Stacey Gardiner’s gifting business has taken off thanks to her decadent sweet treats
Stacey loved baking from a young age, and spent hours in the kitchen with her mom. “When an overseas friend gave me a special recipe not long ago, I refined it over many months to create those perfect treats I make today,” she says. “My business, The Present, has taken off thanks to these treats. According to a loyal customer it’s a box of deliciousness – not just a biscuit, but the perfect combination of chocolate, salted caramel, biscuit base and nut topping.”
Stacey did a B.Com in marketing and travelled the world before opening a promotions business with her husband, Ian, which they ran together until she left to become a full-time mom to Calvin and Luke.
Once the boys were older, however, Stacey decided it was time to follow the dream of combining her love for baking and gifting – and that’s when The Present was born.
“I’ve always loved giving gifts and seeing the joy on people’s faces when they open something unique,” says Stacey, who often takes long walks along the beach close to her uMdloti home to reflect and come up with new ideas to grow her business.
The Present launched in March through Facebook, and grew with a buzz on social media as well as word of mouth. “I’m now baking thousands of biscuits every month, and can’t keep up with the demand,” smiles Stacey.
“Time is my biggest challenge, but I stay positive and motivated and manage it accordingly. My family is my number one priority, so I try to ensure my business gets done during the week so we can spend quality time together on weekends.”
Stacey is grateful for support from family and friends as well as loyal customers, and hopes to keep growing The Present as she continues to introduce new gifts and offerings to both individuals and the corporate world. “I’d love to eventually employ some help with my baking, and that way I would be empowering more women.
“Believe in your dreams and don’t doubt how strong and capable you actually are, take the risk to just get started and follow your passion!”
Tel:082 458 6745 | Email:stacey@thepresent.co.za | Facebook:thepresentdurban