly ink or who worry about ink migrating into their products. Brands that package food, cosmetics, drugs or even children’s products should consider this alternative.
Water-based ink is also much more gentle on the environment because it’s water soluble. That means, when a corrugated box is recycled, unwanted substances aren't entering our waste and water supply. The ink meets environmental criteria throughout its entire life cycle - from production to disposal.
CompanyBox felt it was important to invest in water-based ink technology and strengthen our commitment to the environment. We are first and foremost a team of mothers, fathers, daughters and sons. Therefore, it was imperative to take a closer look at our environmental impact. We wanted to open the door to industries that necessitate safe printing.
“We partnered with HP because of their commitment to sustainable ink innovation.” says CEO Louie DeJesus. “Their water-based ink has earned ECOLOGO certification which perfectly matches our values.” (HP was the first digital printing solution to receive this credential.) In October, 2019 HP committed $200 million over five or more years to develop water-based ink technologies for printing digitally.
This ink also complies with even the most stringent global food safety regulations* making it the number one choice for food and beverage packaging.
If you're looking for water-based ink for your packaging, check out our Luxe option. CompanyBox has also taken steps to ensure our raw materials meet high environmental standards. We proudly partner with a local supplier who is FSC certified and a member of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
Check out some articles related to sustainability and food safe products:
- https://companybox.com/blog/4-eco-friendly-brands-with-more-than-basic-packaging-recyclable/
- https://companybox.com/blog/companybox-announces-donation-of-100000-secure-takeout-boxes-in-response-to-covid-19/
- https://companybox.com/products/food-safe-packaging/
How We Use Bleed in Our Custom Designs
The word “bleed” is a common term with digital designers. Bleeds allow you to run artwork to the edge of whatever is being printed. On a press, artwork is printed on a large sheet of corrugate and then trimmed down to size. Adding a bleed ensures there are no margins.
In simple terms, bleed extends your design so it’s slightly larger than the finished print size. It ensures you get the results you want.
We recommend a minimum bleed of 1/8" of an inch - that way even with small mechanical variations, you won’t be left with a hairline white (or kraft) edge.
For example, if you've designed a standard 4" x 6" card with a blue background, you would want to extend the background to look like this.
Using bleed in CompanyBox templates
Extending your background or art on a flat card is fairly simple. Same principles apply when designing a custom box, but this time there are more curves and angles to consider.
Three types of lines to remember in packaging design:
Crease lines display where the box will fold. Designs and images can extend over these lines, but be sure to pay attention to what will be hidden when the box is all folded up.
Cut lines are pretty self explanatory. The box will be cut from a flat sheet following these lines. We recommend keeping text a safe distance from these lines.
Bleed lines show how far you should extend your design.
Now, let's explain how to create a project with those lines in place.
Online designer
It couldn’t get any easier if you’re using our online designer. Be sure to take notice of those three colored lines.
- Start a new project
- Choose product style, size and print options
- Click > Online Designer
- If you want a colored background, choose a color from the Toolbar
- The color will automatically extend the color to the green bleed lines
- Be sure all other artwork reaches the green line
- Add quantity and add to cart.
Adobe Illustrator
If you want to work offline, it's best to create your design in Adobe Illustrator.
- Choose your product style and size, then download that template
- Right click the PDF > open with > Adobe Illustrator
- You will see the template with bleed, cut and crease lines. Do not adjust these lines! (Do not rotate or resize the template to fit your artwork either.)
- Add a new layer for art. You'll want to place all your designs on this art layer
- Be sure to carry all artwork out to the bleed lines
Now you can start flexing those design muscles. Pull in high resolution images or vector art from sites like istock.com. Add logos or text and you've got a box that will turn heads.
Last step is to upload the completed file/files in PDF format to the CompanyBox website. Keep our lines in place- we'll remove them before printing. Promise!
To add an inside print, just repeat for a second PDF. Just be sure to send over those files separately.
