trends PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS IVEY eet professional boxers Helayne Kaplan and Linda Dobrusin, but don't expect to see them in the ring duking it out. These two women are packing gift boxes with a punch. Dobrusin and Kaplan started their business, The Professional "BOX"ers, a year ago after designing welcome gifts for friends. They now work with event planners, premier hotels and private individuals to cre- Linda Dobrusin, left, and Helayne Kaplan show off some of their gift boxes. Check out some loca creators of custom- designed packages. Amaryllis Catering (248) 645-1770 A Tisket A Tasket (248) 661-4789 Cookies by Design (248) 539-4029 Cookies Etc. (248) 855-4421 Robyn & Dee's Goodies (248) 626-0460 Rodnick Bros. Fruit & Gift Baskets (586) 772-4350 Sweet Success (248) 788-2626 The Professional "Box" ers (248) 788-3036, (248) 865-012 8 • DECEMBER 2003 • STYLE AT THE IN ate customized gift baskets and hospitality packages to welcome hotel guests. Says Kaplan, "The wel- coming feeling [of the packages] makes the guests feel special; something that says, 'thank you so much, we're so glad you're here'." The women believe their unique presentation is what sets them apart from other companies. Instead of using generic bags or baskets, Kaplan and Dobrusin use atypical containers such as colorful boxes, mini shopping carts, or mailboxes to fill with treats. And in addition to their knockout packaging, each order, from the outside presentation to the inside goods, is customized to the customers' person- al wants or needs. For example, a physician wanted a gift basket to thank a fellow physician, a cardiologist, for helping him when he was sick. So, the women filled a mailbox with the cardiologist's favorite treats. The outside of the mailbox read, "Special Delivery...For the King of Hearts," and inside the card read, "Thanks from the bottom of my heart." Dobrusin and Kaplan were particularly challenged when a hotel guest requested a welcome basket for her dog. In the end, they managed to please the pet as well as the pet owner. Dobrusin and Kaplan will create a theme for each package, or they can match your package to a party's specific theme. "Every customer is unique; we like to make our boxes special to each person," Kaplan explains. Although Dobrusin and Kaplan's business is young, their friendship dates back several years when they were both working at the Paper Place in Applegate, helping with invitations. They enjoyed their job so much they created their own album of invitations to start their first company called "Our Favourettes." After four years they ended their working partnership but remained good friends. About a year ago Dobrusin called Kaplan asking for her help to make a basket for a friend. They had so much fun that they decided to partner up again and start the Professional "BOX"ers. These two women are having a blast working together once again, and they love the constant challenge of mak- ing each order more creative than the last. According Dobrusin, "We love to do creative things and we work well together. We play off of each other creatively. Its fun for us." — Jodi Charms