Image used courtesy of Rachael & Josh Photography

In this fast paced world, there is something so special about knowing that you were thought of by a friend or family member. Wouldn’t you agree? There is also something special about receiving gifts that you know they’ve put heart and thought in to. That is what I feel that owner of Weav, Annie Krejci has done with her gift basket company. She does such a beautiful job of putting together the boxes and baskets that Weav offers with much thought and love and you know what is just marvelous to me? Everything in the boxes and baskets are locally sourced, every product is from a local business. The motto of Weav Spokane is, "give the gift of local, give the gift of Weav". The products they feature include the following: tea blends, specialty soaps, locally roasted coffee, candles, bath bombs, pottery, lotions, food items, coffee mugs and more. I call Weav supporting local with sugar on top. How wonderful to support a local business who features and supports other local businesses.

Does someone in your life have a special occasion they will be celebrating soon? A birthday, graduation, retirement, a baby’s arrival? Weav has baskets and boxes for every occasion and they offer a nice variety of themed options as well like house warming, bath and body, tea and coffee and more. I feel like receiving a box or basket from Weav is like getting a warm hug and we could all use more of those these days wouldn’t you say? Weav is the perfect one stop local shopping experience for your holiday shopping. Right now they are running a pre-order special for your holiday gifting. order 2 gifts and get $20 off the third. They also offer free local delivery as well as free USA shipping on all gift boxes.

I love that when I publish blog posts like this one it gives me the opportunity to get to know the local business owners better as well. Often times the questions I come up with for the post are ones that I have thought of because I want to know the answer myself. From my own interactions with Annie I have discovered that she is a kind, gracious and genuine lady who has a heart for local business. It’s so fitting that over 35 local businesses are represented in the products that her baskets and boxes feature.

You can find the Weav website HERE

Their Instagram page is HERE

Facebook page is HERE

So without further ado::

Meet Annie Krejci

Image used courtesy of Rachel and Josh photography

Where did the idea/inspiration for Weav come from?

After my fourth baby was born, I started feeling like I needed to do something where I could interact with other people in the community, be creative, and work to accomplish something but still be able to stay home with my kids. So I started brainstorming. I have always loved farmer's markets and Spokane has some great ones! My kids and I would spend quite a bit of time wandering different farmer's markets in the area. It was so fun to meet local business owners, try their products, and hear their stories. I wanted to somehow be involved in the small local business community. My sister was actually the one who suggested I think about gift baskets. I have always loved putting gift baskets together. Between the farmer's markets and small Spokane businesses and my love of gift giving, the idea of locally-sourced gift baskets was formed. I started off by just chatting with different business owners at the farmers markets and telling them my idea. The enthusiastic responses were so encouraging! I started out with 3 different themed baskets featuring 18 local businesses. We currently have 38 local business featured in both the gift baskets and the gift boxes and are hoping to add more in the days to come!

::What do you love about Spokane?::

There is so much I love about Spokane! I love the great coffee, the amazing restaurants, the beautiful parks, but most of all, I love the people. When I started Weav in August 2019, I knew I'd meet some wonderful people. But the support, the kindness, the encouragement, and the sense of community has been beyond my expectations. When Covid hit, many small businesses came together to help one another, they promoted each other, and did what they could to help each other. Amidst a very trying, confusing, and scary time this was such a bright thing to witness and be a part of.

::What do you love about your baskets and boxes?::

I love all the products! I have tried them all and many of them I use on a daily or weekly basis. I love knowing the hardworking people and some of the stories behind their products. I love that when I use one of their products, I know it came from a small local business owner who put so much love and care in making and creating it.

::From the feedback you’ve received what do your customers love about Weav?::

I love receiving feedback! People love that when they buy a gift from Weav, they are not only supporting Weav as a small business, but they are supporting other small local businesses featured in the gift basket. People like to be able to customize the baskets to make the perfect gift. It is so fun for me to see what other people put together! I have heard wonderful feedback about the natural bath products in the Garland Basket. Not only are each of the bath products naturally made, but they are good for your skin!

::What should we know about Weav as we head into the holidays and start shopping?::

More than ever, it is a good year to shop local and support small Spokane businesses! If you pre-order your holiday gifts using our pre-order form, we are offering a special; order 2 gifts and get $20 off the third. We offer free local delivery as well as free USA shipping on all gift boxes.

::As a business owner, what advice would you give to those thinking about starting a business?::

I don't feel like I have much advice to give as I still have so much to learn! But one thing I have really appreciated is words of encouragement from friends, family, other local businesses, and customers. It seems like these little words of encouragement would always come at just the right time, when I was feeling down or felt like I had gotten in over my head. Hang on to these words, maybe even write them down so you can go back to them and remember why you started!

::Do you have a life motto or mantra that you live by? Maybe even one for this season of life or perhaps a favorite quote? ::

I just try to take one day at a time, focus on the positive, and when things feel too much or overwhelming I try to remember "This too shall pass"

:: Tell us 3 fun or random facts about yourself. ::

1. I went to 14 different schools growing up. It was good for me! I was pretty shy as a little kid and it forced me to talk to people, to meet people, and to move outside of my comfort zone. I realized very early on, that I needed to make a new friend before lunch time or else I would be eating by myself! 2. When I was 10 years old, my family and I lived in a motorhome and traveled around the states and Canada for 6 months. We did an online virtual school a couple hours a day and visited 37 states and 5 provinces. 3. I love to cook! And I especially like to cook for people who like to eat!

::If you could travel (all expenses paid) to to one location that’s anywhere in the world and be there a month all expenses paid, where would it be and why would you go there?::

There are so many different places I'd love to go, especially to experience different cultures and traditions. It can be so eye opening and we can learn so much. It is so hard to choose one! This being said, I have always wanted to sail around the Greek Islands! I love the thought of being in the middle of blue water, exploring different coves, and beaches, soaking up the sunshine, being completely unplugged, and taking in nature and my surroundings.