Albert Einstein said, "Creativity is intelligence having fun."- Go have fun with with your designs. We can't wait to see what you create!
Interested in creating unique packaging that reflects your brand? We've got designers who can help, or create your own with our online design studio.
Exploring Authenticity with Branding in SeaVees
SeaVees looks and feels like a quintessential California brand. And it is, but not in the way you might think. The brand has had two lives. One started in 1964 and one in 2008. If you know SeaVees, this may come as a surprise. It seems like a brand that has been around forever, but SeaVees had a surprisingly short first life. It was dormant from 1971 until designer & entrepreneur, Steven Tiller, revived and relaunched it just over a decade ago. Its second life has already lasted longer than its first.
Embracing the Past
It’s rare for any brand to have a second chance after such a long hiatus, even rarer for that brand to so expertly tap the essence of the brand’s origin story. They've done it in a way that is accessible and relevant for a contemporary audience. It calls on the nearly mythical Southern California lifestyle, where the weather is perfect and the surroundings so beautiful time almost stands still. This is what allows brand adherents to believe SeaVees has been around forever. It’s also why owning a pair seems like a rite of passage. It's the ‘red thread’ that gives SeaVees such a strong element of authenticity.
This authenticity shows itself throughout everything we see. From the imagery and marketing, to the packaging and the product itself.
Rebirth of a Brand
Visit the website today, and you feel like you’re on the beach near their Santa Barbara office. It’s casual, comfortable and feels completely California. Plus, all product names have a So Cal attribution.
When you receive your new SeaVees, the tactile expression of their branded packaging reinforces the core brand. The shoebox and the paper inside feel like something that was so good from the beginning that nothing ever had to change.
This is packaging that all but guarantees a re-order. We love the consistent brand expression from start to finish, and especially the details in the packaging. (The tissue paper is custom printed with an original ad for SeaVees from the 1960s.)
Why we dig it:
- Authentic brand expression that is evident in every touchpoint.
- Entrepreneur driven, rebirth of an iconic brand.
- Packaging that reinforces an emotional connection with the brand
True story - we love all things packaging. Interested in creating packaging to add authenticity to your brand? Let's talk
Bryan McCarter
Bryan is a marketer with an affinity for startup brands. His background includes New York advertising agencies and several global brands though he is now focused on helping startups grow their marketing expertise from his Charlotte, NC base.
Fantastic Subscription Boxes for Kids and Teens
Oh, how we love a good subscription box. They are literally the gift that keeps giving. Plus, who doesn’t like to receive mail? Kids especially feel pretty special when something arrives that’s addressed TO THEM. We’ve pulled together some subscription boxes that would be perfect gifts for the holidays. Bonus tip: Purchase the box ahead of time or one of the single products these companies offer. Add a personal note to explain the subscription and wrap it up. Now you’ve got a thoughtful and unique gift.
*We did not receive any compensation to recommend any of these companies. Very simply, we just think they're awesome.
