Inspiring Conversations with Kendyl Valder and Kayla Young

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendyl Valder and Kayla Young.

Hi Kendyl and Kayla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We have always had a passion for gifting, so it’s only fitting that while running a home decor retail department together, gifting quickly became both of our favorite aspects of the job.

We were frequently working with local real estate agents looking to put together closing gifts, and their desire for quality and willingness to go above and beyond for their closings really drew us to that clientele. As it did for many, the pandemic altered our career mindsets and we decided to take what excited us and start our own business.

We wanted a modern option that focused on the service just as much as the products. We felt dedicated to the small details of what we do, which is why we decided to focus on all local hand deliveries, elevated products, and beautiful packaging.

One of the main differences from our gifting competitors is that we only offer hand delivery to ensure the gift is exactly where it needs to be when it needs to be somewhere, and looks perfectly packaged. With that in mind, we have been able to deliver to title companies, offices, or directly to client homes.

We have invested a lot of thought and energy to source well-made and aesthetic products for our gifts. One of our shared goals from the beginning was to support our own community, so we are excited about the fact that over half of our inventory is local to Nashville.

Another thing we both really valued was the presentation of our gifts. From our high-end materials to our floral accents, we ensure opening a Wrapped. gift will be a lovely experience.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with any new business, the educational curve surrounding government regulations and finances was an obstacle that you don’t quite learn until you’re thrown directly in. The truth is you don’t know what you don’t know until you’re in it.

We knew right away we were going to need some financial support, but even after petitioning for what felt like a lot of money, you realize how thin you need to stretch a dollar. We learned what our financial priorities needed to be. As a new business owner, you discover the aspects you choose to invest in dictating the direction you want the company to grow.

Another huge challenge in starting a business is understanding the legal red tape you need to abide by. As creatives who were simply following a dream, we would be lost had we not found a CPA. The other challenge we have faced is getting people to take a chance on a brand new company.

Especially in the first few months, trying to gain visibility and credibility without having gained a solid clientele was an extremely vital hurdle to jump. There is definitely something to be said about allowing space for traction to build.

After our gifts started to finally gain some circulation, confidence in both us and our potential clients grew about what was Wrapped has to offer.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
With our background knowledge in the real estate world, our collection was designed with home closings in mind. However, our gifts are truly for everyone! If you live within Davidson and Williamson County and are in need of a quick holiday gift, work anniversary, birthday gift, etc. we can cover that too.

The beauty of our business is how simple we’ve made it to gift someone a thoughtful, specially curated gift. Our assortment ranges between 50-70 products at all times which means we’ve narrowed down the best products so you don’t have to spend hours sifting through multiple websites or going into a store feeling overwhelmed.

Our products are chosen based on quality, aesthetics, sustainability, and locally made goods. Once you choose a curated gift or build your own we take it from there. At the checkout, you won’t see any additional fees for packaging and hand delivery.

From experience, we know it’s frustrating when you pick something out within your budget and then you see another $30 added to your total. After all, you’re coming to us for the products and the service so we want to make sure our clients are happy from the moment they log on to the site to the final delivery.

Once we’ve received your order we package your gift, add a hand-written card, and deliver it straight to your destination. Hand deliveries are important to us rather than shipping because we want it to feel like a luxury experience.

There’s something special about being surprised at your door or office with a beautiful gift – it’s like receiving a bouquet of flowers… but better! We often get to be the ones seeing that smile on your recipient’s face and that’s why the hand deliveries will always hold a special place in our hearts.

From the start, we both felt strongly about wanting to incorporate products from local companies here in Nashville that we loved. We are extremely proud of the fact that our inventory is now over 50% locally sourced.

This city is full of creative entrepreneurs, and knowing the impact of buying from a small business, we wanted to make buying local goods a priority. When you buy from a small business, you’re not only buying their goods but also the time, knowledge, research, and dreams that they’ve put into each product.

We are proud to be a small part of investing in our Nashville community.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
When making it known that you are about to start a business, there are so many books and podcasts, and blogs that people refer to you. Although they can definitely be helpful, by far the best resource for us has been people.

Sitting down across from another entrepreneur and being able to talk with someone who truly understands all of the challenges that surround being a start-up is one of the most relieving and encouraging feelings.

We’ve found that other entrepreneurs in Nashville are so supportive and willing to open up about obstacles they’ve faced, lessons they’ve learned, and share advice.

Contact Info:

• Website: shoppewrapped.com
• Instagram: @shoppewrapped
• Email: kendyl@shoppewrapped.com

Image Credits:
Jessica Steddom