Thoughtful gifting takes time, reflection, and care. Behind the beautifully curated gifts are endless hours of research, planning, creation and imagination. Through it all, BlkBox delivers on one true passion — simply the art of giving. Whether it’s for corporate events or a special occasion, the mother and son co-owners Karen and Justin Wright are a reliable source of carefully-curated gifts.
The idea for their Connecticut home-based studio, BlkBox (pronounced: Black Box), started with a conversation on the beach in Martha’s Vineyard. With advice from husband/father/business owner, Eric Wright, the idea quickly evolved. Justin’s long-time friend and Rollins College classmate, Benjamin Simpkins, joined the team to bring his business acumen from many years as an equestrian, breeder, designer and owner of a state-of-the-art equestrian facility. After months of planning, a unique opportunity with basketball legend John Starks provided a launch event to showcase their gift box designs. Curated presentations are not only beautiful and thoughtful, but they tell a story, connect people and build relationships. True to their mission, to facilitate meaningful luxury gifting in a socially responsible way, they make every attempt to curate the highest quality products and express a love of fine details with an authentic approach.
Karen’s high-style aesthetic didn’t just happen, it has evolved over many years — and Justin was right there. “The art of gifting is a result of a lot of trial and error,” says Karen. She previously curated gifts for a who’s who of clients, including KB home builder, Bertelsmann Music Group, and Grammy Award and Country Music Award winners.
Justin has developed his own discerning eye as a devoted international traveler, resident of Brooklyn, marketer and brand manager. Adds Justin, “We work from a world view and a knowledge of different cultures, combined with our New England roots.” Justin has observed firsthand how important it is to find the right gift for each person and occasion. For him, social responsibility plays an important role, and curating gifts that give back is an effortless way for companies and individuals to support the social, economic and environmental causes that are increasingly important to our society. Karen points out as a C-suite vice president and business leader she learned to a technique she calls “listen to solve.” “Anyone can put beautiful products in a box,” Karen says. “With the busyness of our lives and with so many choices, gift shopping can feel overwhelming. We help you to take a moment to think about how you know the person. Consider their home, their lifestyle, it becomes a discovery process. It’s not just what you give, it’s the backstory to how and why you give.” “We aspire to curate and provide the best of the best to our clients in every way,” says Justin. “That’s what makes it exciting for me. I get my inspiration looking for brands and styles, different attributes and vibes.”

From start to finish, the team seeks to fully understand their clients’ needs and put them at ease knowing their gifting is not simply elevated gestures, but that every last detail will be taken care of.

Shoppers may peruse the BlkBox website for pre-curated designs, but the greatest advantage the Wrights offer is their experience-based guidance. Simply complete a short questionnaire on the website about the occasion to be celebrated, and they will contact you to ask more questions that leads to a gift tailored to the recipient’s taste and preferences.

•Offer consulting,planning,facilitation, and coaching services to a variety of industries and businesses, including, publishing, insurance, banking, trade associations, educational institutions, wellness/fitness, non-profits, and entrepreneurs.
•Specialize in strategy, branding, execution, diversity, governance, boards,and leadership development.
•Help individuals with career strategy and planning, coaching, social media profiles, resumes, negotiations, and transitions.
•Unique business model based upon the sharing economy. We support a pragmatic approach to success, problem solving, relevance, value creation, sustainability and results.
•40+ member platform with operating groups in Chicago, New Jersey, New York and Westchester/Connecticut.
• Managing Principal brings expertise from working at or with organizations such as Allstate Insurance Company, American Legacy, the American Red Cross, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, CUNY, the Department of Treasury (IRS), the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Girl Scouts of the USA, Keyspan, NYISO, Riversource Funds, Sagicor Life USA, SBLI USA, and USTrust Bank.

Change Create Transform was founded in 2010 to support individuals and organizations to achieve exceptional results through problem solving and idea generation. Companion foundation supports education and scholarships through partnerships with several major universities and colleges.

•Developed private 501(c)(3) foundation, strategic plan, and implementation of scholarship and leadership development program in partnership with nine academic institutions to support students in completing academic course of study, transitioning to work, and nurturing lifelong leadership skills. First scholarship awarded in 2002, foundation started in 2010 and 100 Promise Prize Scholars awarded through 2019.

Effie’s Paper :: Stationery&Whatnot is a lifestyle brand setting the trend for the cool accessories to buy, how to travel in style and how much coffee it’s chic to drink on a daily basis.

We believe that from the door to her desk, a woman should be surrounded by pretty things that make her heart leap! Our products are a unique mix of casual elegance, motivation and social conversation that make using them fun and engaging. Although named after Kalyn’s grandmother, Effie’s Paper::Stationery&Whatnot is not your grandmother’s lifestyle brand!

The goal was simple, to create lifestyle products that could co-exist with today’s technology. Et voilà! We offer our online customers, and wholesale accounts, an on-trend, curated selection of stylish desk, stationery, travel and gift accessories. Our products reflect our belief that the future is female and is being shaped by the power of Black Girl Magic!

Effie’s Paper :: Stationery&Whatnot is a certified MWBE (Minority Owned Women Business Enterprise) and Kalyn is a recent graduate of the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.

I am a full service intellectual property attorney, providing patent, trademark, copyright, software, and e-commerce related legal services.

Parolee Cobblers (pronounced pair-o-lee) and pies is a family-owned specialty bakery that specializes in Deep Dish Kentucky Fruit Cobblers that are not just homemade, but handmade from scratch with love and our signature crust. Our desserts look like a work of art and taste like a masterpiece. You can find Parolee’s at major festivals in central and southwest Ohio. A seasonal business.