Winter 2025 - 108
backlog of hotspotting and eventually transitioned into a
full-time support position after a couple months of parttime
work. After a couple months, I quickly established
myself as the " go-to " support person for sales reps and
agency admins, as I spoke the same language as them.
Fast forward a year, I was leading the support team.
Fast forward a couple more years, and I was responsible
for the product, including making sure new features or
products were implemented, making sure bugs were
resolved, etc. During this journey, I discovered that
what I really wanted to do was what I was doing. I have
a passion for helping the customers, whether it was
teaching/explaining something or solving a complex
business problem through new development.
What professional accomplishments are you most
proud of?
Delaney: I would say I am most proud of creating the
Specialty Wholesale Talent Association (SWTA). After
surviving COVID and getting more involved in NEST,
I began to notice just how little younger generations
represented the wholesale, specifically in the gift and
home décor industry. Through talking and organizing with
my network, SWTA was created as an initiative to spread
awareness to the up-and-coming professionals/workforce.
Since its creation in 2023, SWTA has hosted informational
sessions at the three major markets and has been invited
to collaborate with established industry associations, such
as Gift Sales Managers Association (GSMA). Actively, we
are working on bringing internship opportunities from the
industry to students.
I am also proud to have co-chaired the give-back
committee for Gift Home & Trade Association (GHTA) in
2022 and 2023, giving back to local charities in Tampa
Bay, Florida, and San Antonio, Texas.
Dillon: I would say I am most proud of helping Delaney
get the SWTA off the ground. It is a challenge taking a
new idea and running with it. It has been a journey, but
it has been a great learning experience. Outside of this,
I am proud of developing the amazing relationships with
many sales reps, back-office admins and sales managers.
I am also proud of the growth that I was able to achieve
within Brandwise.
If you had to choose your greatest personal
accomplishment, what would it be?
Delaney: Other than being presented with this award,
in the fall of 2021 I was able to purchase my first home
in Denver at the age of 24. In the winter of 2021, I was
promoted to vice president at NEST for my dedication of
driving sales and bringing new ideas to the table during
the pandemic.
Dillon: Other than the honor of this award, I would say it
is being blessed with my family. My wife Kimberly and two
beautiful kids (Penelope, 2, and Malcolm, 4 months). My
family and the life we've built.
108 WINTER 2025 GIFT SHOP® PLUS
EJIBOLA
ADETOKUNBO-TAIWO
CEO & Founder, Simply Ejibola
Tell us about yourself.
I'm the current CEO and
founder of Simply Ejibola, based
out of Alberta, Canada. Being
an entrepreneur has given me
the freedom to express myself, and I guess that is what
drives our brand persona: freedom. It's about giving power
to the people and creating hope, passion, imagination and
dreams through inspirational writing instruments, premium
office and home stationery and luxury lifestyle gift items.
I was born and raised in a country in West Africa called
Nigeria. In Nigeria, almost everyone now is an
entrepreneur - it's what we do and what makes us
sedulous. I grew up in my mum's convenience store and
my dad was into real estate, hotels and buying and selling
of land. I've always been in business and around business;
it's really been a part of who I am. I've learned a lot from
my parents through their highs and lows, and those lessons
serve as pillars for me running mine now. Leaving banking
and diving into entrepreneurship is tough, it's difficult
owning your own business and most times it can feel lonely
and isolating particularly as a Black business owner.
Starting a stationery and gift item brand definitely wasn't
what I had in mind when I was growing up. Coming from
an African family, all you would hear at home is, " Go to
university! Be a doctor! Be a lawyer! Be a banker! " And a
banker I became. We were conditioned to think that those
types of careers were the only way to become successful
and ensure a happy and stable future. But over time,
being a banker for over 15 years while working at one of
Canada's top five banks as a senior business banker and
helping lots of entrepreneurs daily showed me another way
of life I wasn't exposed to. I discovered my hidden creativity
skills - I loved it. I became an entrepreneur. A few years
later, I decided to give the business my full-time attention.
What professional accomplishments are you most
proud of?
I am most proud of starting a business from ground zero
and growing it into a brand with a physical flagship store
and warehouse. Also, having the same business incorporate
a social enterprise corporate responsibility model into the
business structure is one that I am very proud of.
Simply Ejibola means Simply Amazing. It's an enlivening,
all-inspirational stationery, self-care and wellness gift item
brand that symbolizes hope, community and inspiration,
and encourages dreamers to manifest their aspirations.
