 |
OYSTER POINTER is a monthly publication about business in the Oyster Pointer area of Newport News, VA. More About the Oyster Pointer Publication Submit Your Ideas and Thoughts “Oyster Pointer Salutes:” Archives Request
a copy of the Oyster Pointer Publication |
| “Oyster
Pointer Salutes:” Archives
Delivery and presentation are the most fun for Betty Barker because everyone is excited and happy when she appears with an impressive gift basket of comfort food, topped with a huge bow. She feels blessed being able to do something she loves and, at the same time, provide a service which spreads pleasure. Once Barker delivered a gift basket to a hospital. A smiling man stopped her and said, “Here I am! Is that gift for me?” She answered, “Sure! If your name is Susie and you just had a baby.” For 22 years Barker was involved with lesson plans and grades, and all kinds of students and parents. She happily retired in 1999, after teaching all grades, both public and private. Her three daughters encouraged her to invest her free time in a creative business. Betty’s Baskets and Gifts began modestly with family and friends as customers. She ran the business from her home and marketed by “word of mouth.” In 2001 Betty had the opportunity to buy Creative Baskets, located in Oyster Point Park. She combined the businesses and moved into her current location at 815 Bluecrab Road, Suite B. Debby Jamison, a talented “basketeer,” came with the new arrangement. The showroom has products on display and completed baskets ready to go. Virginia-made items are featured; there are baked goods, cheeses, crackers peanuts, jams, as well as frames, mugs, and other nonfood items. Containers vary from trays, boxes, and baskets to specialty items such as a mini shopping cart. The most unusual “container” was a full-size wheelbarrow, loaded and completely wrapped (except for the wheel). Theme baskets can be nautical or patriotic, for example. Any special occasion can be accommodated. About70% of Barker’s business is from corporate accounts. She sends catalogs to a database of about 2000. Orders can be phoned in or faxed. Last year’s holiday catalog featured over 30 gift packages, including a “party-in-a-box.” Christmas is the busiest time, followed by Valentine’s Day. Recently Barker incorporated her business. She has added a shopping cart to her website (bettysbasketsandgifts.com) and her Internet sales are growing. She delivers and ships nationwide – soon worldwide. Baskets have been ordered for Rosie O’Donnell, Oprah, and Fabio (after the famous “flying goose encounter”). Barker is developing plans for customized services, such as a military program that will allow service personnel to prearrange basket deliveries for special occasions that occur during absences from home. Barker works Monday through Friday (except during Christmas when she is in her shop daily). She appreciates having some flexibility since she enjoys babysitting with her two grandsons. She also is active on a praise and worship team; she plays piano or organ and her husband plays trumpet. In addition, she sings and writes music, which has been published. Barker met her husband at a church retreat in Tennessee. They have also lived in South Dakota (his home state), which Betty describes as “blizzard country.” At one time during their married life they traveled extensively, taking youth mission teams to several European countries and the Bahamas. Barker is proud of her family. She points out that there have been three generations of teachers: her husband, his mother, and two of their daughters. The third daughter is married to a missionary and lives in Japan. If her growing business will allow it, Barker hopes to go there soon for a visit. |
Oyster
Pointer Salutes: BASKETS AND GIFTS: In the Business of Making
People Happy