Romy Keper serves as a speech pathologist in schools across Long Island, New York, where she witnesses the dedication and emotional investment teachers put into their work. Drawing inspiration from her professional experiences, she established her small business, CharTEACHerie Gift Boards, which specializes in creating personalized gifts aimed at helping educators feel acknowledged and appreciated.
We were captivated by Romy’s Instagram, showcasing her beautifully crafted gift boards for teachers. Eager to learn more about her venture that celebrates educators, we conducted a Q&A with her. Read on to discover more about her business and some crafty tips for those interested in creating their own gift boards.
Q: What inspired you to create your first CharTEACHerie board?
CharTEACHerie was born from my desire to blend two of my greatest passions: giving gifts and supporting educators. My first board was a heartfelt initiative, and once I witnessed how much it meant to the teacher who received it, I realized I had stumbled upon something truly special.
As a speech-language pathologist working in schools, I have a front-row seat to the immense energy teachers invest in their students every single day, often without receiving any form of acknowledgment. This realization fueled my motivation to create a more meaningful way to express gratitude towards teachers, far beyond the conventional gifts like mugs or candles.
Q: How did you come up with the name “CharTEACHerie,” and when did it start to catch on?
The name is a clever play on the word “charcuterie,” infused with a teacher-centric twist. I loved envisioning a curated board filled exclusively with items that educators utilize daily, and CharTEACHerie just felt right.
It began to gain traction when teachers started sharing their boards on social media, prompting parents to recognize how unique and personalized these gifts were. The power of word-of-mouth within the education community cannot be underestimated.
Q: What does your creative process look like when you’re building a board from start to finish?
My creative process typically begins with a clear focus on the teacher or the occasion at hand. I gather insights about their personality, interests, teaching style, and overall preferences. This information guides me in selecting items that are both enjoyable and practical for the recipient. I love blending useful supplies with delightful surprises that resonate with each individual.
The final touch involves meticulously arranging everything on the board—presentation is just as important as the items themselves.
Q: What are some of your favorite boards to make?
Honestly, I cherish the process of creating each board. However, I particularly enjoy crafting boards that are heavily personalized and specifically targeted.
For instance, I once created a series of boards for a team of paralegals during Administrative Professionals Week, where each team member received a charming wooden gavel and scales-of-justice pens—both items were a joy to shop for. I also relish making sports or holiday-themed boards, as they provide a plethora of options. Additionally, I’ve had the thrilling opportunity to create boards for a few celebrities and content creators, which has been an unexpected delight.
Q: What kinds of items do you typically include, and how do you choose them?
I curate a mix of:
- Everyday school supplies
- Snacks and treats
- Self-care items
- Personalized touches
Incorporating add-ons like Amazon or coffee shop gift cards adds a thoughtful touch and helps tie everything together. I select items based on their utility, quality, and the joy they can bring. If it has the potential to make a teacher smile or ease their daily tasks, it’s a perfect fit.
Q: What’s a memorable request you had for a board?
One memorable request came from a board designed around a teacher’s favorite book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Every snack, supply, and detail was inspired by the story and the caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly. The emotional reaction from the teacher upon receiving such a personalized gift reminded me why I am passionate about this work.
Q: Any tips for someone who wants to make their own CharTEACHerie board?
Begin with a theme or color palette and gather insights about the individual receiving the board. Strive for balance by including something practical, something fun, and something sweet.
Presentation should not be overlooked—using ribbons, fillers, and an organized arrangement can significantly elevate the overall impact.
Q: Any budget-friendly tricks?
Shopping at dollar stores, thrift shops, and purchasing in bulk are excellent strategies for staying within budget. Utilize filler items like crinkle paper or tissue to create height and fullness in your display.
Group smaller items together to create a sense of abundance—for example, a nice pencil cup can hold smaller items like paper clips, glue sticks, pens, scissors, or highlighters.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about teacher appreciation?
Small gestures can have a big impact, and showing appreciation doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. What truly matters is the sincerity behind the recognition rather than making it feel like a transactional exchange.
To administrators: The essence of strong leadership is palpable the moment you step into a school. It reflects in the atmosphere of the hallways, the morale of the staff, and the enthusiasm students exhibit daily.
Instead of sending an email criticizing a teacher for excessive photocopying (for their students!), consider sending one that expresses gratitude: “Thank you for arriving early to help with the assembly setup.” Such recognition not only uplifts someone’s day but also fuels their motivation. Teachers remember the feelings instilled by leadership, and that sentiment resonates throughout every classroom.
To parents and caregivers: Please ensure that your communications with the school aren’t solely complaints. When a teacher exceeds expectations, take a moment to express your appreciation—whether through an email to the principal or by copying the superintendent.
Educators nurture your children daily—academically, socially, and emotionally. A few words of gratitude can mean more than you might realize.
CharTEACHerie goes beyond mere gifting; it’s about acknowledging the human aspect of the classroom. When teachers feel valued, students benefit as well. Appreciation creates a ripple effect.
Q: Anything else readers should know?
CharTEACHerie is genuinely a passion project grounded in kindness and community spirit. I am excited about the prospect of developing partnerships with schools, PTAs, and other small businesses that share my values. My aspirations include fostering more creative collaborations, meaningful gifting initiatives, and opportunities to spread joy.
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