Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Aycock.
Hi Kara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Handpicked Gifts in the fall of 2021, right after my oldest went off to college — 8 hours away from home. He got sick not long after he got there, and since he has food allergies, it was really hard to figure out how to get him the foods and medicine he needed safely. I remember thinking, I wish I had a friend who lived in his college town that I could call to help. That’s when it hit me — I could be that friend to UNC families, because I’ve lived just down the road from campus for over 15 years.
That’s how it began: hand-delivering care packages from parents to their UNC students. I packed each one with snacks, wellness items, or favorite little surprises. And after every delivery, I’d snap a photo and text it to the parent — because I knew how much it meant (especially for parents of boys!) to get that “proof of life” and know their child was okay.
From there, things grew faster than I expected. Within a year or so, I expanded beyond student gifts and started creating gourmet gift baskets with locally made, North Carolina products — everything from sweet treats to candles to savory favorites. Now I ship gifts all over the country and also work with local departments, organizations, and businesses right here in the triangle.
My first big UNC order came from a department that needed speaker gifts for a research symposium. I wanted the gifts to feel personal, so I added a simple insert explaining the background of the local makers behind each item — where they’re from, what inspires them, and how their businesses give back to the community. That insert became our signature Artisan Story Sheet, and it’s now included in almost every gourmet gift we send.
Some of our favorite partnerships have been with UNC departments like the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, the Gillings School of Public Health, and the UNC Veterans Resource Center. But we’re still just as happy to deliver a birthday basket to a nervous freshman or a pick-me-up for a student going through a hard week.
At the end of the day, Handpicked is about making it easier to show up for someone — to say, “I see you. I’m cheering for you.” Whether it’s a student, a colleague, or a client, a good gift can make someone feel remembered, celebrated, or just a little less alone.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Even though I’m the daughter of small business owners — and spent plenty of time working in their stores as a teenager — I didn’t have any formal business training or experience when I started Handpicked. I knew how to care for people and how to show up for them, but learning how to build a website, run online sales, market myself, and manage all the moving parts of an e-commerce business? That was a whole new world.
I bootstrapped everything from day one — no investors, no big startup capital — just a deep belief in the idea and a willingness to figure things out as I went. I had to teach myself photography, social media, email marketing, packaging, pricing, inventory… you name it. It’s been a huge learning curve, but I’ve tried to keep the focus on exceptional customer service, value, and products I can truly stand behind.
Being raised in a family of small business owners gave me a lifelong respect for how much heart, hustle, and impact small businesses bring to a community. That’s a big reason why I choose to feature products from other small makers across North Carolina. I know firsthand how much it matters when someone believes in your work and shares it with others. Whether it’s a cookie baked from a grandmother’s recipe by a woman-owned bakery or a candle crafted by a small business that donates part of its profits to local causes, I love knowing our gifts help amplify the stories of makers who pour heart and heritage into everything they create — and who make a difference in their communities. At the end of the day, I just want people to feel cared for — whether they’re sending a gift or receiving one. If that comes through, I’ve done my job.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At HandPicked Gifts, we make thoughtful gifting easy for people who care deeply — but are already juggling a lot. Whether you’re a parent sending encouragement to a student, a UNC department welcoming a guest speaker, or a North Carolina native looking to share a taste of home, we’ve got something special for you.
We specialize in high-quality gift baskets featuring small-batch products made right here in North Carolina. Many of the items we include come from woman-owned companies, use family recipes, and support their communities in beautiful ways — like feeding children in need or employing local artisans.
Every gift is curated with care and includes a little something extra: an Artisan Story Sheet that tells the story of the people and purpose behind each product. It’s our way of adding heart to the unboxing experience and helping recipients feel more connected — not just to the sender, but to the people behind each treat or keepsake.
Our business started as a local delivery service for UNC students in Chapel Hill, but over the past few years, it’s grown into a full-service gifting studio with shipping nationwide. Still, our goal remains the same: to help people show up for others in a meaningful way — even when time is short and life is full.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
While I’m no industry analyst, I can say this: I believe we’re in a moment where people are craving real connection more than ever. We’re all pulled in so many directions — working, parenting, caretaking, trying to stay on top of everything — and it’s easy for meaningful gestures to fall through the cracks.
At the same time, there’s a shift happening in the gifting world. People are tired of impersonal, mass-produced items that feel like an afterthought. They want to send something that actually feels thoughtful — something that says, “I see you.” Whether it’s a student away from home, a colleague who went above and beyond, or a friend going through a tough time, people want their gifts to feel intentional and personal.
I think the businesses that will thrive are the ones offering high-quality, beautifully presented gifts that tell a story — especially gifts that support small businesses, honor traditions, and give back to the community. That’s what I aim to do with every box we pack and every delivery we make.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.handpickednc.com
- Instagram: @handpicked_nc
- Facebook: @HandpickedGiftsNC
