Pinecone Box

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What inspired you to start your business?

I started Pinecone Box because I’ve always had a deep appreciation for handmade items and the craftsmanship that goes into creating them. There’s something special about knowing the story behind a product and the hands that made it. I wanted to share that experience with others while also supporting Canadian small businesses and artisans. Pinecone Box makes it easy to discover and gift unique, high-quality items while choosing to support local and Canadian makers over mass-produced goods.

How do you describe your brand?

Pinecone Box is a curated gifting business that reflects my passion for entrepreneurship and appreciation for handmade, high-quality products. With a background in building and supporting small businesses, I’ve always been drawn to brands that prioritize craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and thoughtful design.

Each Pinecone Box is carefully curated with items that are not only beautifully made but also functional, useful, or consumable—things people will genuinely enjoy and incorporate into their daily lives. I take great care in selecting products from artisans and small businesses that align with my values, focusing on brands with intentional branding, ethical product sourcing, and a commitment to sustainability. Whether it’s handcrafted home goods, small-batch foods, or natural self-care products, every item in our boxes tells a story and supports independent makers over mass production.

What makes Pinecone Box unique is this combination of purpose-driven curation and an entrepreneurial approach to supporting small businesses. I believe that gifts should be more than just objects—they should be meaningful, high-quality, and a joy to receive. Whether for personal gifting or corporate appreciation, Pinecone Box offers a thoughtful alternative to generic, mass-produced presents, making it easy to give something truly special.

What’s your bestselling product & why do you think they’re so popular?

Charcuterie boards from Handcrafted by Travis Allan.

These live edge boards are not just serving pieces; they’re handcrafted works of art, made with high-quality, sustainably sourced hardwoods like walnut, maple, and cherry. Each board is carefully selected for its unique grain patterns and natural beauty, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike. Utilizing the live edge to add more character, they are more unique than just a rectangular piece of wood. They make an excellent gift for just about anyone, whether you are entertaining or enjoying your own personal Charcuterie. I also love to promote the products where my connection with the artist/maker is more than just an email putting in an order. I have met Travis, visited his workshop and have developed a friendship with him, which makes it that much more meaningful to sell his products. It is easy to want to sell products when you have that connection with a vendor.

What’s your favourite product from your own shop?

Tough question, as I have so many favourites from over 150 products that we carry! I think my latest favourite are the Shadow Box Paint Kits by Our Little Makery. They are fun and creative paint kits for any age. I love the story of how they created the business out of their joy for crafting, making it easy and more accessible for people to enjoy as well. I also love that their kits are made in Alberta instead of being mass produced out of country. Seeing customers buy these for date nights with girlfriends or for their kids, it is great to see people wanting to get creative.

What’s your favourite local Alberta business?

Another tough question with so many great entrepreneurs! I would have to pick EPICanmore. I love that they started out years ago making coffee from an old VW van and have now created a successful local favourite eatery, with the best bread!