From Grief to Gift: Michelle Hensley’s Inspiring Journey

Michelle Hensley has made an art out of gift-giving, author, speaker, mom and grandmother. The idea for her business, Nifty Package Co, arrived when she needed it most. Her journey, from losing her husband to cancer at age 50, then at age 51, to creating a heartfelt gifting business and the number 1 mobile gift wrapping business nationwide, has inspired many and provided an outlet to use her talents to spread joy.

What started as a purpose-filled endeavor in 2015 at the age of 51 blossomed into a poignant side-hustle success story – one gift a time. Now, a full-fledged career, she curates gourmet gift baskets and provides luxury gift wrapping services that impresses even the most distinguished clientele and recipients! When Too-Faced Cosmetics called and asked for a large-scale gift-wrapping design, she was off and running!

Nifty Package Co. offers luxury and corporate gifts and mobile gift wrapping services. Michelle’s gift wrapping clientele includes names like Warner Bros., Discovery, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, Meta, Van Cleef & Arpels, Mont Blanc, Hugo Boss, Versace, and Coach, as well as numerous homes and companies.

Michelle revisited her earlier skills in the gifting industry, rekindling the entrepreneurial spirit that would allow her to run a business her way while raising kids. As a single parent, she provided for her family and expanded her horizons. She used her background in business and counseling (she has master’s degrees in both) to evolve into a self-made professional. Her years as a counselor for those dealing with addiction and grief tapped into her superpowers of caring and support for others, which has manifested in a company that puts the passion for giving at the forefront.

 

Company: Nifty Package Co, Inc

We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.

Michelle Hensley : In the wake of losing my husband to cancer, I found herself at a crossroads, grappling with how to support myself and her family while still homeschooling. With no prior business experience and having been out of the workforce for over a decade, the odds were stacked against me. Yet, driven by necessity and a spark of inspiration, I launched Nifty Package Co. in 2015 at the age of 51.

What began as a small gift basket business quickly evolved into a thriving mobile gift wrapping service that now generates over $300,000 annually, with high-profile clients like Warner Bros., Kim Kardashian, and Meta seeking out her expertise. Today, Hensley’s business has grown by 180% in the last year alone, turning a side hustle born out of necessity into a lucrative career that has inspired others to follow in her footsteps.

In the wake of losing my husband, I found myself grappling with a daunting reality. As a stay-at-home pastor’s wife and homeschooling mom, I hadn’t been in the workforce for over a decade. “I was tossing and turning at night, overwhelmed by anxiety. How was I supposed to support myself and create income?” I recalled. The thought of returning to a traditional job seemed impossible, especially with the responsibilities of homeschooling her children and the grief of her husband’s passing still fresh.

While interviewing with a corporation, the gentleman said I would be working 50 to 60 hours a week and on call. This is normally not an issue but in this situation, I still had to launch my last two children. My late husband, Eric and myself, wanted our children to do well, be godly and pay their taxes. I wanted to fulfill his and my desire but in the midst of grief, this would not fit in at this time. On my way home from that interview, I thought and prayed, is there a business where I could work when I wanted and could, like Uber which I love that business model, and if I wanted that, would other women? This was my why.

Once home, a conversation with one of my sons sparked the idea for what would become Nifty Package Co. “He said, ‘Mom, you had a gift basket company when you were younger. Why don’t you do that again?’ That was the spark I needed,” she said.

Despite her lack of experience, my vision was clear: start a business that mirrored the flexibility of Uber, but with a focus on creativity and service and teach others how to work remote even though I had never done it.

“I didn’t understand all the important facts of cost of goods, profits, margins, and marketing. I just started,” I admit. I began by focusing on corporate gift baskets, recognizing that bulk orders would provide more stability than individual sales. These early efforts paid off, and Nifty Package Co. quickly gained traction especially the fact that this was a new opportunity, prior to the pandemic and working remote when it was not popular or well understood.

Launching the Mobile Gift Wrapping Service

By 2018, Nifty Package Co. was already gaining momentum, with everyone learned  but my entrepreneurial journey took an unexpected turn early one morning. “I was up at four a.m. to pray and read my Bible, which I had been doing daily for well over twenty-five years. I noticed that my van was sitting on the curb outside the house. I thought, ‘My van is not being used all the time. What could I do to use it more?’” I thought. This quiet moment of reflection led to a lightbulb moment: Why not take my gift wrapping skills on the road? I quickly put my idea into action, creating a webpage for Nifty Package Co.’s new mobile gift wrapping service. The response was immediate. “Within about a week, I was wrapping gifts for one of my favorite corporate clients,” I said. Despite the initial challenges, like forgetting to label the first batch of gifts and having to rewrap them, the new service quickly gained popularity.

