From Humble Beginnings to Becoming a Million-Dollar Dollar Gift Box Empire in One Year: The Inspiring Journey of a First-Generation Caribbean Entrepreneur

Olive Grey and Company Founder Transforms Family's Talents into a Thriving Business, Making Waves in Corporate and Personal Gifting

June 18, 2024
Crofton MD

In just one year, Michell Ratcliffe, a first-generation Caribbean woman, turned her family's talents into OliveGiftco, a gift box empire that’s now on the path to becoming a million-dollar business. OliveGiftco is revolutionizing gift-giving art!

“Our gift boxes are more than just items; they express love, care, and recognition," says Michell.

Ratcliffe originally opened OliveGiftco’s warehouse in November 2023 in Crofton, Maryland. The warehouse acts as a storefront and production space: "We aim to pass joy, appreciation, and love through every gift box we create," Michell said.

Ratcliffe has always been the go-to person for everything in her family. At 19, she immigrated to the USA and started her career in the food service industry with Compass Group (Eurest Dining) at the Pentagon. Just two weeks into the job, she experienced the tragic events of 9/11 when a plane hit the Pentagon. Despite her many challenges, Michell was assigned as a manager within three years. She used this same tenacity and commitment to launch Olive Grey and Company, the pillar and holding company of OliveGiftco.

Since founding OliveGiftco, Ratcliffe has earned the trust of prestigious clients such as Wells Fargo, SHRM, SFPD Safe, Capital One, Mass Mutual, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Gilbane, and 3dPRmarketing. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and exceptional customer service, Olive Grey and Company is making a lasting impression on its customers.

"We needed a last-minute gift, and OliveGiftco delivered on time with high-quality items. The personal touches, such as the handwritten card, made all the difference," shares Donald Hohmeier. "Their attention to detail and quality blew me away," adds Sydney Weaver. "I've used OliveGiftco three times, and each time, the boxes have been a hit," notes Holly Holland.

Services for Ideal Clients: To capture the attention of HR managers, VPs, technology leaders, hospitality executives, and more, OliveGiftco offers the following services:

  1. Corporate Gifting Solutions: Tailored gift boxes for employee appreciation, client recognition, and corporate events.
  2. Employee Onboarding Packages: Welcome new hires with personalized and thoughtfully curated gift boxes that reflect your company culture.
  3. Customizable Event Gifts: We offer bespoke gift boxes for conferences, trade shows, and company retreats designed to leave a lasting impression.
  4. Holiday and Special Occasion Gifts: Exclusive gift boxes for holidays, anniversaries, and milestone celebrations, ensuring your team feels valued year-round.
  5. Subscription Gift Boxes: Monthly or quarterly subscription boxes for ongoing employee engagement and client appreciation.

The name "Olive" in Olive Grey and Company honors Michell's grandmother, who is known for her grit and kindness. "She had a stubborn determination when doing things for others. The 'grey factor,' Michell explains, "It comes from my belief that life is not just black and white; there are grey areas full of possibilities. This philosophy is the foundation of Olive Grey and Company." This legacy of resilience and generosity is at the core of Olive Grey and Company's mission. "I don't see failure; I see possibilities," Michell asserts.
Olive Grey and Company embodies the "grey factor," where possibilities emerge from challenges. "The four pillars were birthed from my challenges and are nurtured by the 'grey factor,'" Michell explains. The four pillars offer the following services:

  1.  OliveGiftco: Curated high-end, thoughtfully crafted gift boxes.
  2. Olive Grey Kitchen: Authentic Trinidadian cuisine.
  3. Auntie for Life: Encouragement through Michell's journey and insights.
  4. Boxing to Success: A coaching platform for other gifters.

Summer Workshop Promotion: To expand the "grey factor," Olive Grey and Company will offer Summer Workshops. Olive Grey Kitchen will cater the events, offering delicious new dishes and popular favorites from Trinidad. Register by June 21 and receive a 25% discount on your second gift box. Join one of their Summer Workshops and experience the "grey factor" firsthand.


For more information, visit www.olivegiftco.com

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For media inquiries, please contact Michell Ratcliffe.
Phone: 240-936-8579
Email: Hello@olivegiftco.com
Follow us on Instagram: @olivegiftco.

Visit www.olivegiftco.com to discover the new collection and elevate your corporate gifting experience. Take advantage of our limited-time offers and experience the exceptional quality and creativity of OliveGiftco gift boxes.

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