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January 31, 2003/Shevat 28 5763, Vol. 55, No. 23
Specialty gifts abound at The Basket Brigade
JESSICA BARBER
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 Heather Rykowski, owner of The Basket Brigade, offers customized gift baskets for every occasion. Photo courtesy of Heather Rykowski |
Rykowski's business, The Basket Brigade, specializes in custom-made gift baskets for every occasion.
"We cater to any and all," says Rykowski. "From traditional gourmet food baskets to baskets that have no food in it at all, we get a little creative and make a grand package."
The Basket Brigade has stepped outside the realm of traditional gift basket holidays, such as Valentine's Day and Secretary's Day, to include baskets in celebration of new babies, Father's Day, Passover, birthdays and b'nai mitzvah.
In fact, Rykowski gained some of her inspiration from her brothers' b'nai mitzvah during her childhood.
"They got pens (as gifts)," she remembers. "They received I don't know how many pens because that was the traditional gift. Today, it's nice to be able to give something that they are really going to enjoy."
Recently, Rykowski created a sports-themed basket for a bar mitzvah gift, including game tickets provided by the customer and various sports gear.
Another popular item, says Rykowski, are golf-themed baskets for Father's Day.
"We have a cooler that's shaped like a miniature golf bag," she says. "It can hold a six-pack of their favorite beverage and some snacks, as well as tees and golf balls."
After a 20-year career in sales, Rykowski decided to use her creative talents to begin The Basket Brigade - but not without some encouragement from her family.
"As my daughter and mother would say, I had a midlife crisis," says Rykowski. "I was looking for a change and I wanted to do something a little more creative."
In order to find a creative outlet, Rykowski and her daughter, Shari, attended a seminar that focused on specialty gifts.
"Throughout the entire seminar, (Shari) kept hitting my arm and saying, 'You can do this, Mom,' " remembers Rykowski. "I had a bruise (on my arm) by the time it was over."
In the beginning, Rykowski relied mostly on word of mouth and bridal fairs to market her products. She also attended networking functions to build business contacts. Two years ago, Rykowski launched a Web site, www.TheBasketBrigade.com, to offer examples of her work to potential customers.
Today, the 10-year-old business, which operates from a studio in the Northwest Valley, employs two to five people, depending on the time of year, and works closely with many local corporate clients.
Rykowski also offers a delivery service for local clients.
"I like to deliver (the baskets) myself so that I can see the reaction and get feedback," she says.
In addition to operating The Basket Brigade, Rykowski is a member of the Arizona Small Business Association, Executive Women International, W.I.S.K. (Women I Should Know) and a founding member of the Arizona Professional Gift Basket Association. In addition, her business is licensed by the state of Arizona and the city of Phoenix and is certified by the Maricopa County Board of Health.
Rykowski does not regret leaving her lengthy career in sales.
"I knew how to tie bows, I knew how to put things together," she says. "Here I am, 10 years later. I love it."
Rykowski and her husband, Stan, reside in Phoenix.