The turning point came in March 2019 when Too Faced Cosmetics discovered my work on Instagram and reached out for a large-scale gift wrapping project. “It was one of the coolest jobs! It was my first big gift design and wrap job”.

The success of this project not only brought in a wave of new clients, including celebrities and high-profile companies, but it also solidified the mobile gift wrapping service as a cornerstone of her business.

After that, we started receiving requests from all over the U.S. The demand for my services grew rapidly, prompting her to expand her team and explore franchising opportunities. The mobile gift wrapping service, which began as a spontaneous idea, quickly became the driving force behind Nifty Package Co.’s growth, accounting for nearly 70% of business revenue today.

Navigating Challenges and Learning on the Go

The rapid growth of Nifty Package Co. came with its own set of challenges. I was navigating the strategies of marketing a small business after being out of the workforce for over a decade. I had been out of the workforce for fourteen years, so I really had no idea how business or marketing functioned. Transitioning from a life of giving to one of asking for money and generating profit was a steep learning curve. I’d never correlated sales with asking for money and creating a profit. I didn’t understand any of that.

In the early years, my lack of understanding about business fundamentals posed significant hurdles. Although Nifty Package Co. was doubling its sales year over year, the expenses grew just as rapidly. Nifty started doubling our sales right away, but as we grew, so did the expenses.

Despite these challenges, my  team and I were able to adapt and thrive, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because I started Nifty as a remote business, we were already prepared when COVID hit. As many companies scrambled to adjust to remote work, Nifty Package Co. we were able to step in and provide curated conference gifts, helping us sustain and even grow during the crisis.

However, 2022 brought a significant setback. Rising costs of goods and shipping led to a $35,000 loss, a blow that left me feeling disheartened. “I felt like an utter failure!” . Instead of giving up, I decided to dive deep into the financial and operational aspects of my business. In January 2023, I focused on understanding every single part of the business—KPIs, should I pivot, everything. The intense focus paid off, as Nifty Package Co. grew by an impressive 180% that year.

The Power of Branding and Strategic Marketing

As Nifty Package Co. grew, I recognized the importance of strong branding and strategic marketing in setting my business apart. I personally think branding sets the tone for your reputation. It doesn’t necessarily bring more finance but a good name and reputation. It is paramount to building credibility with your clients and potential clients.

From the very beginning, I understood that my brand needed to represent beauty, quality, and professionalism—values that would resonate with our high-profile clientele.

Initially, I relied heavily on Instagram and Pinterest marketing to showcase her work. Most of our new business came from referrals and those two platforms. Visual presentation was key; the beautifully wrapped gifts served as the perfect advertisement for her services.

However, I faced a unique challenge: many of my clients, especially those in high-end markets, prefer to keep my services discreet. “A lot of clients don’t want others to know we do the wrapping and fulfillment for them. I consider us the gift fairies!” I joke.

Despite this hurdle, I continued to refine my marketing strategy. I understood that in order to reach a broader audience, I needed to expand beyond just showcasing her work. I have learned all kinds of great things through marketing, like the importance of keeping a good client and lead list but admit I was not the best at this in the beginning. I also began exploring other platforms like Facebook and YouTube, using them to better understand my ideal client avatar and to start educating and inspiring others to start their own businesses.

Building an Efficient and Scalable Workflow

My success with Nifty Package Co. is rooted in my faith, tenacity and meticulous approach to sourcing materials, managing workflow, and handling high-volume orders. It has taken me years to source excellent quality paper for wrapping. The importance of consistency and staying on top of design trends to meet our client expectations. I started by using whatever materials I had on hand, gradually refining my process and investing in higher-quality supplies over the years that align with my brand’s sophisticated aesthetic.

To meet the demands of her mobile gift wrapping service, my tool setup is practical and efficient, including essential supplies like scissors, paper, tape, embellishments, and a mobile carry-all bag for easy transport and storage during onsite wraps. Clear communication with clients is key to ensuring every gift meets specific preferences. “I plan very well with the client’s wants and desires as well as what they don’t like. Communication is key all along the way until you walk out the door”.

