Daily Inspiration: Meet Jen Steuer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Steuer

Hi Jen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2020, my business partner Bex, and I had separate event companies, which were forced to close due to the pandemic. A previous client reached out for our help in sending gifts to his team in place of a summer event they would normally throw. Of course we said yes and immediately got to work figuring out how to pull off delivering 150 gifts across LA in one day including fresh flowers, freshly baked treats and cocktail ingredients. Driving a uhaul from the Valley to Long Beach, delivering a box of joy to the doorsteps of those sheltering in place was the first glimmer of how good it can feel to be a part of the gift giving process.

The response was astounding and word spread about the gifts we put together. Calls started pouring in asking if we could help more and more people with their gifting needs. Before we knew it we were sending gifts to Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga and the Backstreet Boys, at which point, we realized we were onto something and needed to register our business quickly.

And so, Carnaby and Vine was born. Since then, our business has snowballed. Over the last 4yrs we have had the pleasure of working with incredible clients, ranging from tech companies and film studios to actors, musicians, and even royalty. We specialize in curating bespoke gifts — perfectly tailored for ideators, creators, and prolific talent who are looking for something unique and special just for them.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our journey has definitely had its ups-and-downs. I think our biggest hurdles came from growing so quickly and cutting our teeth on projects for dream clients early on. Most businesses grow slowly and make mistakes with low-stakes lessons, but we threw ourselves in the deep end from the beginning—working with top talent from day one. We were forced to build the car while it was already hurtling down the highway at 100 miles an hour.

Our work ethic and dedication has earned us celebrity clients and contracts with dream companies and I am so grateful for the huge wins that we have achieved so far, but it’s not without blood, sweat, and many, many tears. Entrepreneurship is hard and trying to balance a growing company with time for family is even harder. Bex is a mom of two and since starting Carnaby & Vine, I have welcomed into the world my own 2 beautiful children. Being pregnant during the hectic holiday season was not easy—especially while packaging gifts (it is more labor intensive than you would think) and it was next to impossible to ignore emails on maternity leave, even while snuggling a newborn. Finding “balance” is something I am still working on. Leaning on my business partner is the only way I have been able to prioritize my family without jeopardizing the company. Being mothers has given both Bex and I a heightened sense of empathy for each other’s needs. I feel so grateful to have a partner that truly has my back.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Carnaby & Vine, we create custom and pre-curated gifts boxes for any occasion—from corporate events and film productions to brand launches and personal milestones like birthdays and weddings. We create memorable unboxing moments through thoughtful and beautifully presented high-end items that leave a lasting impression. We have an in house florist so gifts can include a fresh flower arrangement for those in the LA area. Additionally, we have customization capabilities including embroidery, foil stamping, and laser engraving for item personalization if required.
Our online store has a highly intentional curated selection of ready to ship gifts, but what really sets us apart is our custom gifts. Whether it is for 1 special someone or 1000 co-workers, we partner with our customers to curate a gift that is perfectly suited for the recipient.
Sustainability is also very important to us. We focus on recycled and reusable materials & prioritizing partnerships with like-minded brands.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Nurturing relationships with our clients has been a huge factor in our success. We have developed a great product and put our recipients first but it’s the trust and care we cultivated with our clients that keeps them coming back.

My extensive background in hospitality has installed an innate need to go above and beyond for our customers. I am a people pleaser through and through, so it is very important for me to make people happy—not only the customer but the recipient as well. I want to create a gift that they will truly love and be excited about. I always aim to make life as easy as possible for our clients and to be someone that people enjoy working with.

Bex has a background in PR, talent management and events so spent her whole career before C&V working with top tier talent and so for her excellent communication and a clear understanding of what our clients expect and want has been invaluable.

Relationships are key—with my customers and my team. We have developed a great product through our attention to detail, knowledge of product trends, and an eye for pleasing aesthetics. But most importantly, being approachable and trustworthy has really helped us forge long-lasting partnerships with our clients and driven our success

Pricing:

• Custom gift boxes starting at $175
• Ready to ship gift boxes from $125-$300

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carnabyandvine.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carnabyandvine

Image Credits
Tandem Photography