Meet Emma Jo Wassink | Mom of Three & Client Gifting Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Jo Wassink and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma Jo, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
The end goal. Wow, has this changed over the past four years of business ownership.

When I started Emma Jo & Co, I was pregnant with my first son. If you would have asked me back then what my “end goal” was, I probably would thrown out some huge financial goal or “business status” goal. I would have talked about wanting to grow my business to the point where I would have several employees, a huge warehouse, beautiful glass windowed office, a retail store… the works. I felt very called to be someone who created jobs for people in the community that they absolutely loved. I wanted to be a recognizable brand that worked with huge corporate companies like Pinterest, Google and Amazon.

Fast forward to now… I have three young kiddos ages 4yrs, 2yrs and 6mo. My priorities have shifted more than I ever thought they would. I still absolutely love owning and operating my business. I hope and pray that it will continue to grow… but, the heart behind my “why” has shifted significantly. My end goal is more about having time freedom and a business that can support the beautiful family life my husband and I dream of. I want to be able to stay home with my three sweet babies, homeschool them and teach them real life skills that will serve them in the future. I want to help mold them into little humans that want to follow their dreams and make the world a better place.

What exactly does that mean from a business standpoint? It means I have shifted from wanting to work with the big names to wanting to focus my energy on supporting other “little guys” like me. I want to create relationships with and support other small businesses owners on their journey whether that be by sourcing beautiful products from them or curating the perfect gift to send to their clients.

At the end of the day, If I have built a business that has not only supported my own growing family, but has also supported and inspired several others, I will call it a success.

…and if that vision comes with a full windowed office + beautiful warehouse space… that wouldn’t be so bad, either 🙂

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Emma Jo & Co. is a custom gifting business that specializes in creating client gifts that are a beautiful continuation of your brand + services. We love to work with businesses that desire to not only exceed their clients expectations, but want to do so in a way that supports their local community + other small businesses.

It makes me really proud to look at our business and see all the other small businesses we’ve been able to support. We not only get so work with amazing vendors that create lovely products, but we also get to work with so many wonderful businesses who want to thank their clients, employees, event attendees…etc. with our gifts.

Emma Jo & Co. started as a small online gift shop where you could grab a gift for your cousins wedding, sisters baby shower, friends new home…etc, to a business that specializes in custom client gifting for 100+ small businesses. Was the road here easy? Absolutely not. We have learned so much + made several mistakes over the years… but it’s been worth every bit of it. Something that lights me up more than anything is using my past experiences and failures to help friends with dreams of starting their own business get the ball rolling.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am born and raised in Holland, Michigan with no plans to leave anytime soon. I think Holland is such a beautiful city and just about the best place to raise a family.

When friends come to visit, I always first encourage coming in the summer time. You really cannot beat a West Michigan summer on the lake. We would absolutely have to get out on a boat on Lake Michigan and spend some time soaking up the sun on the beach. My husband is actually a boat mechanic (Great Lakes Speed & Marine) in the cutest little neighboring town of Saugatuck! We would also spend some time downtown Holland checking out the many beautiful shops (Seedlings, Spring Sweet and Gezellig and a few of my favorites!) as well as delicious restaurants (Hops, Poquito and Seventy Six + many more). Last, but most certainly not least… the 8th Street Farmers Market! We have the most lovely farmers market downtown, my kids and I frequent this as much as humanly possible!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my three kiddos; Wayland, Waverly and Walker. You three have changed me + helped me grow in more ways than I ever thought possible. Thank you for making me realize what really matters in life and being the “why” behind everything I do.

I would also like to dedicate this shoutout to all those who have loved on my kiddos while I continue to pursue my business;

My sweet husband – it has been such a blessing seeing you become such a hands on dad. I can’t imagine going through the craziness of double self employment + three kiddos four and under with anyone else.

My parents + my In laws + siblings – I couldn’t do any of this without your constant support and willingness to take our crazy + sweet kiddos. So so SO very thankful for you all.

and last but not least, to all my amazing clients – you have made it possible for me to purse both my business goals and also my home + mom goals… I will never be able to thank you enough!!

Website: https://www.emmajoco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmajoandcompany

Image Credits
Kelsey Pasma Photo, Olivia Laird Photo