As Nifty Package Co. expanded, managing time and resources became crucial, especially with large corporate orders. “I did not always think strategically,” I admit, reflecting on the shift to a more logical and strategic mindset. I developed a practice of evaluating each job post-completion to refine our workflow continuously. This process, combined with careful planning and collaboration with clients, allows my team to manage high-volume orders effectively.

Managing Seasonality and High-Demand Periods

Nifty Package Co. operates year-round but sees significant spikes during the holiday season, which can account for up to 50% of annual revenue. “There is an element of seasonality to a mobile gift wrapping business, but we are used all year long for corporate, product launches, PR events, and holiday activations,” Hensley explained.

To manage these busy periods, I focus and emphasize early planning and organization. “Planning your time is crucial to handle the workload”. This includes sourcing and purchasing trending paper and supplies well in advance to be ready for the seasonal rush. We maintain a stock of materials for various occasions year-round, ensuring consistent service no matter the season.

Diversification is another key strategy. In addition to gift wrapping, Nifty Package Co. offers gift baskets, event gifts, and branded merchandise, providing steady income during slower months. “For me, I have a gift business as well, so I can provide gift baskets, event gifts, and other branded merchandise through the year”.

Myself and the Nifty team’s organizational skills shine during high-demand periods, particularly in handling large-scale orders. Nift has developed efficient systems for managing these projects, including wrapping and fulfilling corporate contracts for luxury brands like Van Cleef & Arpels. “When you open your business up for gift fulfillment, that also is huge.”

Scaling the Business

As Nifty Package Co. continued to flourish, Hensley began exploring ways to scale her once small scale business beyond its initial scope. The increasing demand for her services, coupled with the unique nature of her mobile gift wrapping concept, opened up new opportunities for expansion. “The gift wrapping side just grew like wildfire,” Hensley recalled. This rapid growth led her to consider franchising and licensing as viable paths to expand Nifty Package Co. nationwide.

Wrapped gifts

The idea of franchising came naturally as I have received multiple inquiries from individuals interested in starting their own gift wrapping businesses under the Nifty brand. “I had been asked by several if I had a franchise so in response, I have begun laying the groundwork for a franchising model, but I didn’t stop there. Recognizing the need for structured support and training, I developed a licensing and coaching program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women over 50, launch their own successful mobile gift wrapping businesses.

“I take women (or men) who are just like I was and unfamiliar with owning their own business and teach them the basic skills to set them up for success where I did not have any of that. My program covers everything from setting up a business name and brand to mastering marketing and operations. Through this initiative, I aim to give back by empowering others to achieve financial goals, extra income and creative fulfillment.

The Importance of Faith, Resilience, and a Supportive Team

I attribute much of Nifty Package Co.’s success to my faith, resilience, and the support of my family and team. “My success has been dependent on a few things: my faith in Jesus Christ, prayer, and ideas, then launching on those ideas”. My faith gave me the strength and courage to take risks, even without all the answers. “I don’t wait even if I don’t have all the answers and pivot when I need to.”

I also acknowledges the critical role of her family and team in Nifty’s growth. My family has challenged me, and my team has been instrumental in the growth and success of Nifty. Their support and willingness to engage in open discussions helped guide the company through its ups and downs.

One of my biggest challenges was mastering the financial aspects of my business. If I were to start over, I would have trained myself in all things finance, CFO, and tried to find someone to teach me. A financial setback in 2022 pushed me to deeply understand every part of my business, leading to a 180% growth in 2023.

Looking forward, I am focused on expanding Nifty Package Co. through licensing, franchising and helping others succeed. I take women (or men) who are just like I was and unfamiliar with anything related to owning their own business. Through licensing, coaching, and my book, I aim to empower others on their entrepreneurial journey.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Launch and Learn

My journey from widowhood to entrepreneurship has given me valuable insights, especially for those hesitant to take the first step. My advice is just launch! Learn as you go, otherwise, you will find many excuses to not start, otherwise we won’t start, perfection can be an enemy so emphasizing action over perfection is key.

For those considering a mobile gift wrapping business, I highlight the importance of mastering the craft and understanding the market. Learn the art of gift wrapping and selling it. It actually sells itself. If you are going to charge $150 to $180 per hour, the gift wrapping better look good!

I stress the importance of building a strong client management system from the start. Keep a good client and lead list, using tools like a CRM to maintain organization and communication year-round. Take plenty of high-quality photos as marketing tools to attract new clients.