Beyond lifestyle and well-being, Simply Ejibola serves as
a source of motivation, urging individuals to overcome
obstacles and achieve their goals. Our signature blend of
premium and luxury embodies a world where dreams do
come true. Simply Ejibola is a Black-owned, 100% women
Winter 2025
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Winter 2025
TOC 1
TOC 2
Contributors
From the Editor
Trend Report
Editor's Picks
Showcases
Museums & More
Wine & Dine
Retailer Profile: Emerald Forest Gifts
Beyond the Cuddle
Leading with Heart
Home for the Holidays
2025 State of the Industry
New to Market
Spotlight Awards Class of 2025
Event Calendar
Industry & Trade Show News
Ad Index
Meet the Maker: WerkShoppe
Winter 2025 - 1
Winter 2025 - 2
Winter 2025 - 3
Winter 2025 - 4
Winter 2025 - 5
Winter 2025 - TOC 1
Winter 2025 - 7
Winter 2025 - TOC 2
Winter 2025 - 9
Winter 2025 - Contributors
Winter 2025 - 11
Winter 2025 - From the Editor
Winter 2025 - 13
Winter 2025 - 14
Winter 2025 - Trend Report
Winter 2025 - 16
Winter 2025 - 17
Winter 2025 - 18
Winter 2025 - 19
Winter 2025 - 20
Winter 2025 - 21
Winter 2025 - 22
Winter 2025 - 23
Winter 2025 - 24
Winter 2025 - 25
Winter 2025 - 26
Winter 2025 - 27
Winter 2025 - 28
Winter 2025 - 29
Winter 2025 - Editor's Picks
Winter 2025 - 31
Winter 2025 - Showcases
Winter 2025 - 33
Winter 2025 - 34
Winter 2025 - 35
Winter 2025 - 36
Winter 2025 - 37
Winter 2025 - 38
Winter 2025 - 39
Winter 2025 - 40
Winter 2025 - 41
Winter 2025 - 42
Winter 2025 - Museums & More
Winter 2025 - 44
Winter 2025 - 45
Winter 2025 - 46
Winter 2025 - 47
Winter 2025 - 48
Winter 2025 - 49
Winter 2025 - 50
Winter 2025 - 51
Winter 2025 - 52
Winter 2025 - 53
Winter 2025 - 54
Winter 2025 - 55
Winter 2025 - 56
Winter 2025 - Wine & Dine
Winter 2025 - 58
Winter 2025 - 59
Winter 2025 - 60
Winter 2025 - 61
Winter 2025 - 62
Winter 2025 - 63
Winter 2025 - Retailer Profile: Emerald Forest Gifts
Winter 2025 - 65
Winter 2025 - 66
Winter 2025 - 67
Winter 2025 - Beyond the Cuddle
Winter 2025 - 69
Winter 2025 - 70
Winter 2025 - 71
Winter 2025 - 72
Winter 2025 - 73
Winter 2025 - Leading with Heart
Winter 2025 - 75
Winter 2025 - 76
Winter 2025 - 77
Winter 2025 - 78
Winter 2025 - 79
Winter 2025 - 80
Winter 2025 - 81
Winter 2025 - 82
Winter 2025 - 83
Winter 2025 - Home for the Holidays
Winter 2025 - 85
Winter 2025 - 86
Winter 2025 - 87
Winter 2025 - 88
Winter 2025 - 89
Winter 2025 - 90
Winter 2025 - 91
Winter 2025 - 2025 State of the Industry
Winter 2025 - 93
Winter 2025 - 94
Winter 2025 - 95
Winter 2025 - 96
Winter 2025 - 97
Winter 2025 - New to Market
Winter 2025 - 99
Winter 2025 - 100
Winter 2025 - 101
Winter 2025 - 102
Winter 2025 - 103
Winter 2025 - 104
Winter 2025 - Spotlight Awards Class of 2025
Winter 2025 - 106
Winter 2025 - 107
Winter 2025 - 108
Winter 2025 - 109
Winter 2025 - 110
Winter 2025 - 111
Winter 2025 - 112
Winter 2025 - 113
Winter 2025 - 114
Winter 2025 - 115
Winter 2025 - 116
Winter 2025 - 117
Winter 2025 - Event Calendar
Winter 2025 - 119
Winter 2025 - Industry & Trade Show News
Winter 2025 - 121
Winter 2025 - Ad Index
Winter 2025 - 123
Winter 2025 - Meet the Maker: WerkShoppe
Winter 2025 - 125
Winter 2025 - 126
Winter 2025 - 127
Winter 2025 - 128
Winter 2025 - 129
Winter 2025 - 130
Winter 2025 - 131
Winter 2025 - 132
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/winter-2025
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/celebrations-occasions-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/fall-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/waterfront-living-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/summer-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/holiday-shop-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/spring-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/the-guide-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/winter-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/celebrations-occasions-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/fall-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/waterfront-living-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/summer-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/holiday-shop-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/spring-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/the-guide-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/winter-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/celebrations-occasions-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/fall-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/waterfront-living-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/summer-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/holiday-shop-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/spring-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/theguide-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/winter-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/fall-2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/summer-2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/spring-2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/theguide-2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/holidayshop-2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/celebrationsoccasions-2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/winter-2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/fall-2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/pets-fall-2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/summer-2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/pets-summer-2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/survivethriveguide-2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/spring-2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/pets-spring-2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/theguide-2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/winter-2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/pets-winter-2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/fall-2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/pets-fall-2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/demdaco-2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/summer-2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/pets-summer-2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/holidaygiftguide-2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/spring-2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/pets-spring-2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/winter-2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/greatamericanmediaservices/GiftShop-Plus/pets-winter-2019
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com