1. Little Heirloom Books- For the book lover: Stop searching for quality kid’s books! This subscription is like your favorite bookstore plus a children's boutique, all wrapped up in one convenient package. These are the books you’ll want to pass down to the next generation. Ages 3-8
2. Kids Night In- For the experience lover: Quality night in experiences with a monthly theme. This company is all about “playing with a purpose” and we love that it’s not just more stuff to collect dust. Ages 3-8
3. Kidstir- For the chef: Teach kids essential cooking skills and spend time together in the kitchen. Each themed kit comes with step by step recipes, cooking tools and creative materials. (Adults get an emailed shopping list before the box arrives.) Ages 5-12
4. KiwiCo- For the scientist: Hands-on STEAM projects for the next generation of scientists, artists, & makers. This stuff is way cool. Think: Build a catapult, make soap and design a cannonball launcher. Ages 0-16+
5. Little Passports- For the adventurist: Creative and fun ways to explore the world. Learn about world music or discover other countries with souvenirs and activities. Older ones tour the USA with activities and reveal the mysteries of the world through science experiments. Ages 3-9+
6. Brick Loot- For the builder: A box dedicated to true LEGO fans! Started by a 9 year entrepreneur, Brick Loot boxes are filled with 4-8 items that are hand picked by brick specialists who scour the world for the newest and coolest products for your child to collect. Ages 6-18+
7. Groovy Lab- For the engineer: The group at Groovy Lab believes in giving kids a starting point for learning- and they make it fun. Their STEM boxes align with the Next Generation Science Standards and come with a monthly engineering design challenge, lab notebook and access to an online learning portal. There’s no detailed directions here- kids must rely on their critical thinking skills! Ages 8+
8. Stitch Fix Kids- For the fashionista: After filling out a profile, a stylist will ship a box of 8-12 items (tops, dresses, shoes, pants, pajamas, etc). Your kids can try on the clothing, buy what you want, and send back the rest. Sizes 2T-14
9. Literati- For the reader: Do your kids devour books every chance they get? Literali sends 5 books in each package. Browse the books for a week and send back what you don’t want to keep. We love this idea because it feels customized for each child. Don’t we all like different book genres? Ages 1-12
10. Creation Crate- For the techie: Kits for the teen who wants to sharpen their skills in building and programming awesome electronics projects. Boxes come with necessary components as well as access to their online classroom. Seems like too much? Not to worry, projects become progressively challenging. Ages 12+
11. Pura Vida Bracelet Club- For the trendsetter: subscribers receive 3 exclusive bracelets every month. Mix and match or just stack them up for the most stylish arm candy out there. Any age
12. Gentleman's Box- For the polished guy: If you’ve got a teen who’s into fashion and style, this is the box for him. Think ties, swanky socks, lifestyle accessories and grooming products to keep him looking very GQ. Ages 16+
13. Bomibox- For the beauty lover: This curated Korean beauty box is quite a treat. It includes 8 full-sized or deluxe travel sized premium skincare products. The founder battled sensitive skin and melasma for years before discovering the benefits of Korean skincare. Here's a chance for her to try out some of these cult classics.
13. Harry's- For the boy who's becoming a man: If he's just starting to shave, this is a great kit for him to receive at a pace that matches how often he needs to shave. You can even add shave gel into the subscription. Harry's also sells other body products and accessories as well as some pretty great looking holiday gift sets.
15. All Girl Shave Club- For the girl who's becoming a woman: Girls need shaving tools too! We love All Girl Shave Club because they have a kit dedicated to her first shave. It promotes body confidence and positive self-esteem through journal exercises, affirmations, and tutorials. Yes to girl power.
Hope this gives you a few more ideas for the kids on your list. Any other subscription boxes the young people in your life have tried? If you're thinking about starting your own subscription company let's talk.
Can You Use Pantone's 2020 Color of the Year in Your Packaging?
Pantone just announced their color of the year for 2020, and it’s one that we can get behind. Say hello to Classic Blue, a steadfast and dependable color reminiscent of a wide-open evening sky. We also saw this color not long ago as one of Pantone’s 2020 Spring/Summer 12 biggest color trend picks. So, how can you use it in your packaging? Let's take a look at how other companies have incorporated variations of this saturated true blue and what colors combos are rock solid.
Blue has always been favored by people. Even the saying “true-blue” alludes to the idea of blue being the color of constancy. It’s often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure and orderly. Similarly, it's a color that we've seen have great success in the packaging world. However, blues can be hard to get right. It's important to talk to your manufacturer if you have a specific tone in mind and they can be sure to match it.
Even Keel
Warm sage mixed with deep orange and pink are a great complement to Classic Blue
Brooklyn-based, Even Keel infuses botanicals and herbs into their vegan bath & body products. Batched in small quantities,the skincare line is served up in deep blue packaging that complements the natural hues of the products themselves.
