Chamber Insider Blog

Congratulations to Jessica Shea, owner of Cheers in a Box for being a finalist for Virtual Business of the Year! Thank you for answering our questions. View all of the finalists here.

Join us for the 27th Annual Loudoun Small Business Awards on Friday, October 29, 2021 at The National Conference Center. Ticket information here.

Tell us the story of your business and how it’s evolved.

12 million event industry workers have been devastated by the COVID-19 crisis. We were told to “pivot.” We had no idea what that even meant. Thankfully, we do now.

Cheers in a Box was created by J Shea, an award-winning, woman-owned and operated event design and strategy firm, when many of our clients’ in-person events were forced to go virtual. Designing thoughtful and joyful live events was our thing.  How would we do that virtually? We bring the fun, the thoughtfulness, and the tangible aspect of a live event together in an all-in-one solution for groups: providing custom branded boxes that tie beautifully into a seamlessly produced virtual event. Boxes are branded with YOUR company’s logo and personal messaging.

Supporting other small business is also large part of our mission. Most of the items in each box are sourced from brands around the US. Many are either female-owned or black-owned businesses, and everything is guaranteed to make your recipients smile.

What are you most proud of about your team?

The hustle. To do what we are doing, and to keep learning and evolving how we have to in these times is such a hustle. The team steps up every time to make it happen. They share the passion that I do for who we are and could be in the future. It’s very exciting to share that feeling with them.

In what ways do you give back to the community?

We give back every time we get on a virtual event with another group. We keep our event prices very reasonable and believe the value each person gets is so real. We are helping teams of people connect in a very remote world—they are smiling, learning about one another in a very simple, yet creative way that they love.

We also work with mostly small businesses with the products that we include in our boxes. We love supporting local and look for these partners daily. For example, our cocktail syrup is made by another female owned, local business.

What would it mean to you and your business to win a Small Business Award? 

It would mean so much to win this award. I have been a business owner for 10 years and the idea of starting another totally different business when the pandemic hit was honestly so frightening. This would make me feel so good because it has been a rough road.

Who is the one person that has influenced you the most in your career? 

My dad. I have a never-give-up attitude. I get down, but I always get back up. That’s all him and what he instilled in me as a kid.

What is your favorite thing about running a business in Loudoun County? 

I love where we live and the beauty around us. I love all the small businesses I can connect with and learn from, and the pockets of areas that each bring their own unique brand.

What did you want to be when you grew up as a child?

A fashion designer!

If you’re not in the office, where can we find you/what is another passion you have?

With my kids. Any extra moment I have outside of work I want to be with my three kiddos, Davis, Drew and Drake. Or with my husband, too with a glass of wine in hand of course.

How do you see your business evolving in the next 5 years?

The sky is the limit! We are moving into a commercial space in a week. In five years, I hope we are in a big warehouse sending joy to even more people all over the world!

Learn more about Cheers in a Box on their website.