Q&A with Founder Gabriella Di Salvo

Five top questions to get to know the person behind the products.

Q: HOW DID FEEL GOOD GIFT CO. START?

A: Feel Good Gift Co. (formally known as Grow Up Gaby) started when the world needed a little extra love and kindness. Surrounded by the challenges of 2020 and feeling a little overwhelmed myself I started creating positive illustrations that I would share with friends, family and followers on social media, soon I received lots of love for my creations. A friend suggested that I put my designs on products and that is just what I did!

With help from the Princes Trust and the University of South Wales start up scheme I was able to invest in the machinery required to manufacture mugs and set up my new Etsy store. I surprised myself when the products started selling very fast and before long the spare bedroom in my tiny cottage home turned into a place for a production line. Filled to the brim with machinery, stock and packaging, the space was getting smaller and smaller and before long I found myself working in a little area on the floor in the middle of the room!

"Now we trade from a workshop in Port Talbot, Wales. We have received over 12,000 orders on Etsy and ship to 80+ retailers worldwide!"

"In such a short period of trading, my business has presented some amazing opportunities such as appearing on ITV news, speaking on podcasts, being a business Wales awards finalist and meeting King Charles!"

Q: HOW DID YOU GET INTO ILLUSTRATION?

Ever since I could hold a pencil I loved to draw... I was often found in my own little world doing something creative!

Over time illustration turned into a mind space where I could go to in times of need. The passing of my Dad and being diagnosed with PTSD led me to escape reality into my own little creative world A LOT.

Soon after I decided to go to university to study Art Therapy, I began to understand how much art can have a meaningful impact on someone's life for both the creator and the viewer.

"You can still find me drawing, making or painting...

...or daydreaming about my next creation!"

Q: WHAT IS THE MESSAGE BEHIND FEEL GOOD GIFT CO?

A: Since Feel Good Gift Co. started with an act of kindness, whilst sharing my positive illustrations in the midst of the 2020 pandemic. Kindness is the ultimate value behind the brand. I hope that a single act of kindness can have a ripple effect through thoughtful gift giving and meaningful gestures.

"It's heartwarming to know that Feel Good Gift Co. is spreading joy one gift at a time"

Q: WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FACE IN YOUR BUSINESS?

A: Business owners alike can probably agree that setting up a business is no easy task and I would be lying to you if I said there were no challenges! There were, there is and always will be difficult days.

There are times when my imposter syndrome kicks in and I feel daunted by what I would like to achieve with my business in the future however friends and family are always on hand to remind me that the all too familiar voice that tells me I can not achieve my dreams is false.

"When motivation is low, passion and purpose drives me. Positive reviews and feedback from my customers remind me of just how much my business helps others and why I chose to start this journey in the first place."

Q: WHAT'S NEXT FOR FEEL GOOD GIFT CO?

A: Helping people through creativity and making an income from my art is like a dream come true! I would like help others do the same, offering my freelance services to help other businesses expand.

Whether it is illustrated packaging design or 1:1 business mentorship, I would like to share my knowledge and experience to help others to grow their business.