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Update: The Sub Box now has a physical location in downtown Newnan located at 2C Jackson St. Newnan.

Imagine having a bad day. You open the mailbox and inside is a hug from an old friend. A beautifully packaged box filled with treats to make you smile along with a sweet note of support.

This is exactly the kind of service The Hug Box provides every day.

We were so excited to get the chance to speak with Vicki Wahl Sanders, founder of the Hug Box.

The idea for a gift box that is more personal than the standard basket stuffed with generic items came to Vicki fifteen years ago.

At the time, she was steeped in corporate culture working as a graphic designer. While she found many positive aspects to this job, it didn’t touch on her desire to give back to her community.

The opportunity to embark on a new journey came four years ago when she unexpectedly lost her job.

She remembered the idea of sendable hugs that she had jotted down in her journal so many years ago.

The Hug Box became a business where she could put her desire to give back into practice.

As we looked at the shelves of beautifully personalized gift boxes, we were astounded at the care that went into selecting each item in the boxes as well as the packaging.

Every aspect of a Hug Box, from the ribbon it’s tied with to the carefully crafted goodies inside, is focused on sustainability and supporting local businesses.

The artisans that produce the unique, one of a kind products that go into each Hug Box are located somewhere in the United States and source their materials ethically and sustainably.

Vicki also looks for artisans that use all natural materials and give back to the community.

The pretty and simple packaging is all made from recycled materials.

“I didn’t print on it in the hope the receiver will reuse it." says Vicki.

Her graphic design background shows in the cute and cohesive branding of The Hug Box.

When you decide to send someone a hug, you can choose an occasion, such as cheer up or new baby.

Nestled in your box are handmade gifts, like organic tea or a hand knit coffee sleeve, that can’t be found at just any store.

Vicki wanted to include things that are useful and will make your friend think about you and the warm feelings a hug inspires every time they use the item.

Vicki is also happy to help you put together a custom box for your loved one.

At the moment, a portion of the Hug Box sales go to Camp Sunshine and Atlanta Pet Rescue. Vicki plans to continue to increase her charitable donations as her business grows.

We loved the passion she has for spreading warmth and joy in the world and supporting small businesses.

You can make someone’s day with a packaged hug by visiting her website.

You can also find The Hug Box on Facebook and Twitter.

We have made no secret of the fact that we love to buy local!

We prefer to buy our gifts, groceries and clothing from makers right here in Coweta.

Kenya Brantley, owner of Greenhouse Mercantile, is passionate about running a boutique that supplies a range of locally and sustainably produced merchandise.

She wants to be sure that what she sells strengthens and gives back to the community.

It is important to her that her offerings are made in the United States, are fair trade or in some way contribute to society.

We loved the giving keys, simple engraved key necklaces that provide employment for the homeless and give a percentage of sales back to those without a place to live.

Stepping into Greenhouse Mercantile, Kenya’s stripped down chic style was instantly evident.

Kenya has curated a range of products that line up with her values, but come together in an effortlessly simplistic way that is distinctly Greenhouse.

The minimalist style makes a soothing shopping experience where you do not feel overwhelmed by the merchandise.

Greenhouse offers unique jewelry, local art, beautiful home decor, bath products, coffee, food and clothing.

It’s the perfect place to find a one of a kind gift or treat yourself to something lovely or delicious.

Greenhouse Mercantile was conceived several years ago when Kenya and her family were moving.

She had a lot of beautiful pieces that she didn’t need anymore.

She decided to sell them at a booth in Stairway to Heaven Antiques.

She immediately knew that she had found something she loved and could do for the rest of her life.

From Stairway, she moved to different locations around Coweta County where she developed her unique style, which she describes as East coast meets West coast.

Greenhouse isn’t your typical boutique. Kenya wants people to feel free to come and stay awhile. She offers pour over coffee by the cup, free wifi and a comfy couch.