Meet Kaela Servais | Owner of Carefully Curated Gifts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaela Servais and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaela, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
The most important thing I have done as a parent so far has been learning to ask for help. Before my daughter was born, I very rarely, if ever, showed any signs of vulnerability. As far as I was concerned, I was the person everyone could come to for help and support, not the other way around. The build-up of frustration and chaos that mindset caused me for decades truly wreaked havoc on my life.

It wasn’t until I became a new mom navigating postpartum depression and the pandemic shut down the world that I realized, yeah… I am not okay. I needed help. Once I finally allowed myself to open up to those around me, I was overwhelmed with the support I received. To love and let yourself be loved, what an incredible blessing you can give yourself! Now I truly feel confident in running my business and being a present wife/mom without having to have all the answers.

The impact I want to leave on my little one is that you can be a strong woman and also not carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Your worth is not in how put together you are, you are already enough just as you are. If that means you need to cry, talk to someone, seek therapy or take medication- that is totally awesome. She will grow up knowing her mom is going to be right by her side through it all.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the owner of Carefully Curated Gifts, a boutique specializing in intentional gift giving! What sets us apart is the love and time spent to make each gift as meaningful as it is beautiful. Our goal is to create a wonderful experience every time someone opens up their CCG present. We exclusively partner with over 30 small businesses within our community to create every item we carry. When you shop with us, you are not only supporting my family but also dozens of families around Washington who have taken a leap of faith to create something for themselves.

My business started in July 2021 after being a stay at home mom for 1.5 years. After navigating the pandemic and postpartum depression, I really just needed a creative outlet for myself. What started out as me creating gift baskets for my friends during quarantine turned into a fun and innovative business opportunity.

Of course there were challenges along the way! I mean, I was incredibly sleep deprived and had no idea how to start a business- let alone how to operate one! Through many mistakes and endless amounts of grace, I have adapted and made shifts where necessary. I have been amazed at the support I have received in the past 6 months. I still get overwhelmingly excited every time I get an order, and I don’t think that will ever go away!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh man, there’s so many things to see and eat when you’re in Seattle!

We would obviously have to eat at all of my favorite places since food is always the priority.
For brunch, Salish Lodge overlooking Snoqualmie Falls or Portage Bay Cafe for their AMAZING french toast and breakfast bar spread. For lunch and dinner, seafood is a no brainer because it’s always fresh and locally sourced. The best place to go is Duke’s because their chowder will breathe new life into you. Totally serious. You have to try it! Dessert is going to come from Hot Cakes because those ooey gooey molten lava cakes are irresistible.

When it comes to where we would go, there’s so much to choose from. I have to worn you, you will most likely if not always get rained on. So…maybe don’t curl your hair and instead put a thick beanie on. If you’re the outdoorsy type, Rattlesnake Ridge has a steep hike worth every step for the breath taking view. Or if you’re like me, maybe the EMP (Experience Music Project) is more your style, where you can learn music history and try tons of hands on exhibits. The Space Needle and Pike P{ace Market are major tourist traps, so if we must, we would go during the middle of the week. There are lots of great shops and people watching downtown!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank my core community for standing by my side as I navigate this new way of life. It’s messy and magic and you all have been with me every step of the way. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

To my mom: You have taught me everything there is to know about being authentic, vulnerable and leading with love. You are always growing and adapting and I just want to honor you for the example you set for me my whole life.

To my best friend Jordyn: You have walked with me through every high high and incredibly low low. Thank you for challenging my thought process and helping me break down my thick walls of resistance. Your love, wisdom and guidance has radically changed my life.

To my husband: Oz, I am so grateful we get to do this life together! Through hardships we have learned to communicate better and lift each other up in moments of weakness. We laugh so hard and dream big, gigantic dreams together. You are truly my partner and always make me feel safe when I let my guard down.

To Charlotte: My sweet girl, you singlehandedly changed the course of my life forever in all of the BEST ways! You have taught me a love greater than I have ever known. Your silliness and curiosity remind me to not take everything so seriously and enjoy every moment as it comes. I am so proud and grateful I get to be your mama.

Website: www.carefullycuratedgifts.com

Instagram: @carefullycuratedgifts

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carefullycuratedgifts