Fortnum & Mason
Vibrant red adds life and personality to a blue and white English country illustration
First founded in London’s Piccadilly in 1707, Fortnum & Mason puts great care and attention to detail into their packaging. With designs that draw on old tapestries, book illustrations and woodcut prints, they have been long devoted to the “unboxing” pleasure long before it was even a thing.
In the wrap-around design of their Country Biscuits, classic blue and white work together to create an intricate background scene, allowing the red colors to draw your eye.
Fort Point Beer Co.
A moodier combination of gold, burgundy and light blue gives geometric line art center stage
Fort Point Beer Company takes you on a drive through San Francisco. You’ll see the Golden Gate Bridge, Sutro Tower, and the stunning Golden Gate Park; all creatively displayed on cans of their local brews. There’s no denying it; the craft brewery, who calls San Francisco home knocked it out of the park with their geometric designs (each type gets its own illustrated look).
The Bijou Factory
An artistic mix and match look pairs with pops of iridescent gold, light pink and aqua
The Bijou Factor, a company that specializes in self-made jewelry kits smartly developed colorful packaging that matches the product tones. The shapes on the outside remind us of pieces of handmade jewelry or someone having fun with a paintbrush. The bright blue, in particular, pops like a sapphire. In short, this is packaging that makes us smile.
Sunbird Rooibos
Bold blue layered under gold foil add a rich complexity to the packaging
Sunbird Rooibos is the only company in the world to offer organically grown Rooibos tea from a single- origin source. Founded in South Africa by a husband and wife team, Sunbird’s tea is made with pure Rooibos, made unique by climate and soil. The teabags are housed in beautiful boxes with gold foil, intricate illustrations and rich colors.
Zephyr Coffee Co.
A vibrant blue, coral, and turquoise add life and personality to a contemporary white bag.
Zephyr Coffee Company’s branding has an artistic appeal that’s unlike the traditional coffee landscape. Instead of using blacks, browns and reds, Zephyr invited local mural artists to design the artwork for their coffee bags. The result for this New Zealand based company, is a stunning showcase of fresh blues, purple and pops of coral. Certainly, perfect for a youthful coffee audience.
The Pantone Color of the Year certainly didn't disappoint. Can you add some Classic Blue into your packaging? Let's talk.
4 Eco-Friendly Brands With More Than Basic Packaging
For decades, the US has been sending the bulk of our recycling to China. Last year, they decided to no longer be a dumping ground for the world’s recyclable waste, essentially jamming the recycling programs in every country. This ban on plastics and mixed paper (think: junk mail, magazines and office paper) has left waste companies scrambling. Now they’re telling towns, cities, and counties that there’s no longer a market for their recycling. So where does it all end up? Landfills.
Some companies have decided to take a stand on this war on trash. From no-waste bottles to plastic free packaging and recyclable cardboard boxes, we've found the brands developing better solutions and better packaging for a growing throwaway culture. They have integrated sustainability into their products as a design requirement. In a bid to help the planet, we rounded up a few of our favorites.
Blueland
Reusable, refillable, eco-friendly cleaning products
CEO and Co-founder Sarah Paiji Yoo started Blueland with a mission to eliminate single use plastic bottles. 14 billion pounds of trash is dumped into the ocean each year and these microplastics are landing back up our food and water. The company will send you a clean essentials kit with their Forever Bottles and cleaning tablets. Simply fill the bottle with water, drop in a tablet and you've got instant cleaning solution. No plastic, no waste.
Blueland has several different options to get started. Essential Kits with everything will run you $38 or purchase a single kit for $12. Buy refill packs for $2 each (then compost the wrapper)! If you want to switch things up for the holidays, they are currently offering scents like gingerbread, evergreen and peppermint.
Why we dig it:
- Environmentally conscious company with a worthy purpose.
- Smart use of recyclable inserts to protect and display bottles
- Yay for eliminating plastic in landfills! Buy the bottle just once.
