20th Anniversary

When you reach a milestone like this in today’s economy, it bears some reflection.

Twenty years ago, I left a nursing career that I loved. I spent most of my adult years looking after people, my family and my patients. I had worked for 18 years in a large teaching hospital and eventually in the community for the Canadian Red Cross. I found it greatly rewarding working with seniors in their homes, learning about their lives and appreciating their histories. I have contributed to my community throughout my life. As a Board member of Hospice Wellington, I helped raise funds to build a hospice in Guelph, which provides compassionate end of life care.

When the time came to start my next chapter, I knew it had to involve service. Churchill’s began as a gift boutique. We packaged our delicate shortbread in exquisite gift boxes. Our belief then and still is, that the Thank You gift is highly underrated.

Express a sentiment

Celebrate an event

Acknowledge someone

Our product is shortbread. Our passion is excellence. Our commitment is great service. That will never change!

Thanks for the memories. I am grateful.

Meet The Family (Copy)

The old saying goes "Behind every successful man there is a woman". Does it follow then that behind every successful woman, there is a man?

I hope neither are true. I believe that behind every successful person, there is a group pf people who are there for the good times and the not so good.

Meet my family. Sisters, brother, children, nephews, in laws are the backbone of Churchill's. As the picture shows with the gold medals and the "Usain Bolt", they show up, stick together, make suggestions and carry me when my legs fail.

When we opened in 2005, they donned aprons, carried samples and stopped passing shoppers on Bayview Avenue in Toronto to tell our story. From the littlest 9 year old to the mature 60 year old, they proudly wore the "Churchill's Logo". From my son Justin's photographs (www.justinmorris.ca) to my son-in-law Mike's marketing (www.mikocommunications.com), I have been blessed.

The myriad of tasks that keep a new business running, but are difficult to pay for, have been handled cheerfully and cooperatively by every single one. Fall has been a busy time in the shop and every Thanksgiving we herded all the family together to cut paper, tie ribbons, make bows, stack boxes and organize the hundreds of little details that ensure smooth sailing over the Holiday Season.

I thank them all. But there is one person who needs to be named. My sister Jan, who has been with me in body and spirit since convincing me on the dock in 2003, after more than one glass of wine, that I could do it, that I should do it, that I had to do it.

Jan is my partner in every way. She has never let me down. She has made me laugh every single day. She rides along on ribbon searches. She goes along just enough to keep me out of trouble but not too much to let me drown. She shows up and never gives up. She learned to tie beautiful bows ("I'm not creative"). She helps me decide and when I'm not sure she gives me space.

It does take a village. I am grateful for mine.

And the Beat Goes On - The Next Decade

Eleven years ago this month I followed a dream, a push (some would say kick) and changed direction. After many years in health care and parenting (probably my proudest creations, my 2 children) I leaped into the business world without a net and landed safely but roughly.

Almost everything I needed to know had to be learned step by step. My creative spirit was the only given. The rest was one lesson at a time. My family were the mentors, supporters and rocks that built the product.

We recently held a "First Think Tank" evening with guidance from a professional facilitator to look ahead at the next decade. The first 10 years have been successful but in the world of ever changing markets and ideas (just look at social media!), to stay current you must adapt. A lot of great ideas were offered and we are working on plans to make the next decade even greater than the last. Seems impossible but so did the first and look where we are!

In our exciting next chapter we will be going live with our You Tube Channel "The Churchill Girls" (coming soon). We think our Excellent Adventures will be groovy. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@churchillsgourmetgifts).

Stay tuned.......

Taking the Next Step

 A client once told me that Churchill's saved his business relationship. He missed a meeting with a prospective client for the second time and knew that his mistake would be perceived as disrespectful.

He sent a box of Churchill's sweets with a written apology. The client was so impressed that he agreed to a third meeting, saying "usually I get an email with an apology. This is the first time someone took an extra step!" It was a token but made a lasting impression. The relationship is alive and well today.

We are launching a contest to ask you to "take that extra step". Here's what you do:

   Look for this post on our FB page

Click here to visit the facebook page

   Like it (the post named "taking the next step"), comment and share it with your colleagues and friends

 Each time you like, comment or share, you will be entered in the draw for a Holiday Gift Box valued at $57.50 to be sent on your behalf to a client or contact of your choice.Churchill's will be giving 10 (it's our 10th Anniversary) gift boxes!

Deadline for entry is December 7. Start sharing now and good luck!

Photo courtesy of www.justinmorris.ca; @jmorrisphotographer.ca

Get Ready for the Holidays

We're open for business!