I encourage investing in learning and utilizing resources to grow quickly. I have a course where I teach all the needed lessons and techniques to grow quickly, because I take my lessons and train the new mobile gift wrapper. With the holiday season approaching, I believe it’s the perfect time to start with this new opportunity! This can be very lucrative, especially during the holiday season, confident that with the right skills and mindset, anyone can turn their passion for gift wrapping into a successful business.

 

What does success mean to you beyond financial growth, and how has your definition evolved over time?

Michelle Hensley : Success, for me, has evolved into something much deeper than financial growth. Initially, my journey was driven by necessity—finding a way to support myself and my family after losing my husband. At that time, success was about survival, and financial stability was the immediate goal. However, as Nifty Package Co. grew, my understanding of success shifted profoundly.

In the beginning, with no business experience and limited resources, I was focused on learning skills and trying to grow a business with very little experience while homeschooling my children. Launching a business at 51, especially under such difficult circumstances, meant that success was tied to creating a source of income that allowed me to balance my family life. But as my business evolved, I realized that success is more than just numbers on a balance sheet it is about tenacity, the will to keep going in the face of adversity and when difficult situations come up, learning that as Ryan Holiday says in his book, The Obstacle is the Way, that each obstacle can be the way to my success even if my business does not succeed the way I think it should.

Today, success means freedom and fulfillment—freedom to create, freedom to work on my own terms, and the fulfillment that comes from inspiring others. Seeing how my business has grown beyond what I ever imagined, I now define success as the ability to empower other women, particularly those who, like me, are stepping into entrepreneurship later in life. It’s about building something meaningful, not just for myself but for others who are looking for flexibility, a side business or side hack and independence.

Success also now reflects a sense of resilience and purpose. Losing my husband was a devastating chapter, but it taught me that success isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about how you adapt, grow, and help others along the way in other words, embracing my new normal and still able to feel the painful moments that still come up. Expanding Nifty Package Co., navigating the challenges, and building a team that shares my vision has shown me that success is rooted in faith, perseverance, and community.

Ultimately, success has evolved from being about financial security to being about creating a lasting impact—both in my life and in the lives of others. It’s about the joy that comes from doing something you love, empowering others to follow their dreams, and leaving a legacy of creativity, service, and inspiration.

 

Can you share a specific failure or major setback that unexpectedly led to a significant breakthrough in your career?

Michelle Hensley : Unexpectedly,  2022 brought a significant setback. Rising costs of goods and shipping led to a $35,000 loss, a blow that left me feeling disheartened. “I felt like an utter failure!” . Instead of giving up, I decided to dive deep into the financial and operational aspects of my business. In January 2023, I focused on understanding every single part of the business—KPIs, should I pivot, everything. The intense focus paid off, as Nifty Package Co. grew by an impressive 180% that year.

 

How do you measure personal fulfillment and impact in your role as an entrepreneur or CEO?

Michelle Hensley : I measure personal fulfillment and impact as an entrepreneur and CEO not only by the success of Nifty and my licensing and personal brand, MichelleMHensley.com., but by the lives I’ve been able to touch and the opportunities I’ve created for others. Personal fulfillment for me comes from knowing that I’ve built a business that reflects my values—flexibility, creativity, and service—and that I’ve helped other women, especially those over 50, realize their potential in starting their own ventures.

Fulfillment is found in the small moments: when I see the joy on a client’s face after receiving a perfectly wrapped gift, or when someone loves the luxury gift basket that they have received. It’s about knowing that I’ve not only provided a service but created an experience that brings joy, (our Nifty mantra) happiness and delight to others. Every time I hear from a woman who took the leap into entrepreneurship because of my story, I feel like I’m making a real impact.

Impact, to me, is measured by the ripple effect Nifty Package Co. and my personal brand has had on others. It’s about more than just generating revenue; it’s about inspiring and empowering others to take control of their lives. When I see women who were once in my shoes—unsure, insecure, scared, but determined—succeed in their own businesses through the coaching, licensing, or the possibility of franchising opportunities I’ve created, I know that my work has lasting value.

I also measure impact by how closely I can stick to the values that guide my work. For instance, building a business that allows me to maintain the work-life balance I need as a mother and grandmother is a key measure of my fulfillment. I didn’t start this business just for financial gain—I started it to ensure I could support my family while still being present for them. That’s an ongoing measure of success and fulfillment in my life as an entrepreneur.

