Gifting will always be on-trend, and Stephanie Smith, Owner of Sukeban Creative, has created an entire business around that fact! In fact, on her Instagram Bio, she professes that "gifting is my love language." I made acquaintance with Stephanie a few years back when I was starting out as she was at a similar time. It has been amazing to watch her grow and to see what her business has become over the past few years.

Stephanie best described the name behind her business as a talking point on her website so how better to share it than in her words. So, why Sukeban? Stephanie answers: "Sukeban (pronounced SOO-key-bahn) roughly translates to ‘girl boss’ in Japanese. It directly translates to ‘female gang leader,’ and I like to picture my ‘gang’ as a bunch of creatives wielding glue guns and gift wrap. I chose this unique business name as a nod to my new Japanese family, and my love for their country and culture." Amazing, right?

Sukeban Creative is the ultimate gifting company, offering both premade and ready-to-gift boxes as well as custom boxes for literally every occasion and nearly every person with a plethora of price points. To go to Stephanie's site and not fall in love with one of her boxes would be nearly impossible. Plus her website is so easy to navigate which is really refreshing for a gifting company.

We were so lucky to have the opportunity to feature Stephanie and Sukeban Creative and learn more about her and her business. She has an important story to entrepreneurship that she addresses in the questions we asked her below...a tale of surviving the beginning of business and knowing and understanding that not everything happens overnight. She did persevere and now is thriving in her business years after her start.

If you want to learn more about Stephanie and Sukeban Creative read below for more details! Don't forget to check out her website and Instagram for all of your gifting needs!

Your Business / Service Name(s) Sukeban Creative

What is Your Website? Insta Handle? (Or However Else We Can Find You!) www.sukebancreative.com

Instagram: @sukeban.creative

Why Did You Decide To Start Your Business? I've always loved giving gifts-- it honestly brings me so much joy. I decided to make the leap from my corporate job and share my love of gifting with the world. I create thoughtful, meaningful gifts for individuals and corporations. I use my unique gifting philosophy to create gifts that strengthen relationships and make an impact.

Do You Have a Blog, Podcast, or Youtube Channel? Tell Us About It! I have a blog! www.sukebancreative.com/sukeban-says I give gifting tips and gift guides to help readers pick the perfect gift!

What Is The Best Advice You Can Give to A Woman Starting Her Business Venture? Just keep going. I only started to really have success in year three of my business. There were plenty of times I thought about giving up, that maybe this wasn't for me or wasn't going to work. I am so glad I stuck it out, sometimes things just take time!

What Is Something Most People Don't Know About You? Konnichiwa! I am learning to speak Japanese. My sister-in-law is Japanese, and my brother lives in Japan with her and my two nephews.

What Does Your Typical Day Look Like? It's never the same! You can find me putting together gifts, packing boxes, counting inventory, taking meetings, creating designs, photographing gifts, etc, etc.

Who Are Some Women That Inspire You? (Globally and Locally) Glennon Doyle, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, AOC, Michelle Obama, Jacinda Ardern, Christina Fagan (Sh*t That I Knit), Jessie Wyman (Jessie Wyman Photography), Chantelle Davis-Gray (Squarespace Website Design and Branding), Lauren Bradley (Fueled Physique)

What Was One Huge Business Flop or Problem That You Had to Endure and How Did You Handle That? I think the hardest thing is seeing competitors pop up with similar products or offerings... It's hard not to be discouraged or feel the urge to compare. But I constantly remind myself why I started this business, to stay true to myself and keep creating from my unique perspective.

What Accomplishment Are You Most Proud Of? I am so proud of building this business and staying true to myself. I constantly remind myself that this is only worth doing if I am able to be myself and do it my way. I am so happy to be creating a business and life that I love.

What Do You Do For Self Care? I love a good tub with Epsom salts.

What Jobs Did You Work Before You Created Your Business? Tell Us Your Journey. Right after college, I worked for a hyper-local news internet start-up, and after that, I worked in Supply Chain for a major quick-serve coffee restaurant.

Give Us Five Fun Facts About You! 1. I recently got a Comfy and I have been living in it during the pandemic. So cozy!

2. I am really good at folding a fitted sheet.

3. I have an adorable French Bulldog named Gertrude.

4. I grew up on Cape Cod.

5. I love all things Bravo and True Crime.

What Sign Are You? Are You Into Astrology? I am a Capricorn and it fits me to a T. I am ambitious, driven, pragmatic and stubborn. I love following @moonomens on Instagram for astrology.

Do You Know Your Enneagram? If So, What Is It? Nope. I need to find out!

What One Word Represents You Most. Thoughtful

What is Your Favorite The Posh Shop Co Product? I have the 'Going Home to Watch Bravo' keychain, which I love! I also have been eyeing the 'Get Off My Jock' pencil set and 'Favorite Position is CEO' mug.