I’m a big advocate for engaging yourself in this world with things that actually matter to you. When our heart is in something, we tend to participate in it differently than with things we are disconnected from. When we are excited about something, we’re more proactive than with something we dread. When we’re doing something for a cause that we have experience with personally, we lead with more passion and drive than with something we can’t relate to. And in hindsight, I realize that’s how and why I started the Wild Woman Box.
In search of a subscription box that would fit who I am and would be a fun treat every month, I found that nothing quite fit the bill. I was a weekend hiker, new cyclist, archery enthusiast, writer and mother of two. I wanted to treat my whole self, not just one part of me, which was probably also driven by my belief that as women we don’t need to fit the mold for what people think women or mothers are supposed to be. I felt there was a gap in the market, and decided to fill it. And I filled it with the Wild Woman Box, curated for women who get out, get moving and get shit done!
I spent a month or two researching and laying the groundwork for the business, which means a lot of tasks like setting up bank accounts, websites, creating an action plan and a super clear vision about what Wild Woman is and who it’s for. I launched in January 2018 with just 24 subscribers. The next month it doubled and the month after it doubled again. It was an encouraging first few months and that definitely helped to solidify my vision and my commitment to seeing things through! Every month I learn something new and I’m able to make adjustments to work smarter.
My work running a subscription based business is spent on two main fronts; (1) Establishing brand partners for products inside the box and (2) Acquiring new subscribers.
For the first focus, it’s basically a big puzzle. I have to find 5-7 products that meet a ton of criteria. First, the products need to include a consumable, a piece of gear, a body product, and something inspirational. They also have to come from companies that operate with integrity and align with Wild Woman Box's values. Next, it has to physically fit inside our box. I have custom boxes made and order them in bulk so that is a constraint that doesn’t have any wiggle room.
Once I’ve checked all of that off, I have to actually get ahold of someone at the businesses, see if their open to working with a subscription box and get a quote on pricing. If I can get all of the products that meet the criteria to also work within budget, then I just have to cross my fingers that they can get it shipped to me in time for packing. Honestly, this is the most stressful and time consuming part of the entire process each month.
For the second focus, acquiring new subscribers, well, that’s still a learning process. So far everything has grown organically through Instagram and Cratejoy. The positive side of this is that I know there is a ton of potential growth out there once I learn how to maximize my branding, marketing and ads (or hire someone to do it for me)! I’ve found a lot of joy in being able to put my creative and entrepreneurial instincts to good use while also being able to balance an active lifestyle on my own and with my kids.
Running my own business, most of which can be done from my laptop - and sometimes just my phone - affords me a lot of flexibility. I’m able to go on weekend road trips with my kids to the Grand Canyon or Death Valley and still handle any customer emails that come in, finalize orders for products and engage on my Instagram account. It also means I’m not set to a 9-5 schedule so I can take that midmorning cycle through the hills, get to the gym, volunteer for my kids field trip or be a part of the PTA board. And for better or worse, being busy, productive and involved is sort of my jam.
It’s no surprise to me that most of the women who follow Wild Woman on social media and subscribe to the box are active and busy women who hike, camp, adventure, travel, and are just straight up boss ladies! This has been a constant source of inspiration and connection and I’ve had the opportunity to work with, hike with, climb with and hang out with some amazing women that I wouldn’t have otherwise met if it weren’t for my business.
My sights are set on growing. Always growing. Both my subscriber base but also the Wild Woman community. I want to help others take that first step to pursue their vision, whether it be a business or a goal. As for me, I want to keep discovering new places that make me feel alive and revisiting places that I love fiercely. I want to push my physical limits, instill a sense of confidence in my kids, and always operate from a place of kindness. If you let yourself be free, what would YOU want to do?
Stay wild.
Alexandra DiRuscio is a mother of two, an avid hiker, new cyclist, archery enthusiast, adventurer, comedy writer and now entrepreneur. She was looking for a monthly subscription box that would suit all of the different sides of her. Not finding that just right box inspired her to start Wild Woman. Follow Wild Woman Box here and grab your first Wild Woman Box here.
Join the conversation and our community on Instagram Your story is wild and it deserves to be told. Drop Us A Line and share with us why you Go Galavanting.