Bailey Aro Hutchence is a photographer who uses her sense of composition and color and attention to detail to create specialized gift boxes. She talks about the overlap between her two businesses, and heading into her first holiday retail season.

B.A.H.: I own two creative businesses: White Spruce Market, where I create beautifully-curated gift boxes, and Bailey Aro Photography, where I capture full-of-life wedding, boudoir, and branding images. A creative soul to my core, I also have a strong entrepreneurial heart, and love bringing big visions to life.

A custom client gift created by White Spruce Market.

How long have you been working in this medium?

White Spruce Market launched in June, after nearly a decade serving clients in my photography business. Throughout my photography journey, I fell in love with delivering a beautifully-branded, high-touch experience to my clients. Thus, White Spruce Market was born! My mission? To elevate & simplify the art of gift-giving.

With an eye toward color and composition (thanks to my photography roots), I create gift boxes sourcing products from independent artisans & makers, many of whom are local.

Every little detail creates an experience for both giver + recipient.

My shop is based online, featuring pre-designed gifts for all occasions, such as housewarming, birthday, thank you, new baby, wedding, holiday, and more. The shop is always growing, with many new gifts on the horizon.

My bread & butter is custom gifting. I work with businesses big + small to create intentional gifts for clients, corporate events, weddings, retreats, and more.

Many ask if White Spruce Market is a subscription box company, and the answer is: Nope! One day we may have a subscription component, but our core focus is singular gifts & custom projects.

The Cabin Weekend Box, a year-round best seller, features Minnesota-made goods.

What are the challenges and / or rewards from doing what you do?

At the moment, my greatest challenge is learning to balance two thriving businesses, while still having a life (ha!). I’m embracing the role of CEO these days, which includes delegating, planning with purpose, and being super-duper decisive (which hasn’t always been my strong suit!). By being intentional & organized, I have time & space to create, design, and dream, which is where true growth happens!

The greatest reward for White Spruce has been watching others get excited about my mission & vision. Big things are happening in Duluth right now! It’s an honor to make magic happen alongside so many artists, visionaries, and people who are truly invested in this community.
Where can people see your work?

The Newlywed Box, though designed as a wedding gift, has also made a beautiful birthday, thank you, and housewarming gift.

Visit the Shop: https://whitesprucemarket.com/

Follow @WhiteSpruceMarket on Instagram for the latest gifts, behind-the-scenes, and the occasional giveaway!

Follow @BaileyAro on Instagram for my photography work, along with adventures in DIY, dog-momming, and travel.

Any upcoming projects, exhibits, or challenges you are facing?

Hello, holiday season! With this being my first season in retail, I’m excited to enjoy the journey & see what happens. White Spruce will be at several holiday pop-up events between now & mid-December. For a complete list of upcoming events, join the White Spruce Insiders community here.

A batch of cozy winter essentials, inspired by amber glass + shades of black.

In addition, I am currently building an office shed, tucked in the woods of our property just north of Duluth. This space will allow me to separate my office from our small home, and have a dedicated space for creating & dreaming.

WEBSITES:
White Spruce Market: https://whitesprucemarket.com/
Bailey Aro Photography: http://baileyaro.com/

SOCIAL:
White Spruce Market
Instagram
Facebook

Bailey Aro Photography
Instagram
Facebook

The best part about designing gifts? Playing with infinite combinations of colors, shapes, and textures!