The Greatest Gift of the Season Was Trust.
As dismantle the holiday decor and remerchandise my home, like I do every year in celebration of 3 favorite people’s birthdays — beginning the day after Christmas leading up to Valentine’s Day— I find myself feeling deeply fulfilled and at peace. Not entirely because of the products purchased, wrapped, and delivered, but because of the trust that was given.
This year, so many clients invited me into something incredibly personal: their relationships. They shared stories about mentors who shaped them, employees who carried them through hard seasons, clients who believed in them early, family members who deserved something meaningful, and partners whose loyalty could never be measured with a price tag.
That kind of trust is vulnerable and humbling.
Before a single product was chosen, there were conversations had. Real ones. Conversations filled with memories, gratitude, inside jokes, legacy, and intention. Stories about why someone mattered — not just what they needed.
Those answered questions become the moments where my creativity is ignited.
When someone takes the time to share their story, it gives me the opportunity to create a gift that speaks — not loudly, but authentically. A gift that says I see you, I value you, you matter to me. That’s where thoughtful gifting lives.
One thing that ALWAYS matters deeply to me, and this season was no different, was making sure my clients were guided to the right solution for their needs — even when that meant pointing them to a different resource. Sometimes that meant I could help directly, and sometimes it meant recommending the best option or best price elsewhere. Either way, the priority remains consistent:
1- doing what is right for the relationship,
2- ensuring each gift lands with the intention it deserves and
3 -creating the WIN-WIN (and hopefully -WIN) scenario.
And to my surprise and excitement, the acknowledgements.
The messages, phone calls, photos, and follow-ups from recipients who felt truly seen. People who noticed the care behind the gift. People who understood that this wasn’t “just swag” or “another item,” but something chosen for them. The overwhelming positivity and gratitude confirmed what I’ve always believed: meaningful gifts create emotional connection and emotional connection builds lasting relationships.
I’m incredibly grateful for every client who trusted me with something so important. Thank you for sharing your stories, your time, and your hearts. Thank you for allowing me to do what I love most — helping you honor the people who matter most.
At the end of the day, my work will always be relational!
If the past 6 months reminded me of anything, it’s that when genuine intention leads, good things follow. With that energy carrying forward, I have a feeling 2026 is going to be the best yet — built on relationships, trust, and purposeful giving. I can’t wait to see who I will have the opportunity to work with and love on! I hope it’s you! CHEERS!
💚 jamie AKA, urBRANDgirl
Do We Really Need Another Mug?
Short answer? Probably not. At least, not another one.
You know the cabinet I’m talking about — the one at home or in the office break room. The door barely closes because it’s stuffed with random logo mugs from conferences, vendors, old employers, and that one “World’s Best Boss” gift someone thought was hilarious in 2017.
Some are meaningful. Most… just take up space.
So, when the holidays roll around and we’re planning employee gifts, it’s natural to ask: Do my employees/family/friends really need another mug for Christmas?
Let’s talk about it.
The “Easy Button” Gift vs. the Meaningful Gift
Mugs are easy. They’re fast. They’re everywhere. And on the surface, they seem practical. After all, people drink coffee, hot chocolate or tea right?
But here’s the problem:
Most mugs don’t feel like a gift. They feel like more stuff.
Your recipient can tell the difference between:
“We needed to check the box and get something ordered,” and
“We took time to think about you, how you live, and what you’ll actually use.”
One says: Transaction. The other says: Relationship. In my world, it’s always relationship over transaction.
What People Actually Want from a Gift
When you strip away the packaging, our recipients aren’t really looking for “a thing.”
They want:
To feel seen – as a person, not just a job title.
To feel valued – like their work and presence actually matter.
To feel considered – that someone thought about what they’d enjoy, not just what could be ordered in bulk.
The right gift does three things:
Fits their life. It’s something they’ll truly use — at home, on the go, with family, or in their daily routine.
Reflects your values. Quality, care, thoughtfulness, maybe even “we support small/local” or “we buy USA-made.”
Tells a story. About your culture, your appreciation, and what it feels like to be part of your team.
A random mug rarely checks the box.
But… Could a Mug Ever Be the Right Gift?
Here’s the twist: I’m not anti-mug (although the cost of shipping is a game changer). I’m anti-thoughtless mug.
If you’re going to do a mug, it should:
Be excellent quality (no flimsy, chipped-by-February ceramic).
Be part of a bigger experience – maybe bundled with locally roasted coffee, hot cocoa mix, tea from a favorite small business.
Be personalized or purposeful – an inside joke, a value statement, a word of the year, or each person’s name/initials.
Otherwise, it’s just another object in an overstuffed cabinet or on your local Goodwill shelf.
Questions to Ask Before You Order ANY Gift
Instead of starting with, “What’s cheap and easy?” try asking the way John O’Leary does:
What’s the most I can do or give?
• No explanation needed.
Where do my people actually spend their time?
Office? Car? Job site? Kitchen? Ball field with kids? Traveling?
What would make their everyday life easier, safer, or more enjoyable?
A tool they’ll use 200+ times a year.
Something their family will enjoy with them.
Something that solves a real problem.
What story do I want this gift to tell?
“I appreciate you.”
“I care about your family.”
“I invest in quality because you are worth it.”
Will they still be using this next year?
If the answer is “no” or “probably not,” keep looking.
Ideas That Go Beyond the Mug
Here are some alternatives that often land much better than a basic mug:
Premium drinkware (yes, even here, it can be done thoughtfully!) that gets grabbed daily — in the car, on the sidelines, on job sites.