- All the products are formulated with non-toxic ingredients
Myro
Refillable plant-powered deodorant
Myro deodorant has kept out all the scary ingredients (hello aluminum, parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances) and created a fully recyclable and refillable pod system. The mix & match cases themselves come in a variety of colors and use 50% less plastic than traditional drugstore deodorant.
The starter kit comes to you for $10 in a smartly designed package (love that insert!). From there, refill pods are $10 each and delivered quarterly in packs of three. Just take out the used pod and pop in a new scent for happy armpits. Customers can cancel, pause or switch scents at any time.
Why we dig it:
- Packaging designed with the planet in mind
- All 6 scents are 100% essential oils and naturally derived ingredients
- Printed insert holds everything in place
- Sleek, refillable case cuts down on plastic waste
Bite
Zero waste, toothpaste tablet
Besides cleaning your teeth, most toothpaste has one thing in common: the plastic tube. Whitening, fluoride free, mint or bubble-gum flavor - each tube will most likely end up in a landfill. Bite toothpaste invites you to “kick the tube.” The bits were designed to fit in a small glass bottle. Pop a tablet in your mouth, bite down and brush with a wet toothbrush. Our favorite part is the travel convenience. No more buying tiny tubes of toothpaste to fit TSA guidelines. Just bring enough bits to carry you through your time away from home.
One bottle of Bite Toothpaste Bits costs $12. Choose from Naturally Whitening Mint or Fresh Mint with Activated Charcoal. It all comes to your mailbox in a recyclable box. They also have a subscription service that sends a $30 supply of 256 tablets every four months.
Why we dig it:
- 100% plastic-free: glass bottles, aluminum lids & fully compostable refill packets
- Practical and easy to travel with
- Tablets are all-natural, fair trade, vegan and made with organic ingredients
- Minimalistic styling allows the focus to be on the brand’s purpose
HiBAR
Solid shampoos and conditioners that skip plastic packaging
HiBAR is winning the war on plastic. There are two basic problems with typical shampoo. First, the plastic bottles themselves. Americans buy more than a billion dollars worth worth of shampoo each year. That’s a lot of plastic bottles! Second, as much as 80% of shampoo and conditioner is plain ol' H2o. That means we’re paying to ship, store and use a product that’s mostly water. HiBar smartly removed both the water and the plastic.
So what do you get? A solid bar of shampoo or conditioner. Apply directly to your wet hair or rub in your palms and then into your hair. HiBar says it will lather up quickly from there. You can also breath easy knowing everything is made with a blend of almost entirely plant-based ingredients and essential oils . A set costs $26.50 or subscribe to receive a package every 3 months for $75.54.
Why we dig it:
- Clever shape that perfectly fits in your hand stands alone in the shower.
- Paper and shipping packaging that are recyclable, compostable or biodegradable, including the packing tape. You'll find no plastic here.
- Breeze through airport security with it. Just wrap up in a towel and pack along with your clothes.
- That perfectly shaped packaging. Genius.
Yes, we love all things packaging. Interested in creating something recyclable to showcase your brand? Let's talk.
How to Perfectly Measure a Box
It’s all about the measurements. Have you ever received a package with the contents rattling around inside? Maybe you’ve opened an enormous box and pulled out gobs of packing material (you know the stuff: bubble wrap, air pillows and packing paper) only to find a tiny product buried at the bottom.
Packaging mismeasurements can be costly to your business. It's easy to spend extra on larger than needed boxes or extra filling material. Our goal is to aim for perfection. Let’s minimize the waste, protect the product and save on shipping costs.
Interior Dimensions
The interior dimensions are used to determine the fit of products that go inside. The industry standard measurements you see when ordering or customizing boxes, are always for the inside. It will be displayed as:
L x W x D
To measure, place the box in front of you and measure the inside length, width, and depth to the nearest tenth of an inch. (Make sure to round up.) Once you have that information, you’ll want to order a box that uses the least amount of internal packing material while still protecting the product.
