Jonathan Floyd, owner of NOLA-based gifting box company, curates authentic New Orleans experience, supports local small businesses
NEW ORLEANS — When people buy a Box of Care gift box from founder and CEO Jonathan Floyd, they are buying local and supporting small businesses.
“Your purchase supports local makers and creators, giving life to the small businesses in New Orleans,” Floyd says. “That’s what giving is all about.”
Box of Care provides curated gift boxes for personal gifting and corporate clients. Floyd’s mission through Box of Care is to provide “a glimpse into what it is like to be a true New Orleanian” through thoughtfully curated New Orleans-themed care packages. Since 2017, Floyd has been building Box of Care into the thriving business it is today.
“My story is still unwritten,” Floyd says. “But I’ve really worked hard at this for the last five years. Days and nights, every single day.”
Floyd’s hard work is paying off as he is seeing his business grow exponentially. Box of Care has provided gift box products for major clients, including the NCAA 2022 Men’s Final Four games in New Orleans, United Airlines, Burger King, the Allstate Sugar Bowl and more.
From a young age, Floyd wanted to start a business that would help him make a positive impact on the New Orleans community. He recognized the uniqueness in the city because of its unique flavors, products and businesses. By bringing together products from New Orleans-based small businesses, Floyd is supporting the local small businesses while filling a need in the market: a desire for authentic New Orleans products and culinary experiences.
One of those businesses is Wicks NOLA owned by Tiffany Brown. Her Magazine Street storefront experienced an unexpected tragedy in April when the candle shop went up in flames after a piece of equipment malfunctioned. But her partnership with Floyd has helped to spark new business.
“Our brand partnership with Box of Care has given us the opportunity to work closely with another local brand that has a similar customer base and aligned values,” Brown said. “It has also allowed our brand to be placed in front of a brand new audience, increasing brand recognition and the opportunity for future sales.”
Floyd has grown his business over the last five years while maintaining full-time employment and balancing family duties. Running a business hasn’t been easy – but it’s been worth it, Floyd says.
“My wife is a nurse. She goes to work at night. I put my kids down, and I work on my business,” Floyd says. “My goal is to eventually have this business fully provide for my family.”
This month, he made the bold decision to walk away from his job recruiting top executives for Amazon to become a full-time entrepreneur in what has been dubbed “The Great Resignation.” This year there has been a mass exodus from corporate America with more than 4 million Americans leaving their jobs since December 2020, and the numbers are steadily increasing.
No longer married to the idea of working a 9-5 for 50 years and then retiring, Floyd is joining other millennials leading the charge on canceling corporate jobs and redefining the American Dream.
“I’d also like to be in a position to encourage other entrepreneurs to take the leap and leave to grow generational wealth and leave a legacy for their families,” Floyd said.
Additional goals for Box of Care include perfecting the concept in New Orleans and expanding to other cities where Floyd has connections and sees potential – Chicago, Houston and Atlanta, to name a few.
“Every city has its own flavor,” Floyd says. And he is proud to showcase the unique flavors that New Orleans has to offer, “Every single day.”
Floyd is currently gearing up for what he anticipates will be a busy holiday season as he already has a Santa Claus length list of orders he will be filling with the 1,000 boxes that need stuffing. To learn more about Box of Care, visit www.boxofcare.com.
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