It's our 10th Anniversary and we're so excited to unveil our Holiday Gift Box. One of the greatest pleasures we have at this time of year is designing a gift box that will stop you in your tracks, that will impress you, that will say "I chose this especially for you". It has to be worthy of the special sweets inside - the real gift! You know the saying "she's even more beautiful on the inside".

We are thrilled when a client says, as they often do " I can't wait to see what you'll come up with this year". We hear stories every day of people who have our entire collection, unwilling to part with even one! So we travel wide and far to seek the perfect ribbon, the sparkliest jewel. We think this year's Blue Diamonds hit the mark. Note: sunglasses are advised!

So if the "look" is new, be assured that the sweets remain truly "the best shortbread I've ever tasted" said former Prime Minister The Honourable Paul Martin.

What are your clients and friends expecting this Holiday? Check out our Holiday Collection 2015 page for all of the options. There is something for everyone on your list!

Meet The Family

The old saying goes "Behind every successful man there is a woman". Does it follow then that behind every successful woman, there is a man?

I hope neither are true. I believe that behind every successful person, there is a group pf people who are there for the good times and the not so good.

Meet my family. Sisters, brother, children, nephews, in laws are the backbone of Churchill's. As the picture shows with the gold medals and the "Usain Bolt", they show up, stick together, make suggestions and carry me when my legs fail.

When we opened in 2005, they donned aprons, carried samples and stopped passing shoppers on Bayview Avenue in Toronto to tell our story. From the littlest 9 year old to the mature 60 year old, they proudly wore the "Churchill's Logo". From my son Justin's photographs (www.justinmorris.ca) to my son-in-law Mike's marketing (www.mikocommunications.com), I have been blessed.

The myriad of tasks that keep a new business running, but are difficult to pay for, have been handled cheerfully and cooperatively by every single one. Fall has been a busy time in the shop and every Thanksgiving we herded all the family together to cut paper, tie ribbons, make bows, stack boxes and organize the hundreds of little details that ensure smooth sailing over the Holiday Season.

I thank them all. But there is one person who needs to be named. My sister Jan, who has been with me in body and spirit since convincing me on the dock in 2003, after more than one glass of wine, that I could do it, that I should do it, that I had to do it.

Jan is my partner in every way. She has never let me down. She has made me laugh every single day. She rides along on ribbon searches. She goes along just enough to keep me out of trouble but not too much to let me drown. She shows up and never gives up. She learned to tie beautiful bows ("I'm not creative"). She helps me decide and when I'm not sure she gives me space.

It does take a village. I am grateful for mine.

Looking Back

They say, don't spend a lot of time looking back. That's why the rear view mirror is so much smaller than the windshield as you watch the road ahead.

But after 10 years in business I think reflecting is a good thing. If anything, it allows you to see just how far you've come, baby! And when you see how many obstacles you were able to overcome, you feel a renewed confidence that you can do anything.

"Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did

Looking like a true survivor,

feeling like a little kid

I'm still standing, yeah yeah yeah

I'm still standing yeah yeah yeah"

Thank you, Elton!

Giving Thanks

Warm sun, blue skies, full plates and friends and family to share it with. All blessings denied to many around the world.

Thanksgiving was a time to remember. Thanksgiving was a time to share. Thanksgiving was a time to celebrate.

At Churchill's we are grateful for reaching our 10th Anniversary.

   We are grateful for the loyalty of our clients

     for the trust they give us to express their sentiments,

     for giving recommendations to others about our services,

     for inspiring us to work hard,

     for allowing us to create and suggest options to meet their needs.

For these and many other reasons, we are thankful. As always, we will follow our vision   Our promise is our pleasure. Nothing else will do!

What are you thankful for?

Celebrate a Mother

"A Mother is someone who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie"    Tenneva Jordan

If the Mother in your life deserves diamonds and pearls and she tells you she doesn't need a thing,

Celebrate her for the woman she is and the things she does, with a box of Churchill's sweets including a vintage inspired brooch.

View our Classic Collection for sizes and prices. Reserve your gift by email or call us at 416.422.3353. Delivery every day including Sunday, May 10th.

Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket

             Remember when everyone told you to keep your options open?

           We have a whole basket of options for your Easter Celebration. Gift boxes in all sizes with our Heavenly Pecan Bars and chick shortbread cookies in "chocolate eggs". Single chicks in cello for your Easter table or to hand out to your favourite bunnies from your "basket".

                     Hippity Hop quickly to reserve your order or call us at              

                                                             416.422.3353

                                                         Delivery available.

Valentine's Day Memories

I remember

when Valentines were handed out in elementary school by the "postman" - designated by the teacher. We each had a brown paper bag on our desk and as the postman came by and "delivered" a card from someone you knew or  "guess who" - you put it in your bag. It was an anxious time as each of us worried secretly that our bag might be empty at the end. I suppose the brown bag was to prevent anyone from knowing how popular you were or unpopular if that was your fate.

