Kerry Yanique Croft, Founder
Phone Number: (646) 255-0987
Website: (www.VitaminMGifting.com)
Email: kerry@thevitaminmbox.com
Facebook: @thevitaminm
Twitter: @thevitaminm
Instagram: @thevitaminm
Youtube: The Vitamin M Box – YouTube
Areas you service: Nationally. Subscription box curated with products in different industries from Black-owned brands, curate special events, and media platforms to provide visibility to Black entrepreneurs for our consumers.
A summary of business: The Vitamin M Box provides visibility to Black owned brands for consumers in our community through uniquely curated experiences such as our monthly box subscription service, special events, and media platforms. We aim to help Build Our Communities. Support Our Businesses and Tell Our Stories. We also donate a portion of our box proceeds quarterly to a charity/non-profit that aids in building, uplifting, and empowering the Black and Brown community.
How many years have you been in business?
Five years.
How did you become involved in the subscription box industry? I wanted to find a way to market and distribute Black-owned businesses nationally throughout the entire year. Subscription boxes were the best way to execute my mission.
What motivates you? I have deep love for our community and the need for our community to understand the importance of supporting each other.
What’s an interesting fact about your business most people don’t know? I’m not sure people know about the philanthropy part of our business. Every quarter we donate a portion of our box proceeds to charities/non-profits that aid in building, uplifting, and empowering the Black community.
When did you join the AACCNJ? January 2022
As someone doing business in New Jersey, how does the Chamber help you? As soon as I joined, Mary Griffith made sure I had the basics nailed down. Connecting me to get my necessary certifications, this interview…it is a blessing. I am so happy I joined.
What has been the most valuable aspect of your AACCNJ Membership? The connections and the valuable information in regards to certifications and funding.
What advice would you give to other AACCNJ Members? Stay connected and take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way.
When you are not working, where do you enjoy spending your time in New Jersey? When I’m not working, I spend time with my family. For obvious reasons, we haven’t done too much, but we have been to Six Flags drive-thru Safari quite a few times LOL
Who is your favorite sports team? I am not a sports fan. I leave that to my husband LOL.
When did you decide entrepreneurship was for you? I always knew I wanted to work for myself in some capacity. I’ve attempted other businesses in the past, and it didn’t pan out. At the end of 2016, I decided I wanted to start a business that highlighted Black-owned companies in the best light because I was sick of hearing the negative stereotypes. Being a Fashion Merchandiser, I had a natural eye for curating and putting things together, so curating subscription boxes was a natural fit. Then October 2020, I was laid
off from my job of 14 years and decided to jump into entrepreneurship full time, and here we are!
Do you have any other projects/events planned for the near future? I’m working on my 5th-anniversary relaunch in Richmond, Va, at Maggie Walker’s original St. Luke’s Building, now called the St. Luke Legacy Center. I am breathing new life into The Vitamin M Box, continuing with my mission to connect consumers with Black-owned brands on a cyclical basis.
(Interview reprinted with permission from the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey-AACCNJ).