In one word, I can sum up why I was interested in THE original basket boutique: “Lifestyle.” I was ready for a new lifestyle.

After working for over 25 years in retail management and sales, my schedule routinely consisted of one weekend off per month.  I also worked at least two nights per week.  I had already missed so much of my 11 and 7 year old daughter’s lives with “retail hours.”  My husband and parents were the ones taking my kids to their soccer games and participating in their school events.  These kinds of sacrifices tug at every mother’s heartstrings.

I felt like my life was racing by and I was just a spectator during the ride. There had to be a better way! I knew there had to be something out there that would allow me to have a rewarding career and still find time to be there for my daughters and husband.

In January 2007, my husband David contracted THE original basket boutique, Tallahassee, FL to build 25 gift baskets for his top clients. David was intrigued by the company so he decided to investigate.  We began to research gift basket businesses and whether it would be viable to start one ourselves. The independent gift basket business owners we approached were very guarded.  Concerned about the possibility of a competitor in their area, they were reluctant to give us any information. That was until we called the owner of THE original basket boutique franchise in Tallahassee, FL. 

THE original basket boutique opened their doors to us.  We saw the possibilities and opportunities of owning a franchise from THE original basket boutique. We admired the franchise owners that we talked with and their openness about their business. That month, my husband had the opportunity to meet with franchisors, Pat Lamoureux and Zora Brouwer.  It was an instant match.

Yes, we could have most likely started a company on our own, but having a franchise made so much more business sense. We knew that buying an already proven system and brand was going to give us the competitive advantage we were looking for. We purchased our franchise in March 2007 and started our adventure.

Not only did we have the start of a great business, but I had my life back. Finally I had a job (if you can call it that) which worked around my schedule. I was a Mom first, then a businessperson. This business fit perfectly in my busy life.  It also gave my husband David and me the chance to work at something together.

We have been in our franchise almost 3 years now and we can’t imagine doing anything else. We became the US Headquarters in 2008 because David & I shared the same vision as the franchisors to expand and grow this opportunity in the US.

I can’t describe the feeling of self-worth and accomplishment that we have with our business. You have to experience for yourself. If you are still thinking about one of our franchises, then I encourage you to give me a call anytime. I will be happy to speak with you about my experience and help you with making one of the most important decisions of your life.

Are you ready for a change? If you are, then it’s time to be original with THE original basket boutique.

Sheri Beckham
Franchise Owner
THE original basket boutique, USA Headquarters