What is your name and the name of your business?
My name is Erica and I am the founder of Three Little Oaks Gift Co.
How long has your business been operating?
We opened in December of 2024 and have been proudly serving the greater Summerside, Borden-Carleton, and surrounding areas since day one.
Can you tell me about your business?
Three Little Oaks curates locally sourced and Canadian-made gift boxes for teams and employees for companies, government departments, non-profits, medical and dental clinics, etc. We also work with local associations to provide gift boxes for guest speakers, conferences, seminars and retreats. Gift boxes can be customized with company branding, so think logos, tags, cards tailored to your company’s theme. We partnered with a local family-owned graphic and print company right here on PEI. All of our packaging is environmentally sustainable and with each gift box purchased, Three Little Oaks donates to have a tree planted.
What inspired you to start this business and what made you choose your location?
Great questions! Hands down and first and foremost, my love and fundamental belief system on the importance of supporting local businesses. We believe every gift should strengthen the fabric of our community and fuel PEI’s economy. Three Little Oaks champions community-minded gifting, keeping every dollar circulating locally to nurture economic resilience and celebrate the authentic spirit of our island.
How has the local community responded to your business?
The response has truly been heart-warming. Companies, government departments and locals in our community embraced our mission. We open our gift shop to the locals during the summer months and Christmas season in addition to the yearly B2B, and many in the community became regulars, shared posts and videos, brought us gifts and baked goods, and lowers to show their support for our new business. Local small businesses and our campground in our community put out our brochures, as well as locals displaying our pamphlets and cards in their Airbnb welcome books, all on their own accord. I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the locals’ support
What do you love most about being a business owner?
I love the collaborative spirit- people genuinely want to support local businesses and that creates a wonderful sense of partnership and pride in every gift box we deliver.
Are there any specific challenges to running a business?
Seasonality can be a challenge, but the tight-knit community and strong word-of-mouth referrals more than make up for it.
What are your plans for the future?
We plan to expand our corporate gifting program and perhaps establish multiple gift shop locations for the summer season to better serve the locals and visitors.
Can you share a success story or a memorable experience related to your business?
One highlight that comes to mind is a business owner who ordered gift boxes for his team of contractors which resided throughout multiple provinces in Canada. I was fortunate enough that the owner shared images of his team opening their gift boxes and displaying our signature wool PEI Ornament on their Christmas trees. It filled my heart to see a piece of Prince Edward Island in all these homes across Canada.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business?
Lead with purpose, passion and persistence.