Karis gives Edinburgh shoppers the inside story on virtual hugs

At a time when people are unable to visit loved ones, ethical entrepreneur Karis Gill hopes to bridge the miles by delivering “hugs in a box”.

Karis Gill and her partner Aayush Goyal, founders of Social Stories Club, a social enterprise selling ethical gift hampers

Her newly launched social enterprise, Social Stories Club, is already supporting small businesses around the world by tapping into the growing demand for thoughtful and sustainable online gifts.

With the help of her partner Aayush Goyal, Karis, from Newington, has launched a ‘hug in a box’ and the ‘pick me up box’ – two hampers created to help people through the coronavirus crisis.

She hopes to introduce shoppers to a world of social ventures where their purchases have a meaningful impact.

Karis, 24, says: “Social Stories was built because I am passionate about sharing the stories behind some amazing products with social missions all over the world.

“By buying a hamper from us, you may get some delicious shortbread made entirely from renewable energy or chocolate that empowers local cocoa farmers. These hampers are carefully designed for people who want to send a special gift to a loved one.

“We can’t physically hug or be with each other, but this is the next best thing. They’re packed full of comforting things with an important message behind them.”

A graduate of Edinburgh University, where she studied Business with Marketing, Karis has always believed in “giving back”. She adds: “When I came across a social enterprise club on my year abroad from university, I was blown away. I knew that was what I wanted to do. I found it hard to choose just one cause and so I decided to work with them all.”

Other products in the hampers, all containing a story booklet and personalised message, include chocolate that contributes to reforestation projects, handmade candles that help to empower impoverished communities and hot chocolate that champions the cause of small coffee farmers. Visit socialstoriesclub.com for further details