Among the many changes that the pandemic has thrust upon our lives, the hospitality industry underwent one of the most extreme transitions. Many businesses were forced to close and those that did not needed to pivot their focus in order to survive. We sat down with PLANOLY customer, Jessica Alonso, to discuss how she approached reinventing her business during this time. Jessica is the founder of Wander/Gather and sister company The Ex-Box, and was not only able to keep her business alive but enabled it to thrive impressively.
“I knew we were going to be affected, but I refused to let it be a negative thing,” Jessica said. “Initially, there was an overwhelming fear regarding not only losing my income but also this two-year project that has been such an integral part of who I am today. Eventually, I took on a fearless attitude in order to try new things in pivoting my business. Because in reality, I had nothing to lose and the situation was simply out of my control.”
So, with nothing to lose, Jessica redesigned her business from the ground up. Wander/Gather is more than an event planning company; they curate unforgettable, socially-distanced experiences unique to their clients' vision to provide a seamless interaction for those looking to plan an escape from the recurring scenery of their homes. Wander/Gather likes to think nothing is impossible, as they are a team dedicated to coming up with creative solutions to build connections between guests.
But what about those who aren’t fortunate enough to have a large gathering space in their home or who are unable to be with their loved ones in person? Jess saw the value that a carefully thought out gift holds, and that is how The Ex-Box was born.
“The Ex-Box creates an irreplaceable bond between the sender and the giftee, giving you a sense of belonging from afar,” Jess told us. “This is going to be not only a new way of gifting, but more importantly, a new way of connecting. When you can't be together in person, sending a gift is a special way to show how much you care about someone.”
The Ex-Box is coming in handy this holiday season allowing you to embrace the holiday spirit, even in the face of change. It is the perfect way to remain festive and connected with your loved ones, colleagues, and anyone who may need a holiday mood booster.