Finally, my faith plays a major role in how I measure fulfillment and impact. Each day, I strive to build a business that reflects integrity, kindness, and service. Success isn’t just what I achieve; it’s about how I achieve it and the positive influence I leave behind in both business and life.

 

What unconventional advice or practice has helped you overcome challenges and redefine your approach to business?

Michelle Hensley : One piece of unconventional advice that has transformed how I approach business is to embrace imperfection and take action before I feel completely ready. In my early days as an entrepreneur, I didn’t wait until I had all the answers, the perfect business plan, or even a solid understanding of profit margins and marketing. I just started. I realized early on that waiting for the “perfect moment” would only hold me back, and perfectionism can be an enemy of progress.

This approach helped me overcome the fear of failure and rejection, which are inevitable in any business journey. I adopted a mindset of “launch and learn.” I was never afraid to pivot, adjust, or rework my strategy when things didn’t go as planned. This flexibility allowed me to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. For example, when I faced rising costs in 2022 and suffered a significant financial loss, I didn’t see it as a failure. Instead, I dove deeper into understanding the financial aspects of my business, which led to a 180% growth the following year. That willingness to act, even when circumstances were difficult, was key to overcoming that challenge.

Another unconventional practice I rely on is turning to prayer and quiet reflection for guidance. In a world where hustle culture and rapid decision-making are often glorified, I find that taking time to step back, pray, and reflect gives me clarity and direction that I wouldn’t otherwise have. My decision to launch the mobile gift wrapping service, which now accounts for 70% of my business, came from one of these quiet moments. While others might rely solely on data and strategy, I’ve learned to trust my intuition and faith, and that’s been a guiding force in navigating both personal and professional challenges.

Finally, treating my business as a vehicle for serving others rather than just a profit-making entity has redefined my entire approach. I focus on how I can empower others—whether through franchising, coaching, or simply providing exceptional service to my clients. This service-driven mindset has created deeper connections with my clients and team, which I believe is why my business has grown so steadily. Instead of asking, “How can I get more business?” I ask, “How can I serve more people?” This shift in focus has brought not only financial success but also personal fulfillment and purpose.

 

How have your setbacks shaped the culture and values of your organization? Can you give an example of how these values are reflected in daily operations?

Michelle Hensley : My setbacks have played a crucial role in shaping the culture and values of Nifty Package Co., grounding us in resilience, flexibility, and a service-first mindset. Every challenge, from financial losses to operational missteps, has reinforced the importance of adaptability and staying true to our purpose even when things don’t go as planned. These experiences have taught me and my team that failure isn’t the end—it’s simply a lesson and an opportunity to improve.

One of the key values that has emerged from these setbacks is perseverance. When I faced a $35,000 loss in 2022 due to rising costs, I could have easily thrown in the towel. Instead, I took it as a sign to dig deeper into understanding every facet of my business. This relentless drive to keep going, learn from our mistakes, and adapt has become part of our company culture. We encourage open dialogue about challenges within the team, fostering an environment where failure is viewed as a step toward growth rather than something to be feared.

Another core value is service. One of the things I learned from my early setbacks was that focusing purely on profits was never going to be enough to sustain the business. Instead, we made service—both to our clients and to each other—the foundation of what we do. When we faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, our ability to pivot quickly and offer curated conference gifts for virtual events came from this service-first mindset. It wasn’t about how we could make a quick buck, but how we could help others during a difficult time. This focus on serving others, even when we’re struggling ourselves, is a reflection of our deeper values.

An example of how these values are reflected in our daily operations is through the way we handle client communication and relationships. No matter how busy we are, especially during peak seasons, we prioritize clear and thoughtful communication with every client, making sure we understand their needs and preferences. This attention to detail reflects our commitment to service, ensuring that every interaction is about more than just fulfilling an order—it’s about delivering an exceptional experience.

Additionally, our adaptability shows up in how we approach high-volume orders or unexpected changes. When a large-scale order comes in, or when a client has last-minute changes, the team knows that flexibility is key. Instead of getting overwhelmed or frustrated, we view it as a challenge we can meet by working together, staying organized, and keeping the end goal in mind: serving the client to the best of our abilities.

These values of perseverance, service, and flexibility have become ingrained in our culture. They guide our decision-making and help us navigate any hurdles that come our way, creating an environment where we’re all committed to learning, growing, and delivering excellence every day.