- Augusta Gift Baskets collaborates with over 30 local suppliers to showcase their products.
- The business specializes in crafting premium, personalized gift baskets that bolster local enterprises.
- The “Flavors of Augusta” basket is a favorite, enabling customers to support eight local businesses with one purchase.
The Beginning of a New Journey
In early 2021, Randall and Julie Williams found themselves at a pivotal moment in their lives.
Julie, a nurse for four decades, decided to retire after the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Randall, a former pastor, had just sold his restaurant, Cheeseburger Bobby’s.
“We were without jobs,” he recalled.
It was then that their daughter, who worked in real estate, proposed an idea. “Mom, you should make gift baskets,” she suggested, prompting a laugh from Julie.
Having frequently crafted gift baskets for loved ones, Julie accompanied her daughter to explore the market and quickly realized, “I can do this better and more affordably,” she said.
Building a Local Network
The couple began producing and selling gift baskets, and as demand grew, they decided to expand their venture.
Randall started reaching out to local businesses to see if they were interested in contributing items to the baskets.
His first stop was Ubora Coffee Roasters, where he successfully pitched the idea of including their specially packaged coffee. Augusta Candle Company, known for their custom-scented candles, also joined the initiative.
Eventually, more than 30 local vendors partnered with Augusta Gift Baskets.
“Now, five years later, we collaborate with over 30 local vendors, selling their fudge, cookies, candles, and coffee. This allows us to support numerous local businesses that struggled during the pandemic,” Julie Williams explained.
Curating Unique Offerings
Some of the local brands featured in their baskets include Flowers on Broad, Edenberry House Baby Milestones, Watanut, Augusta Honey Company, The Pecan Barn Roasted and Salted Pecans, Bubba’s Chocolate Hunk-A-Fudge, and Goat Kick Ground Coffee.
They also offer a line of jams made from Julie Randall’s family recipes, marketed under their private label, Still Creek Kitchen, named after Julie’s maiden name.
“With one click, you can support eight local businesses,” Randall Williams noted. “Our ‘Flavors of Augusta’ basket is particularly popular, featuring seven locally produced items plus our own, making it eight. This is very important to us.”
Commitment to Quality
The Williamses are meticulous about the contents of each basket, ensuring they only offer upscale, high-quality gift baskets.
Customers often request custom baskets, sometimes with challenging specifications. “We strive to say ‘yes’ whenever possible,” Randall Williams said. “If we can’t fulfill a request, we’ll find someone who can.”
Delivering Thoughtful Gifts
Gift baskets can be shipped or delivered locally, with Randall handling deliveries. Their busiest times are during Christmas and the Masters Tournament. Most Christmas orders are shipped, while Masters baskets are typically delivered locally.
While the couple has found success in their new venture, Julie initially struggled to find purpose in her work. As a nurse, her purpose was clear, but it wasn’t as obvious in gift basket creation.
Through reflection and prayer, they discovered their purpose.
“We help people give meaningful gifts,” she said.
This realization led to their company’s slogan: Easy, thoughtful gifts.
Connect with Augusta Gift Baskets
Explore Augusta Gift Baskets online at www.augustagiftbaskets.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. For inquiries, call 770-713-4435 or email hello@augustagiftbaskets.com.
Jennifer Miller covers food and business for The Augusta Chronicle. She can be reached at jmiller@usatoday.com.
