Your Name: Nina Meranus
Business Name: SurprisesByMail.com, a maker of customizable gift arrangement
Type of Business: Food & Beverage
Business Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Reason for starting
At 25, I started my first business, Creative Tots inc, a child enrichment toddler and preschool. After 15 wonderful and fulfilling years I decided to sell. I knew I would need another adventure. Due to a personal situation I was no longer in a position to send expensive gifts to my friends, family and business associates. Of course, I still believe in appreciation and recognition for all relationships. So at 43, I set out to start SurprisesByMail.com. It’s fun, easy to use, unique and completely affordable. It is the perfect gift idea for any occasion, or no occasion at all. After developing the product, designing the logo and creating the website, I was ready to begin spreading the word. Everyone appreciates receiving an unexpected “surprise” in the mail! So go ahead, send some joy and make someone smile today!
How do you define success?
Success is a measure of improvement. It is different for each individual. For me, always being open to learn and grow from those around you is being successful. Growth and change in all parts of your life is what makes everything exciting, and keeps us becoming more successful each day.
Biggest Success
I have always loved helping people and making them feel good. So the fact that I have been able to start two completely different businesses – Creative Tots, a toddler and preschool program, helping children have fun while learning, and now SurprisesByMail.com which allows people to show they care for those in their life – has been a great success for me. But most importantly has been the opportunity to run my own business that comes from my heart while raising my children. Being able to juggle the schedule of work around being there for my children’s schedule has been the greatest accomplishment and challenge for me.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Getting everyone to know that SurprisesByMail.com exists has been my greatest business challenge. Spreading the word that if you give a little…a lot comes back to you. I have always taught my children that you need to give in order to receive. So we are spreading the word by sending SurprisesByMail.com boxes ourselves, social media and PR.
Who is your most important role model?
I have to say that both my parents have been my most important role models. Each in their own way, each from different starting points and each with different styles have taught me to be strong, to work hard and to always believe in myself. That if you want something bad enough, you can find a way to achieve it.