Hi, I’m Donna – founder of Smile Box, a business I launched in 2021 with a big heart and a simple mission: to spread positivity, boost mental health awareness and deliver smiles to those who need it most!
There are three powerful reasons behind Smile Box, each one shaping the purpose behind what we do and each reason reflecting on my own personal journey.
There’s something magical about choosing the perfect present, wrapping it with care, and seeing someone’s face light up when they receive it. I could even get joy from watching a complete stranger open a gift. That moment – where someone feels thought of and appreciated – has always mattered to me.
Throughout my career, I worked in environments where employers and leadership teams did not make kindness and wellbeing a priority for staff. Instead, pressure, burnout, and lack of appreciation were the norm. I saw brilliant people become shadows of themselves – including myself, and I knew there had to be a better way to show people they matter – especially at work.
At just 9 years old, my child, overwhelmed and struggling with their mental health, following some severe bullying, decided they didn’t want to be alive anymore. The moment I discovered a google search on their laptop which asked the question ‘What is the best way to kill myself’ – and what followed, was the most devastating time of my life. That experience made me stop, re-evaluate everything, and once we were through that dark time, choose a new path – one rooted in compassion, connection, and purpose.
It’s about celebrating wins, supporting through struggles, and saying “you matter” in a tangible way. In a world that has become more digital and less personal, Smile Box creates meaningful gifting experiences that uplift, comfort, and connect – because every person deserves to feel valued and to have space to focus on their wellbeing. It’s better for them, and the organisation!
So for me, this isn’t just a business – it’s personal. It’s my story, my healing, and my way of bringing more kindness into the world. If I can make even one person feel seen, valued, and supported – and help raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention in the process – then Smile Box is doing exactly what it was created to do. We hope you love our mission as much as we do.
10 September is a date that carries deep meaning—it’s World Suicide Prevention Day, a global moment of reflection, awareness, and hope. Created by the International Association for Suicide Prevention together
September rolls around and with it comes a big milestone for thousands of families – the moment when teenagers pack up their lives into boxes, tote bags and suitcases, and
In today’s fast-paced workplace, it often feels as though there’s no time to pause. With deadlines to meet and inboxes filling up, the hours can slip away without a moment
As the festive season approaches, and yes we are using the ‘C’ word already – many businesses are starting the annual task of sorting Christmas gifts for their teams. For
At Smile Box, we believe that wellbeing begins with human connection. In the workplace, that connection is built through trust, vulnerability, and a culture where people feel safe to be
Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real and growing issue affecting employees across industries. At Smile Box, we believe the first step to supporting your team is knowing what to
Here at Smile Box, we’re confident we can help support your employee wellbeing culture and mental health!
Please get in touch by providing your details below, and we’ll send you a brochure explaining more about what we do, along with the costs!
Thanks for your interest.
