Today is a day that I have dreamed of since before I even became an employer… Both of my businesses, Jillian Harris Design and The Jilly Box, have been recognized with some incredible awards! The Jilly Box has received the Globe and Mail Canada’s Top Growing Women-Led Companies Award and we’ve been named one of Canada’s Top Small and Medium Employers! This wouldn’t have been possible without my team and the amazing people who have supported us along the way and helped us grow into what we are today.
Today, we can officially share that we’ve been named one of Canada’s Top Small and Medium Employers! My parents always told me that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life, and I feel the same about being an employer. When you treat your employees like you truly love and care for them, it works out to everyone’s benefit, and being recognized for this achievement is a testament to that. Early in my career, one of the organizations I worked for received this award, I remember thinking that if I ever had my own business, I would love to build the type of company that earns an award like this. To become a company that employees genuinely love to work for. It really feels like everything we’ve been working toward has come full circle with this achievement.
I’m so proud of the team we’ve built. A team who is not only passionate about our business and the work that we do but who are also so supportive of one another! It is so important to me to create a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.
To make this list, companies have to offer not just an exceptional workplace, but forward-thinking human resources policies and a great company culture. Here are a few ways we are doing that:
- Team-building activities & volunteering: Last year, our team completed 288 hours of volunteer work! We are committed to ensuring all team members set goals to volunteer in the community. This can include anything from supporting Helen Acres Farms, volunteering at the Central Okanagan Food Bank, doing garbage pick up, and so much more.
- Flexible hybrid work program: We have adaptable start times and relaxed summer hours for the ultimate work-life balance.
- Incredible benefits for our team: We’ve cultivated a supportive team environment by providing benefits like a $1,500 annual health spending account, a $1,000 annual mental health practitioner benefit and $2,500 for training and education.
The second award that I am so proud of is the Globe and Mail Canada’s Top Growing Women-Led Companies Award!
This recognition highlights the 100 fastest-growing, women-owned businesses in Canada, and to be named in this list is truly an honour!
This award is a celebration of our journey as a Canadian-owned, women-led business with a big dream: to become North America’s most sought-after, conscious, and respected subscription box. As The Jilly Box has grown, I’m so proud that we can confidently say that we’ve stayed true to our mission—supporting small, incredible businesses that make a difference. Here are a few ways we’ve been doing it:
- Dedicated to our suppliers – We work closely with our incredible suppliers—primarily women-owned Canadian businesses—to ensure our growth is sustainable. Together, we determine appropriate lead times and quantities, allowing every item in The Jilly Box to be crafted with care.
- The Jilly Box Market – The market has become a one-stop shop for premium, high-quality, carefully curated items featuring many of my favourite products! We’ve created a space where incredible brands—many of them Canadian and women-owned—come together so you can shop in a way that feels good and aligns with our values.
I’m beyond excited to share these announcements, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to this incredible community. Your continued support and belief in our team, products, and vision have made this journey possible.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of this community. The best is yet to come!!
xo,
Jilly