If you're still not 100% sure what size to order, most packaging providers will happily allow you to send a sample of your product for proper measurement. (They will return it safely to you.)
Using boxes specific for your needs can ensure product protection while improving your bottom line. A snug fit will greatly reduce the amount of packing material needed and create a more sustainable package. We call that a win.
Exterior Dimensions
Now for the outside of the box. Exterior dimensions are used to determine shipping costs. It’s helpful to know these dimensions for inventory purposes. (How many boxes can fit on a pallet? How many will fit inside your storage area?) To measure, you will still follow the same formula of L x W x D.
Here, you’ll want to understand the term "dimensional weight" or DIM. It's a somewhat newer pricing technique carriers are using. Previously, most consumers chose boxes much larger than necessary, causing vehicles to fill up before reaching their physical weight capacity. In easy terms: you can now charged by how much space your package takes up in a truck, not necessarily by how much it weighs. (Ultimately, you benefit from using smaller package sizes.)
To calculate DIM weight:
- Multiply length by width by height in inches. Round each measurement to the nearest whole inch. The total is the cubic size of your package.
- Take the cubic size and divide it by a dimensional factor (also called a DIM divisor.) This is a number determined by each major freight carriers. Right now it's 139 for FedEx and UPS.
- The resulting number is your DIM weight.
The bigger number takes the prize. Carriers take the greater of the weights to determine shipping cost. (DIM weight vs scale-based weight.)
If you're not in the mood to break out the calculator, sites like FedEx have easy to use dimensional weight calculators.
Here's the good news. With your measurements in hand, you can create a perfect box. One that protects your product with a snug interior fit and saves shipping with smaller exterior dimensions.
We're ready to get started with your next project! Get a quote for the perfect sized packaging.
Little Heirloom Books: Building Connections with Children Through Reading
“Read good books. Raise good humans. Relish the things that last.” These are the words Little Heirloom Books has fashioned their business around. Co-founders, Camille Close and Meredith Church shared a love for children’s literature and a belief that a high quality book is not always the easiest to find, especially for busy families. They set out to create a monthly book club with handpicked stories, beautiful illustrations and uplifting messages.
The result of their collaboration was Little Heirloom Books; a book club for modern families with minimalist ideals. Choose from one of three subscription types - The Storyteller, The Adventurer or The Enthusiast. Each level adds more curated, quality goods that coordinate with the box's value-based themes.
However, for Little Heirloom Books, it wasn’t just about the delightful books and objects that went inside the box. Presentation and first impressions mattered to them. We dug deeper into how this special company started, what their design process was and how they select top quality literature.
What inspired you to create a business around children's books?
Being moms and lifelong readers ourselves, books of all kinds (especially children's literature) have been a centerpiece of our homes and lives. There's something about an excellent book that is so powerful: it opens doors to adventure, empathy, trust, courage, and so much more. We've been reading to our babies since they were born to share the love!"
"We found that among the books published every year, not all had the quality - both visually and textually - that we wanted to nurse our kids on. Care and deliberation went into choosing children's books for our own families. We set out to build a box that would align with our values.
C. S. Lewis said, "No book is really worth reading at the age of ten, which is not equally - and often far more - worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond." And we felt to extend that to include picture books. A good book is a good book for all ages!
Talk about the design process and inspiration for your packaging.
We wanted to reflect our name and company values with our packaging. Little Heirloom Books connotes a product for children that is high quality and will stand the test of time. So we wanted our box to have a little bit of whimsy, a little bit of imperfection, and a handcrafted feeling.
We also wanted the design to be timeless. We picked a cheerful but grounded color and kept the palette minimal for simplicity. On the back of the box, we made it easy for people to find us online and included the logo of Page 158, our partner indie bookstore.
How do you choose which books make it into your box each month?
