Business: Chatters Baskets LLC
Location: 8 Central Ave., Hammonton
Owner: Mary Young, 50, of Hammonton
Employees: Owner operated
Phone: 609-704-3131
We are a gift basket store that offers unique baskets.
We have a lot baskets to go, or if customers want something special or different, I'll get the pieces for it and or use pieces they bring. They just tell me their interest and their price range and I take it from there.
My signature item is a Crush Cake. It's a 2-pound hollow cupcake and I can put gifts inside, from gift cards to jewelry, chocolate treats, Swedish Fish, whatever can fit.
It comes with a small wooden mallet that the recipient uses to crack it open. I've already had someone put an engagement ring in there, and what seems like just a treat turns out to be a surprise marriage proposal.
I also have Italian baskets in four sizes. We also offer a Snack Attack Basket, with individual snacks, also in four sizes. It also comes in 100 calorie-sized packs, and is often a thank you gift to an office.
We also do sugar-free baskets, which can be hard to find. We try to offer some variety, such as our own brand of garlic habanero hot sauce, shaving soap and such for men.
I also make a Diaper Bear, which is popular for baby showers and includes a container of wipes, a bib, baby booties, a bottle, a pacifier and then usually shampoo and lotion.
Entry: I actually used to do this for the family all the time. I worked in social services for 20 years, for AtlantiCare in Hammonton. I always wanted to do this and it was time for a change.
I like the creativity, and how it makes people happy. They give you a couple of thoughts and I like to see their reaction when they come back in and see what it has turned into.
Trying to get the word out is challenging. A lot of people consider us a baby business.
The future: We'd like to extend our delivery area. Right now we do Hammonton, Atco, Folsom and Egg Harbor City. We have shipping also. We're always looking for new things. Our next big venture is Internet sales and my nephew is working on our website right now.
Business Editor Kevin Post
