Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jessica McKiverkin of Tampa, FL

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jessica McKiverkin. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Jessica, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are all about grounding and creativity. I start with quiet intention—usually a strong cup of coffee, a few minutes of journaling, and a quick scan of the day’s gifting orders. I like to ease into the morning with clarity, so I can show up fully for my clients and collaborators.

Once I’m centered, I dive into the heart of Roasted Whisk. That might mean reviewing custom gift requests, sourcing new artisan products, or curating packaging details that elevate the experience. I’m constantly thinking about how to make each gift feel personal, luxurious, and unforgettable. Whether it’s a corporate thank-you or a milestone celebration, I want every box to tell a story.

Those first 90 minutes are where strategy meets soul—and that’s the sweet spot where Roasted Whisk thrives.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Jessica McKiverkin, Owner and Gifting Strategist behind Roasted Whisk Gifting Co., a boutique gifting brand based in Tampa, Florida. At Roasted Whisk, we believe that gifting should be more than transactional—it should be intentional, elevated, and deeply personal. Our curated gift boxes are designed to celebrate life’s meaningful moments, whether it’s a corporate milestone, a new home, or a simple gesture of gratitude.

What makes Roasted Whisk unique is our blend of artisan goods, elevated presentation, and storytelling. Each box is thoughtfully assembled with items like small-batch coffee, tea, espresso-infused baked goods, candles, and customizable pieces that reflect the recipient’s personality or the occasion. We’re not just packing products—we’re crafting experiences.

The brand was born from my love of hospitality, design, and the joy of making people feel seen. I wanted to create something that felt luxurious but approachable, polished but heartfelt. Today, we serve clients across Tampa Bay and beyond, including real estate professionals, business owners, and individuals who value quality and connection.

Right now, we’re expanding our corporate gifting program and developing seasonal collections that reflect Florida’s vibrant culture and lifestyle. We’re also collaborating with local makers to spotlight regional talent and infuse every box with a sense of place.

Roasted Whisk is more than a gifting company—it’s a celebration of thoughtfulness, creativity, and the power of a well-timed “thank you.”

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My parents—without question. They’ve always had this quiet, unwavering belief in me, even before I fully understood what I was capable of. Growing up, they saw my eye for detail, my love for presentation, and the way I lit up when creating something beautiful for others. Whether it was setting the table for a family dinner or wrapping gifts with layers of intention, they noticed the little things that made me… me.

They never pushed me into a box. Instead, they gave me space to explore, to build, to dream—and they celebrated the moments when I turned ordinary gestures into something meaningful. That’s the heart of Roasted Whisk today: thoughtful, elevated gifting that reflects the soul behind the gesture. I think my parents saw that spark long before I realized it could become a brand.

Their support wasn’t loud—it was steady. And that kind of clarity, especially in your early years, is a gift in itself.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Taking over Roasted Whisk Gifting Co. wasn’t just a business decision—it was a leap into something deeply personal. I didn’t build the company from scratch, but I stepped into a brand with heart, history, and a loyal following. And with that came the weight of honoring its legacy while evolving it into something that reflected my own vision.

The challenges weren’t always glamorous. There were moments of uncertainty, unexpected pivots, and the quiet pressure of living up to a standard I didn’t originally set. But those moments taught me resilience in a way success never could. They reminded me that growth often comes from discomfort—and that refinement is born in the in-between spaces, where you’re not quite sure if you’re doing it “right,” but you keep showing up anyway.

Suffering taught me to listen more closely—to the brand, to the customers, and to myself. It taught me that success isn’t just about sales or visibility—it’s about alignment, intention, and the courage to keep curating beauty even when things feel messy behind the scenes.

Roasted Whisk is thriving today not just because of what it offers, but because of what it’s endured. And I’m proud to be part of that story.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The most important project I’m committed to—without a timeline or finish line—is working on myself. As the Owner and Gifting Strategist behind Roasted Whisk Gifting Co., I’ve learned that how I show up personally directly impacts how I lead, create, and connect through the brand.

Roasted Whisk is built on intentionality, beauty, and emotional connection. To deliver that consistently, I have to stay grounded, curious, and open. That means investing in my mindset, protecting my energy, and giving myself permission to evolve. Whether it’s refining how I lead collaborations, deepening my creative process, or simply learning to pause before reacting—I see personal growth as the foundation for everything else.

This brand isn’t just about curated gift boxes. It’s about the feeling behind them. And I know that to keep creating experiences that feel thoughtful and elevated, I have to keep doing the inner work. It’s slow, sometimes messy, but it’s the most meaningful commitment I’ve made—for myself, for my clients, and for the legacy I’m building through Roasted Whisk.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes—many times, actually. I’m someone who sets goals with intention and works relentlessly to achieve them. And most of the time, I do. But I’ve learned that the moment I reach a milestone, I tend to move the goal post. It’s not always about celebration—it’s about momentum. That drive has served me well in business, especially with Roasted Whisk Gifting Co., but it’s also taught me something deeper: achievement doesn’t always equal fulfillment.

There have been moments where I hit the mark—a successful launch, a big partnership, a beautifully executed collection—and instead of feeling satisfied, I felt… ready for the next thing. It’s a pattern I’ve had to recognize and gently challenge. Because legacy isn’t built on constant motion—it’s built on meaning.

Roasted Whisk is helping me slow down and savor. It’s a brand rooted in intentionality, and it reminds me daily that the real reward isn’t just in getting what I want—it’s in creating something that resonates, connects, and lasts. That’s the kind of success I’m learning to sit with. And that’s the legacy I want to leave behind.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than