August "I'm a Succa for You!" Subscription Box Review
As a Leo, I like to treat myself during my whole birthday month (insert hair-flip here lol), so this month's subscription box was especially fun! I received my box this month on the 22nd, and they typically ship out by the 20th of each month. If the box is holiday themed, I will get my holiday themed goodies delivered to my door the month before so I can enjoy them during the whole holiday month. (But who says I can't stretch my birthday out to until the end of summer?) Since each box is themed and packed full of awesome surprise items, with 1 item being personalized just to me, it makes me feel special and gives me some much needed "me" time every single month! Sarah (the curator) puts so much detail and thought into the items inside, and I feel good knowing that I'm helping support other Women-Owned Businesses!
During my typical day, I'm a Virtual Assistant and work to support women and their businesses. So, knowing that each box contains only goodies from women owned business, means I can treat myself and continue to support other women owned businesses. That's a double win in my book!
The first item I pulled out was the macrame plant hanger. This was made by Melissa Otero from Tangled Up in Knots. Every month comes with a custom piece and this was the custom item for the August box. Every customer got to pick the accent color that was in the plant hanger (I chose the light blue option)! My plant hanger is currently hanging near a front window of my dinning room holding one of my larger succulent plants, and my neighbor loved it when she saw it. Plus, I loved how I got to pick the color I wanted!
Melissa Otero is from Indiana and very talented. I heard the next Bella Rose Ladies Day Out class is with her! The in-person class will only be open to Bella Rose Customers (however there will be virtual option for the subscribers that do not live in IN!) so that we can learn how to do macrame as well. I am SO excited to go!
The next item was the succulent plant from Flower Mama. Lisa Lofgren owns Flower Mama, and is a local from Indy. She sells and ships plants everywhere, and she even makes house calls. So if you're wanting to spruce up plants in your house or your curb appeal, she can give you advice on which plants to get. I don't have a green thumb so I think I need to reach out to her about fixing up my front yard a bit! This is her second time in the box and we absolutely love working with her. I loved that this box included a plant for my custom plant hanger, because how much use would a plant hanger be without a plant?! I love how Sarah always thinks of all the small details to make my life easier! I put the cute little Haworthia succulent in an adorable mug that a friend recently gifted me from her travels, until I find the perfect 4in pot to house it in.
Next, I pulled out a birthday card with a succulent design from Joy Love Paper company. This item was made by Christine McMenamin. She is from New York and makes fun, modern greeting cards for all occasions. She even has a subscription box of her own that includes various paper products so that you are always ready for any celebration.
This card was adorable and perfect for my own personal theme of celebrating my birthday all month long. I put it on my home office desk to look at for now, but I will be sharing this card, by sending it to a friend next month. Afterall, this box can be used for treating yourself or others, so I will be sharing part of mine. The inside is blank so it's perfect for adding a special touch when gift giving! So many birthdays are coming up so this box is making my life easier by not having to run to the store!
Now, one item my kiddo immediately claimed as hers was the paint your own cookie from MJ’s Cupcakery. Maria Kyler is a longtime friend of Sarah's and owns MJ’s Cupcakery. She is a local in Indy, and does all sorts of custom cookies, boozy cupcakes, special cakes for celebrations, and more. I, myself, fell in love with her pictures of her work on Instagram.
She was in a previous box as well and subscribers were talking about how much they enjoyed her cookie, how yummy it was, and they had asked for her to be in the Box again. So here she is! She is so very talented, and these cookies were really cool because they come with a paint brush and a little pallet of edible paints so each person can make their own interpretation of a succulent and then we get to enjoy the yummy treat. My 4yr old loves art and sweet treats, so this was perfect. In fact, it has given me a great idea for her goodie bags for her upcoming birthday near Halloween.
The next item was the desert hair scrunchie from Korkin Krazy by Meggon John. She she is from Iowa, and she hand makes every scrunchie so she can do them in any type of print or fabric. Her Instagram shows lots of pretty themes, and I think this would be another perfect option for favors for birthdays or stocking stuffers.
I loved the desert cactus design on mine and it is soft enough to wear in my tight curls or around my wrist without pulling or itching.
The last item that I pulled out was a custom set of succulent hair clips from Sarah! My kiddo has since claimed both as hers, but they look beautiful in her hair, so I'm not too upset. The alligator clips ensure she doesn't pull out or damage her hair when she takes them out herself. Sarah makes at least one custom item for each subscription box, and this paired perfectly with the scrunchie I received.
Sarah has made these custom hair clips in all different colors, sizes, and shapes. However these hair clips were different this month because cabochons were added to create a 3D look. Because of the flower succulent theme you could easily dress these hair clips up or down. With shimmery purples, mute greens, and mustards, they are perfect for transitioning into fall.
The last item for VIP box members was the T-shirt of the month. If you subscribe to the VIP box, which includes a custom T-shirt of the month, you would have also received an oatmeal colored tee with a rainbow cactus rock and roll design on the left chest pocket. It was so fun and neutral and really pulled the whole box together.
I have a few shirts and a hoodie made by Sarah, and they are SO soft! She uses the Bella + Canvas brand, which are a unisex cotton and poly blend. They have little to no shrinkage and feel like your favorite worn in tee. They definitely compliment my work from home uniform, but also have been enjoyed by several members of my family, when I have sent them as gifts.
I'm currently eagerly awaiting my September subscription box now. The theme is "Apple of My Eye". It is all about apples and the colors red and green. It's going to include something very near and dear to Sarah's heart, a family “secret,” if you will. I already have my box saved through my subscription, but you can order one of the remaining FOUR boxes here. I'm really excited to see what other women owned businesses are featured, and of course, I will definitely be going to the next Member's Day Out. I can’t wait for you all to join us for the upcoming Bella Rose Ladies Day Out Macrame class!
I hope you will all get the upcoming subscription box so that you too can enjoy the awesome surprises!
- Courtney Castagne-McCavit