Fortunately, by the time my children were in school the policy was more forgiving. You were required to give a Valentine to everyone or no one at all.

Not everything in the past was better.....

Valentine's Day thoughts

"My bounty is as boundless as the sea.

My love as deep.

The more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite."

         Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Personally, I think they could have handled the situation better.

It's a Morris thing - William that is!

How lucky was I to acquire the name of someone whose philosophy and purpose I so admire and share.

"Everything made by man's hand has a form which must be either beautiful or ugly; beautiful if it is in accord with nature and helps her; ugly if it is discordant with nature, and thwarts her. It cannot be indifferent" 

William Morris was a designer and an environmentalist born in 1834. He challenged mass produced mediocrity. He rejected industrialization and believed that work should be enjoyable and creative. He wrote and published poetry and became involved in politics. He was passionate that workers should enjoy their work.

At Churchill's we do everything by hand. It is a slower route and we do it proudly.

The Gesture

We live in a fast paced world. Technology has deemed that we move at a speed previously never imagined. Appreciation is the key factor that sets apart those who feel valued and will work for your success. Many studies have produced somewhat shocking statistics. Given the choice to work in an environment where one feels that their contribution is acknowledged, other factors like salary are often second in their rating of the best employer. Of course, everyone wants to be paid fairly, but the satisfaction of being appreciated should never be underestimated.

"Thank you". Two words we probably say every day. Words that can never be overused. No one will tell you they don't like hearing them.

Sometimes "thank you" needs to be accompanied by "a gesture".

At Churchill's we have options for the simplest thank you to the grandest gratitude.

Over the Top

"Less is more" was never a compliment given to me. More like "over the top" is a better description. From the first impression made by the packaging to the lasting one made by the product within, I only settle when I love it!

Some (mostly family) in only the "lovingest way" call me a freakoid. "Oh, it's just not the right shade, the right width of ribbon. The bow is an 1/8" too small". Why can't I have it the way I want it? It can drive people crazy , even the ones who like me!

But it's what gives meaning to the whole damn thing. As Tina (my alter ego) says...

"Simply the Best"

The Start

Ten years ago, I followed my dream. It started on a dock in Muskoka - with the kind of things you say when you're sipping wine, feeling invincible and talking big!

"You work too hard" she says.

"I know and I can't seem to catch up" I say.

"You could sell cookies" she says.

"I love baking and my friends are always wanting to give them as gifts" I say.

"You should start a business" she says.

"Hmm, a gift business with boxes of cookies!" I say "But I'd need to sell my house and move to Toronto".

"Okay - no problem" she says.

Year after year after year......

Until ten years ago, a sign on a lawn - "Apt for Rent". A chance drive by on a route I'd never taken. Thirty minutes later I was signing a lease for that apartment with no plan on how to start a business. I believe it was "my sign" - to go forward, to live without regret. The words were as plain as day:

For Rent

Take this chance now

This is the time

Without a plan, I sold my house, quit my job and moved to Toronto, changing the old adage "Ready Aim Fire" to "Ready Fire Aim". I had a career in community nursing which was fulfilling, low paying and challenging. I worked for The Canadian Red Cross by day and taught classes in the evening. My clients were seniors and I loved hearing their life stories and seeing them in their own environment. I volunteered as a Board member with Hospice Wellington and I baked cookies in my spare time.

If I had known how hard it would be, how long it would take, how much there was to learn, would I have even tried? Not knowing was a blessing. Not taking a chance would have been worse than not succeeding. I am grateful for my ignorance then and what I have learned since. Most of my choices have led to success. Others have been hard learned lessons. But I am where I should be.

If I knew then what I know now...

Compound Interest

I am occasionally asked what I think about giving the same gift to a client year after year. My answer reflects my personal bias. When a gift is so impressive that the memory of it is all pleasure, I know that the anticipation of having it again is what counts.

I have a childhood memory. My mother waiting excitedly for the Christmas fruit cake in a beautiful tin that my father would receive each and every year from the company he worked for. The cake never changed. The tin always did. After we had enjoyed the cake over the holidays, my mother stored the tin carefully away, bringing it out the following year to fill it with her Christmas baking. She started early and hoped to have it filled with her collection of special family recipes before the time when her friends would stop by for a cup of tea or glass of sherry. I remember being a part of a conspiracy of sisters and brother who "sampled" her frozen treasures, certain she wouldn't miss just one. The tin emptied gradually but surely and she refilled it, never acknowledging our game.

Never underestimate the power of "compound interest"