Really Luxe
About the Company
Really Luxe, based in Brantford, Ontario, was founded by Valentina in 2020. The company specialized in creating "Gift Bouquets," offering luxury items such as chocolates, silk masks, and elegant packaging. The brand’s aesthetic was centered around neutral colors, especially gold and white, to convey a sense of luxury. While the business initially focused on local deliveries within Ontario, it also shipped throughout Canada. At its peak, the business was generating $2,000 in monthly revenue, with no employees and a minimalistic operation run by Valentina alone.
Idea Behind Company
The idea for Really Luxe stemmed from Valentina’s passion for gift wrapping and her experience working as a sales associate in a gift shop. After the shop closed, Valentina reflected on what she truly enjoyed doing and realized that gift wrapping and personalizing gifts were her strengths. She sought to bring these elements into a business, offering not just ordinary gift baskets, but luxurious and carefully designed "Gift Bouquets." Valentina was driven by the desire to create a unique brand, one that stood out by using high-quality items and offering a personalized touch in every package.
Creating the Company
The process of creating Really Luxe was a combination of Valentina’s creativity and practical planning. She meticulously chose a color scheme for the brand—white and gold—which symbolized freshness, luxury, and inclusivity. Valentina also designed the company's website, which reflected her artistic vision. Despite financial challenges, she was able to budget effectively, relying on her savings and smart financial decisions rather than going into debt. She relied heavily on word-of-mouth marketing, and during the holiday season, Really Luxe saw a significant increase in online traffic and sales, particularly due to people sending gifts during the pandemic.
Launching the Business
When Really Luxe was launched, Valentina was excited to turn her passion into a business. The initial phase involved designing the website, working on the branding, and managing finances carefully. With no employees and a small operation, she focused on building awareness through word-of-mouth, social media (Instagram, Pinterest, and Snapchat), and engaging with customers through personalized experiences. Valentina also used customer loyalty programs, like offering coupon codes via email, to bring customers back. As the business grew, the demand surged, especially around holidays and special occasions, which helped to solidify the brand's presence.
Earnings
During its run, Really Luxe reached a revenue of $2,000 per month. While the business remained small with no employees, Valentina managed to keep costs under control by utilizing a minimalistic approach to staffing and relying on her own skills in photography and website management. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Pinterest, played a significant role in attracting customers. Despite challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 and financial constraints, Really Luxe was able to generate consistent sales and attract a loyal customer base. However, the business ultimately closed in 2023, likely due to the pressures of sustaining the operation in a competitive market.
