Daffodil and Alder - The Story

Edited by: Abigail R. DePaola   

  Allow me to share the heartfelt journey behind Daffodil and Alder, that's as much about me as it is about the company. Hey there, I'm Jen, the owner and creator of all things Daffodil and Alder.  But before we delve into the story of our brand, let me paint a little picture of who I am.

    I am a Floridian, which I know is somewhat rare, growing up sailing and loving beach days.  I was born in St. Petersburg Florida and moved to Southwest Florida (Naples & now Fort Myers) when I was 11.  I graduated from Gulf Coast High School in 2000, and attended Florida Gulf Coast University graduating with a Bachelor’s in Finance.  I met my husband, Matt, in college and we’ve been together ever since.  My career initially took me to Pulte Homes, but with the arrival of our first beautiful daughter in 2009, I chose the path of being a stay-at-home mom.  Our second daughter was born in 2011, and we continued creating a life we love.  Now fast forward, oh about 14 years, and we the enter Summer 2023. 

    After a brief conversation with Matt in early 2023, I dove headfirst into the world of e-commerce, creating Unique Modish Market.  In May 2023, I began researching and learning all the things I could to start U.M.M and officially on June 5, 2023, I started my next chapter!

    Then in July our youngest was diagnosed with Leukemia.  Our entire world shifted.  We are blessed beyond words that she is in remission, but A.L.L has a long roadmap of treatments and she will still be fighting her battle until October of 2025.  The focus of our lives since then has just been about getting through each day.  Making the best of the daily grid, with one daughter in high school, one with appointments and overnight treatments, our careers and of course, Lando (our Havanese, who I loving refer to as my little dude).  To say that July 2023 to the present were challenging times would be an understatement.  With the challenges we faced, I still kept going and growing with Unique Modish Market but I felt something was missing.  I knew the goal of my boutique was to provide a place where woman, who are beyond busy with daily life could easily find some cute and stylish clothes, and quickly.  Lets be honest we can’t always head out shopping on a whim (would they even have the right size in stock anyway… probably not). 

    That part of my goal has been a constant, but I was searching for something extra, something to energize the connection with my community. It was time to shift my focus.  We've been showered with amazing presents for our daughter, each one a little beam of sunshine. I cherished knowing someone took the time to think about her. Recreating that feeling became my goal—the joy of spreading that love to others. I've always enjoyed putting together gift boxes or baskets whenever there's an opportunity to celebrate, now I can help others do the same!

    So, with my original foundation of helping busy women find quality items they need effortlessly,  Daffodil and Alder was born.  My vision for Daffodil and Alder extends beyond mere e-commerce; it's a harbor for busy souls seeking calm shopping experience amidst the chaos. Each item, handpicked from small businesses, carries with it a story of passion and dreams fulfilled. From eco-friendly pieces to homemade treasures, every box holds a piece of my heart, crafted with love for both the giver and the receiver.

    But why Daffodil and Alder? Honestly, it's because of what they each symbolize. When I pondered changing my company's name, I knew I wanted something unique, but it had to resonate with me. I am no longer the person I was prior to June 2023, I've changed and learned so much about myself, and the name Daffodil and Alder speaks directly to my soul. Daffodils symbolize rebirth, new beginnings, hope, joy, and good luck, while the Alder tree embodies strength, protection, determination, and confidence, serving as a sign of safety and security. In light of my recent experiences, these words evoke a feeling in me that I couldn’t ignore.  The symbolism of these two words mean so much to me, and I want to share that significance with you, the Daffodil and Alder community!

    My goal in crafting each gift box is to convey love for the recipient. I hope you not only share these gift boxes but also treat yourself because we all deserve a little something special! So, here's to creating moments of tranquility, living authentically, and embracing the beautiful chaos of life, one gift at a time.

Welcome to the Daffodil and Alder community, where every box tells a story of the love, the hope, and the courage it takes to be uniquely you.