High-quality kitchen tools that become part of family meals and memories.
Cozy comfort items – blankets, sherpa pullovers, or items that say “rest & recharge.”
Workday upgrades – a great bag, backpack, tech organizer, or tool that makes their daily grind smoother.
Experience (+ tangible combo) – an outing (and you could pair it with a physical gift that reminds them of the experience every time they use it.)
The common thread? These gifts don’t just sit. They serve.
So… Do We Need Another Mug for Christmas?
If you’ve made it this far, you probably know the answer. No — no one needs another mug.
What you need to express in your gifting this holiday season is:
You see them.
You value them.
You’re willing to invest in quality, not just quantity.
And if a mug is involved, let it be intentional, elevated, and part of a meaningful story — not just another logo drop.
This is where I live and breathe.
Brailo Sales & Service is your source for ALL things branded — purposeful promotional products, thoughtful gifting, custom apparel, premium items, and strategic brand experiences that leave lasting impressions. I help leaders, business owners, nonprofits, and teams move beyond “check-the-box gifts” into thoughtful gifting that:
Leaves long-lasting impressions
Gets used, loved, and talked about
Reflects your brand, your values, and your gratitude
One conversation at a time, I can take your holiday gifting from meh to meaningful.
If you’re staring down the Christmas countdown wondering what to do, ask yourself one more question:
“Do I want to give something that will lost in the shuffle or on a thrifted store shelf… or something they’ll actually remember?”
When you’re ready to ditch the mug and gift with intention, I’m here to help. Relationship over transaction. Always.
💚 jamie AKA, urBRANDgirl
The Power of Testimonials and Referrals
Let’s be real — marketing is powerful, but nothing speaks louder than someone else saying, “You’ve got to work with her.”
That’s the magic of testimonials and referrals. They’re not just about business growth — they’re about connection, trust, and the ripple effect that happens when people feel genuinely seen and served. Because at the end of the day, it’s always relationship over transaction.
Real Words. Real Impact.
A testimonial isn’t just a line on your website — it’s a reflection of someone’s experience with you. It’s proof that your work matters. That you showed up, delivered, and made a difference. Dr. Christy Jenkins is the perfect example in this testimonial she shared and I am grateful: https://bit.ly/49bbV8t
When a client takes time out of their day to share that story, it says something deeper: “You exceeded my expectations, and I want others to know.” That’s the kind of marketing money can’t buy.
Because when your focus is on building relationships — not just closing deals — people feel it. And that feeling turns into loyalty, trust, and lasting connections.
Referrals: Where Relationships Shine
Referrals are the heartbeat of relationship-based business. They’re rooted in trust — the kind you build through consistency, follow-through, and heart.
When someone refers you, they’re lending you, their credibility. That’s a big deal. It means you didn’t just do your job; you created an experience worth sharing.
And here’s the truth — the best referrals don’t come from asking. They come from earning. When you pour into your clients, your community, and your craft, referrals naturally flow. It’s a beautiful reminder that genuine connection will always outlast a quick sale.
Keep It Simple — and Grateful
If someone shares a kind word or connects you with a new client, acknowledge it. A quick thank-you, a handwritten note, or a shoutout goes a long way.
And if you’re looking for testimonials? Ask! People who love working with you often just need a gentle nudge — and they’re happy to share their experience once you do.
The Bottom Line
Testimonials and referrals are about more than visibility — they’re about validation. They remind you that your work has impact, your relationships have value, and your effort creates lasting impressions.
So, keep showing up. Keep serving well. And remember — business built on relationships doesn’t just grow; it thrives.
Because when it’s relationship over transaction — every connection becomes a story worth sharing.
💚 jamie
“In the beginning, God created.”
In the Beginning, God Created
When we first met, he asked me if I knew the first five words of the Bible: “In the beginning, God created.”
Simple. Powerful. Purposeful.
I didn’t realize it then, but those words set the stage for one of the most meaningful relationships of my life. From the very start, I knew this wasn’t just a mentor — it was someone who led with faith first.
Having a mentor who teaches, challenges, and guides is valuable. But having one who sees you — your God-given gifts, your purpose, and the potential you may not even see yet — that’s life-changing. That’s divine alignment.
I’ve learned there are no coincidences. Just silent signs that God is with us, placing the right people, opportunities, and moments in our path. His plan is always greater. His timing is always perfect.
The gratitude I feel runs deep — not only for the lessons and wisdom shared, but for the thoughtful way he recognized the gift I carried, gave me the space to explore it, and then patiently helped me unravel it into something tangible — something that, to the world, might look like chicken scratch or an unsettled mess, but to me? It speaks volumes. It speaks from the heart. From a place of love, support, and faith. And it speaks to my future.
Because growth isn’t just about what we do — it’s about who we become, and who we’re becoming with God guiding the way.
That same philosophy guides my business. Every brand, every promotional product, every purposeful gift is designed with intention — to reflect your story, celebrate your people, and spark connection. Just like mentorship shaped my path, thoughtful branding and meaningful gifts can inspire, uplift, and leave a lasting impression far beyond the surface.
To my mentor, my colleague, and my friend: Thank you for seeing my gift, for believing in me, and for walking this 10+ year journey with me. I am truly blessed to call you a friend, and I will continue to carry your guidance with me.
If you’re looking to elevate your brand, honor your team, or create purposeful connections through products that speak from the heart, I’d love to help. Let’s create something that’s more than a gift — something that grows, inspires, and leaves a mark, just like faith and mentorship have done in my life.
With gratitude and grace,
💚 jamie