New England’s Hidden Treasures is an artisan subscription box started by Briana Gosselin filled with locally curated items from New England. Each box contains 4-6 handcrafted local goods from a wide variety of small businesses. It is designed to be unique, exciting, and help subscribers discover small businesses all throughout New England. The subscription box supports the local economy and also uses 100% recycled shipping materials.
How did you come up with the idea?
I am a New England native – I have spent a lot of my life visiting different areas and I’m so close to the Big E, which is one of the biggest fairs dedicated to showcasing all of New England. I wanted to create a unique box and, as a small business owner and crafter myself, I wanted to help businesses get discovered. New England has a special charm… that’s something I wanted to capture in the box. Even as a New England native, I didn’t realize how many small businesses were out there creating amazing things!
How do you select your products?
I have been researching and speaking with dozens of businesses for months now. I spend a lot of time learning about the company and, many times, I request a sample. From there, I start selecting businesses that I believe provide high-quality products and value. Each company we want to work with is hand-selected for a particular month’s box. We try our hardest to place items that fit together.
How do you find customers?
The Cratejoy Marketplace has been a blessing for us – our market doesn’t really use Facebook or Instagram the way we’d like them to, making it harder to reach customers. Most recently we’ve been visiting local craft shows to sell and promote our box. We’ve gotten our most interest at shows, but so far most of our customers come from the Marketplace.
What is the most difficult part of running a subscription box business?
The most difficult part is finding time. I work full-time as a marketing coordinator, so my off time isn’t exactly free time, it’s box time! Secondly, reaching customers has been our biggest challenge. We’ve got this great product ready to go – now we just need people to notice us!
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
The part I enjoy most is discovering businesses and products! I always stumble across something totally cool and unique. In December we had a handcrafted sea glass ornament made from crushed lobster shells. It was gorgeous! If I wasn’t on this journey, I never would have discovered such an amazing product. Have you ever walked into a small local shop on the Cape? You’re in awe at what’s throughout the store. I get that feeling every time I meet a new business!
What do customers love most about your box?
Our customers love that everything is local! Time and time again I get from businesses and customers, “What a neat idea! I wish I had thought of it!” Keeping local products in our box is something customers treasure. Not everything has to come from overseas.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in subscription commerce?
Some advice I would give to someone just starting out is to do your homework! Research, read, learn, and understand how to operate a business! I wanted to jump in before Christmas for the holiday boost of sales – but I pushed it and am making up for my mistakes as I go along. Take your time and let something come together naturally. Don’t force it. Just work hard and never stop caring!