Every box includes a book published within the previous ninety days. To find the best ones, we sort through hundreds of upcoming titles and to be considered for the box, it has to meet all three of the following criteria:
1. The illustrations must be beautiful. We look for enthralling, detailed art with a lovely color palette that draws in readers of all ages. Children read stories through the pictures first, so the illustrations are fundamental.
2. The story has to be just as stellar as the illustrations. The text needs to flow well, be engaging, and draw readers of all ages along. It has to be a story that children will want to read again and again - AND mom and dad won't mind a bit.
3. It needs to have an uplifting, positive message. The media children consume (including books) shapes who they become. Let's bring our children up with words that empower and encourage them! Books are also an excellent tool for opening up critical parent-child conversations. We always include discussion prompts for getting the ball rolling.
Why did you decide to use custom packaging for Little Heirloom Books?
It's essential to us that our customers feel treated when they receive a box. Not just any box would do. We needed packaging that would reflect our brand: high quality with a clean design. Plus, it needed to stand out from their ordinary mail and packages so they would know at first sight that something exceptional had arrived. Presentation and first impressions matter a great deal, and custom packaging made an excellent first impression possible for us.
What tips would you give someone hoping to start their own e-commerce business?
For us, it goes back to the community again. We have been so impressed with the generosity and kindness of people both on and off the internet! Every time we have reached out to others, we have received helpful, eager, and friendly replies. We love working with the people we have met through this online business! So our tip is to reach out and don't be shy! People helping people is what it's all about.
How does your tagline influence your brand decisions? "Read good books. Raise good humans. Relish the things that last."
Everything that goes into our box focuses on that tagline. We seek out the best books with the most meaningful messages and pair them with the highest quality of children's goods. Parents get inundated with tips, tricks, standards and expectations about how to be the best for our kids. At the same time, our children are trying to sort through expectations thrown at them. It can be a lot!
We believe that simplifying and stepping into peaceful moments reading with our kids can truly make a difference. It's in the quiet moments that we make powerful connections between parents and children, between people and ideas, between our hearts and minds.
By giving our children the best of best - in messages, in time, in being fully present and open with one another - we make a difference. We build connections with our children that will last. We raise children who are strong, brave, and kind. We create a better world. Those are the things that matter most, and what Little Heirloom Books is all about.
Thank you to Little Heirloom Books for taking the time to talk with us. If you're looking for uplifting literature for little ones, check out their subscription book club options.
Interested in creating unique packaging that reflects your brand? We've got designers who can help, or create your own with our online designer.
We're All About the Branding of This Company
Bright colors, playful design and quirky social videos. Just a few of the reasons why we’re digging the look of JAJA, the tequila brand that was established in New York City by Martin Hoffstein, Maurice Tebele and Elliot Tebele.
JAJA, which translates to “HaHa” in English, surely stands out in a bar. The labels pull in the landscape of its birthplace (Jalisco, Mexico) in pink and blue hues, creating a look that’s colorful, celebratory and youthful.
The goal was to create a high-quality tequila that didn’t look like it was meant to be drank by older men in a dark bar. Their site states “JAJA is a small batch tequila that brings laughter and celebration to family and friends.”
It’s also the core values that makes the brand stand out. Taking on a responsibility to protect the environment and incorporate sustainable practices, JAJA focuses on healthy working conditions for the harvesters and makes donations to non-profit Tequila Interchange Project. They also work to sustain bat life in Jalisco. (Bats prey on Agave, an essential part of the ecosystem in Jalisco.)
Moreover, the materials they use are renewable. Over 30% of the bottle is comprised of recycled materials and the packaging uses no plastic. That means only wood/paper corks and labels.
Looking for inspiration to have some fun with your brand? Head over to JAJA'S social pages and take a look around. It certainly put a smile on our face. Cheers.
Don’t be a stranger. CompanyBox can help create packaging that celebrates your brand.