Hi there and welcome! My name is Krystal and I’m the founder + owner of this sweet shop. I’m so grateful you’re here and interested in our reading our story. I’ll start by sharing our mission statement, then give you a glimpse into the inspiration behind Blackberry & Honeysuckle’s name, and wrap it up by touching on why we love what we do.
OUR MISSION
Blackberry & Honeysuckle strives to create and design thoughtfully inspired gifts that bring joy to both the receiver and the giver. We do this by taking care of all the little details for you. In seizing these gift giving opportunities together, we create moments that connect people to one another and build relationships.
NAME INSPIRATION
Our family was going through a transitional season. Our daughter recently started college at Texas A&M and our son was leaving the nest soon, too. In the middle of moving, deciding what’s next, adjusting to the new normal, this momma was a mess at times.
It all started when I was out for a walk one day… the sun was shining through the branches on the trees and I came upon wild blackberries & honeysuckle growing throughout the trail. It stopped me in my tracks and I was transported to a moment back in time as a child at my grandparent’s house. Instant peace. I believe God knew I was searching for a little peace and clarity on my walk that day.
When I was a little girl, one of my favorite places to be was at my grandparent’s house. It was the place I felt most peaceful and full of joy. Thinking back, I get all warm and fuzzy. I can still picture their home from the inside out. Going to church was normal on Sundays when you were with them. My grandma always tucked me in and prayed with me at night. I’m so thankful and cherish the time I got to spend with them both. There is something special about grandparents.
Wild blackberries & honeysuckles grew along their fences outside. If you were a kid in the 80’s, you know when the sun was out, you were out. We only came inside for food, water, and bathroom breaks. I loved to pick the blackberries and eat them one by one. I would also walk along the fence line and pick the honeysuckles, pull out the little stem, and suck on the drop of nectar. If you’ve never tried it, you should!
As I got older, I realized the main reason I loved being at my grandparents so much… it was totally and completely filled with God’s presence.
It wasn’t because they had 4,236 different kinds of cereal, home cooked southern food, a playroom with a barbie house or lots of books. They were simply filled with God’s love and grace. Even when I was a messy child, dropped crumbs everywhere when I ate, and ruffled my grandpa’s feathers, they always showed me love and grace. I believe it poured over onto everyone that entered their home.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
This verse resonates with me and reminds me that in His presence is where we find true and lasting joy. It’s not always easy to be joyful and life sure throws some curve balls, but at the end of the day that’s where my joy comes from.
Blackberry & Honeysuckle isn’t just about blackberries & honeysuckles. I chose the name as a reminder of that truth. A reminder of His presence. That day on my walk, I felt His presence.
All along, He has been with us, beside us, all around us. In His presence there is fullness of joy.
THE JOY OF GIVING
Curating beautiful products and arranging them in a way that feels unique is something I love to do. Helping people feel connected to one another makes it all the more special. I have been creating custom/corporate gifts for friends and family for years.
When I created this website in 2018, it was simply a blog. It was my little creative outlet for this soon to be empty nester momma. I tried to start a blog back in 2013, but I wrote one post and quit. (Yep, fear got the best of me… you can read it here.) 5 years later I dusted off my britches (read here), and all I can say is God has a time and a season for all things. Fast forward, I never envisioned this evolving into anything else… much less a custom gifting business.
All along God has known my heart. (And He knows your heart, too!)
When you have an opportunity to give, you have an opportunity to spread joy and make a positive impact.
We are passionate about gifting because we believe in lifting others up through words of encouragement, reminding them they are seen, recognized, appreciated and loved.
Throughout my life, God has done so many things to remind me of His love. I’m sure He thinks the act of giving is pretty important, too.
After all, He gave us the ULTIMATE GIFT. JESUS.
