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When Jillian Harris posts about a product, her 1 1/2-plus millions of fans and followers on Instagram take note.

That interest in the designer, content creator and entrepreneur’s top picks prompted Harris and co-founder Tyler Evans to create The Jilly Box in 2019. The seasonal subscription box sees Harris and her team hand-pick their favourite pieces and products from small businesses — and often female-owned brands.

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On the fifth anniversary of the company, we caught up with the Kelowna-based creative to learn more:

Q: For those who aren’t familiar, what is The Jilly Box?

A: The Jilly Box is a seasonal subscription box with each one being curated with that season in mind. We pour our hearts into curating items that aren’t just gorgeous, but also eco-friendly, sustainable and cruelty-free.

I love celebrating diversity and shining a light on small businesses from across North America, and The Jilly Box lets me share those incredible brands with you. The Jilly Box has always been so much more to me than just a collection of products, what’s really special about the business is the values at the centre of it all. Since we launched back in 2019, it’s been such a special way for me to stay connected with this amazing community. For us, it’s not just about sending you a box; it’s about bringing you pieces that inspire joy and make a difference, while also giving back. That’s why with every box, we donate $2 Canadian to local charities that are close to my heart.

In May 2023, we reached a new milestone that I am beyond proud of, becoming B Corp certified. This certification solidifies our commitment to sustainability and positive impact. The Jilly Box is about more than just bringing you great products — it’s about creating lasting value for you and for the communities we support.

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Q: Who is the target customer? 

A: The Jilly Box is for anyone out there who loves my favourite products and my style and ultimately, for anyone looking for a way to treat themselves from time to time.

Q: How has it evolved since it started five years ago?

A: The Jilly Box was born from a dream that my longtime agent, Tyler Evans, and I shared. Together, with the incredible Team Jilly, we brought that vision to life in 2019. I still remember the excitement of launching our very first box in October of that year — we had 5,000 boxes, and they sold out within hours. Honestly, I couldn’t believe it. And now, every season, we continue to sell out, which still blows me away. It’s a true reflection of the love and support from the Jilly Box community, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it.

From Day 1, we’ve stayed true to our commitment to working with as many small, Canadian-owned businesses that share our values as we can. We’ve always cared deeply about minimizing plastic, working with brands that use eco-friendly business practices, and selecting products that we know will truly resonate with you. These values are woven into every decision we make, and they remain at the heart of everything The Jilly Box stands for.

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In just five years, not only has The Jilly Box brought so much joy to our subscribers, but we’ve also had the opportunity to give back. To date, we’ve donated over $700,000 to communities in need, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s amazing to see the impact we’re able to create together.

Q: What is the process for picking items for the box?

A: Every item in The Jilly Box is hand-picked with so much care and intention. Each season, we build our boxes around a special theme and story that not only feels right for that time of year but also aligns with our values. Whether it’s eco-friendly, cruelty-free, biodegradable, vegan, women-owned, Canadian-owned, plastic-free, racialized-owned, or ethically made, each product has a deeper meaning behind it.

I’m super hands-on throughout the entire process. Every week, we sit down with our product and design team to collaborate, brainstorm and fine-tune the box assortment. I absolutely love getting into the details and working with the team to ensure everything feels personal, thoughtful, and is, of course, beautiful.

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Q: What is the price range for the boxes?

A: The seasonal Jilly Box is available to Jilly Box insiders and subscribers for $199 Canadian, including shipping. The boxes are valued at over $400 Canadian.

Q: And where can people learn more?

A: Check out Jillybox.com for more information.

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