What Does An Acorn Mean To You?
What is your name? Where are you from?
Daniela Vitali from Glen Ridge, New Jersey
What do you like most about where you live?
I moved back to where I grew up 3 years ago. Prior to Glen Ridge, I lived 20+ years in NYC. The best thing is being close to family and the city, which we love.
What’s your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?
During a financially difficult time, I dreamed of acorns showering down on me. Afterwards, I felt hopeful. A sign my family would get through this moment.
Acorns symbolize hope, prosperity, growth, strength and new beginnings.
Things started turning around for us. Whenever something wonderful happens (no matter how big or small), we say “Acorns all the way!”
Years later, I envisioned a line of inspirational gifts featuring acorns.
I started with The Mystique Box. It includes acorns I hand paint [no two are alike], set in a wooden box with a special message engraved inside the lid. Each acorn is unique in color, size and shape.
Perfectly imperfect, as we all are.
I source the wooden engraved boxes and letterpress card inserts from small artisans across the USA, including the shipping boxes and the packing wood chips used for shipment.
Currently, what are your income streams? Online, in-person, craft fairs, brick & mortar?
Since we just launched in January, our current income stream is our online store. I am working on expanding to retailers later this year.
How have you grown the business to where it is today?
In December, prior to our official launch, we gifted our boxes to friends and family. We started growing through word of mouth and free press.
What is your favorite product?
My favorite product is the Mystique Box. I love painting the acorns and putting together each special box, knowing it will go to someone who needs a little ‘acorn’ in their life.
If you could go back, would you do anything differently?
I’m still navigating and learning every day.
What are your goals?
My goals are to grow our messaging so people understand the meaning behind The Acorns Project™.
And to collaborate and give back to different charities and organizations.
I am developing artist collaborations to produce limited-edition works inspired by the acorn and what it means to them. The first one is slated for the end of the year.
What platform and tools do you use?
My website is on Godaddy. I use Instagram and LinkedIn. When I launch artist collaborations, I will post interviews on YouTube.
Do you have a favorite motivational quote?
The Guest House by Rumi.
The poem is truly beautiful and inspirational in every word. It’s about life and how precious its journey is.
To accept what comes your way; the good and the bad. Because we can learn from every experience, which makes us stronger and wiser.
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
—Mewlana Jalaluddin Rumi
If you have a pet, what is your pet’s name?
I do not have a pet.
Where can we find you online?
Website: www.theacornsproject.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_acorns_project/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAcornsProject
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-acorns-project/
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