#QuestromMade Holiday Gift Guide

Whether it’s joining the ranks of a successful company post-grad or starting their own businesses during their time here, Questrom students create value for the world in incredible ways. We’ve compiled a list of companies founded or run by Questrom students and alumni just in time for the holidays! From diamonds to desserts, this list’s full of great gifts for everyone on your list.

From all of us at Questrom, happy holidays—and happy shopping!

For the foodie

Follow The Honey – Follow The Honey sources their raw honey from 15,000 beekeepers worldwide, but with a humanitarian twist; they work with rural beekeepers to help harvest and market their honey. COO Brian Woerner (MBA’17) was instrumental in partnering with the Tanzanian government to produce a sustainable, prosocial, delicious product called asali (Swahili for “honey”) that lives up to the buzz.
Snow Monkey – 100% women-owned, frozen treat company Snow Monkey was created by health enthusiasts Mariana Ferreira (BSBA’16) and Rachel Geicke (SHA ’16). You’d never know it, but these treats are vegan and packed with superfoods! This ice cream-like ice treat comes in flavors like Matcha Green Tea and Acai Berry.
Cape Cod Coffee Roasters – In Mashpee, MA, Cate MacGregor (MBA ’14) and her sister Molly use beans imported from over a dozen countries from Colombia to Kenya. Their retail shop boasts a wide variety of beans and grounds, including Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, a floral tea-like blend. If you can’t make it to the Cape, you can buy countless coffees online or sign up for a subscription and get coffee delivered monthly!

For the luxe-lover

Ippolita – Fine jewelry brand Ippolita sources material from all over the world to create cool, colorful, all-occasion pieces. Former CEO Jill Beraud (BSBA’82) helped turn the brand into a notable name in fine jewelry worldwide. Ippolita is sold at its flagship store on Madison Avenue in NYC, online, and in high-end retailers like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, and Bergdorf Goodman.
Helzberg Diamonds – A Berkshire Hathaway company currently led by CEO and Chairman Beryl Raff (BSBA’72), Helzberg’s origins date back to 1915. For over 100 years, at the company’s core is their desire to make people feel loved. Helzberg sells more than just engagement rings; they create timeless pieces perfect for any reason.
Polyman – Chiebuka Onwuzurike (BSBA’20) is a true renaissance man; not only is he a sprinter on the BU Track & Field team, he’s also a Questrom Honors student, and an aspiring fashion designer. The current junior has been developing his own fashion label, Polyman, since the beginning of his sophomore year. Structured around three tenets—less is more, do more, and be respected—Polyman is a fresh brand with a message that anyone can get behind. With a basic black and white color palette accented with electric green and hex-print, Polyman tees, hoodies, hats, and totes make great gifts for the coolest people on your list.
Chan Luu, Inc. – Vietnamese designer Chan Luu (BSBA’75) creates products from fine jewelry to cozy apparel in her eponymous fashion line. With a mission to provide women in developing countries with fair wages and valuable skills, Chan Luu, Inc. is a United Nations partner that champions ethical fashion best practices. Chan Luu is a company you can feel good about supporting—and look great doing it.

For the hobby-enthusiast

Trek Bikes – Thanks to president John Burke (CGS’82 BSBA’84), Trek Bikes grew into a billion-dollar company that even has a team who competes in the Tour de France. Light, fast, and sleek, Trek’s best-selling bike, the Madone, has been called the king of race bikes. Whether you grab a mountain bike, a helmet, or apparel, Trek gear is bound to make a stand-out gift for the adventurer on your list.
C. F. Martin Guitars –With big names like Ed Sheeran, Father John Misty, Weezer, and Dierks Bentley all playing Martin guitars, there’s no doubt that these instruments are the real deal. Under Chris F. Martin IV (BSBA’78)’s leadership, Martin has built well over one million guitars. Whether you’re buying for a beginner or a virtuoso, Martin has guitars of all sizes and styles available for purchase online.

For the altruist

CauseEDU – Looking for a gift for that someone who has everything? Make a donation to CauseEDU, a crowdfunding platform created by CEO and co-founder Shironda White (MBA’18) that matches donors with students who need assistance with paying school tuition and fees. With options to donate directly to a student’s campaign or to donate to the financial aid offices at schools across the country, you can be sure that 100% of your donation is going straight to the students who need it the most.
Tolana – The brainchild of Marivi Gonzalez (MBA’19), the Tolana project is a sustainable fashion company that sells designs sourced from female artisans in developing countries. Tolana donates 100% of their revenue to nonprofits, economically empowering women around the world. Their first collection sources clutches from Oaxaca, Mexico—and by purchasing an item, you are funding training for 5 pregnant women to create handcrafted goods—making them beautiful, thoughtful gifts.

For the wellness-seeker

Sundaily – According to the World Health Organization, 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun. That means the sunscreen we’re using doesn’t provide enough protection. That’s why co-founder Chris Tolles (MBA’14) created Sundaily gummies. Vegan, non-GMO, and all-organic, these little dots are the world’s first gummies for sun protection and skin health.
Julien Farel – Featured in magazines like Allure, Vogue, and Vanity Fair, Julien Farel haircare products are well-known in the beauty and wellness space. Led by CEO Suelyn Farel (BSBA’89), they have styled an extensive list of celebrity clients ranging from Kate Moss to Rod Stewart and even the players at the US Open! With products that hydrate and restore hair, Julien Farel products make excellent gifts (or use them yourself to get holiday-party ready).
Refresh Skin Therapy – Created in 2013 by founder Joanna Shu (MBA’12), Refresh Skin Therapy is an American-made vegan cosmetic line made with ingredients never tested on or sourced from animals. With vitamin-infused serums, moisturizing creams, and exfoliating skin-peel cleansers, Refresh is a low-cost luxury brand that’ll bring spa-quality treatment home.

For the busy-bee

Hello Alfred –CEO and co-founder Marcela Sapone (BSBA’08) designed tech-driven butler service Hello Alfred (named for Batman’s butler and confidante) to help users with the boring errands of everyday life. With a corresponding app, you can seamlessly coordinate pet care, travel prep, home cleanings, grocery deliveries, laundry services and more in Boston and New York City. Hello Alfred has plans to expand to LA, DC, and San Francisco.

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