Bluffton Chamber Awards Aunt Laurie’s 2015 "Business Start-up of The Year”

BLUFFTON, S.C. - Jan. 22, 2016 - PRLog -- Laurie Brown, founder and owner of Aunt Laurie’s (www.AuntLauries.com) has been selected 2015 "Business Start-Up of the Year." Brown and Aunt Laurie’s were recognized and honored at the first annual Bluffton Ball held on Friday, January 8th at the Bluffton Rotary Community Center.

Aunt Laurie’s is a Bluffton-based national e-retailer committed to helping people with special needs by offering a unique collection of products and gifts made, assembled and/or packaged by individuals with disabilities. Aunt Laurie’s gift baskets and gift sets, which come in a number of different themes for all occasions, are hand-assembled by individuals with disabilities at the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Center in Beaufort – giving workers the opportunity to learn job skills, and gain a sense of purpose, through Aunt Laurie’s. Their vision is to inspire others to acknowledge the human value in everyone. One gift at a time.

The 2015 Business Startup of the Year "Golden Oyster" Award recognizes a business that began conducting business in 2015 by selling products and/or services in the Greater Bluffton area, and has distinguished itself through the excellence of its practices and results. "This award is a reflection of both the contribution Laurie Brown makes to the local business community and her character," states Shellie West, Executive Director of the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. There were over 160 nominations with 90 unique nominations for Golden Oyster Awards.

In addition to being packaged and assembled by local individuals with disabilities at the SC Vocational Rehabilitation Center, each Aunt Laurie’s gift basket or gift set contains an assortment of top quality gift products that have been hand-crafted, designed and/or made by organizations all around the country, many who employ individuals with disabilities.  The gift baskets themselves are actually handmade the SCVR center as well.

Since launching Aunt Laurie's in March 2015 after a long career in the corporate world, Laurie has created a number of strategic relationships with organizations locally and nationwide employing those with disabilities, including Programs for Exceptional People, Extraordinary Ventures, Berry Towne Crafts, Coffee With a Cause, The Chocolate Spectrum, ScentsAbility, and Waggies by Maggie and Friends – all of which produce some of the products used in Aunt Laurie’s unique gift sets. Brown also supports many local non-profits such as Heroes on Horseback, Special Olympics, Palmetto Animal League, and SOAR by offering special promotions and volunteering her time.

Aunt Laurie's gift baskets can be customized and personalized for all occasions. Themed gift baskets include all holidays, the low country, just dogs, celebrate, day at the spa, and lavender lover.