Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Nornes and Carmalyn McCracken.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Carmalyn and I met through volunteering in our community with our daughters in National Charity League. When our daughters, Madi and Katherine went to college in 2015, we wanted to send them care packages. We tried to organize a “Pack-up Party” with our friends, but everyone was so busy. From there, the idea was born–we could create care packages for busy parents, family members and friends. With one click, anyone could order, pay and have a fabulous care package sent to their loved one. Our mission is “We do all the work, YOU get all the love!”
We both own businesses, but have never worked with a partner. Carmalyn creates hand-stamped jewelry (Good Carma Hand Stamped Jewelry), and I am a piano teacher (The Piano Studio of Teresa Nornes). It has been fun teaming up and working together–we laugh a lot and have a blast finding items to encourage students.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our business has been so much fun, it never feels like work. One thing we have found about our partnership is we are both gifted in such different areas. The things Carmalyn is talented with and enjoys doing are areas I struggle with–so as business partners, we work smoothly together.
One fascinating thing we have learned is what we started out to do has completely changed–we started out thinking we would host local Pack-up Parties, similar to many of the home-based businesses, but that is not what has really taken off. Nationally, our business has really soared! We get more than half of our orders from people we have never met who find us on social media!
Front Porch Packages – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We founded Front Porch Packages as a company that creates college care packages that thrill and delight. We have found that people were so busy they started requesting us to create other inspirational boxes, such as birthday, graduation, new home, get well, baby, and more. We make it so easy for them. We do all the shopping, wrapping, and either ship or deliver the package. We also offer “Front Porch” pick-up with a local discount.
Our college care packages continue to be our best-sellers. Our customers fill out a form detailing their student, and we shop to find the student’s favorite snacks, drinks or anything else requested. Then we decorate the box, pack it with over 40 items, and hand-write a note of encouragement that the sender provides.
One thing that sets us apart, is our care packages focus on positive and motivational products that uplift the receiver. We also hand decorate each box, so from the moment the box is opened, smiles begin. We research and shop for each item to encourage the student right down to pencils that say “Stay Fierce” for final exams!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Our proudest moment so far was when we started receiving orders nation-wide as customers shared our service on social media. The best feeling we have is when a customer texts or emails us and lets us know how much our care package meant to their loved one. We love seeing all the pictures and texts from happy students!
Pricing:
- College Care Package $65 including Priority shipping (local front porch pick-up $45)
- Greek Gift Box including Priority shipping $50 (local front porch pick-up $35)
- All other packages from $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://frontporchpack2.blogspot.com/
- Phone: 682-203-1651 or 713-206-1598
- Email: frontporchpackages@gmail.com
- Instagram: frontporchpackages
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frontporchpackages/
- Twitter: @frontporchpack2
- Yelp: front porch packages
- Other: https://carepackagequeens.tumblr.com/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
