Sending Goodness

Aformer elementary school teacher turned full-time mom of four boys, Chastity Milligan has always loved baking and is known among family and friends as a thoughtful and creative gift giver. When her father was recovering from a hospital stay in early 2022, Milligan wasn’t able to visit him right away due to COVID restrictions. So she sent him a care package that included a handwritten card, a drawing from her son, homemade diabetic-friendly quiche, chicken soup and some no-slip socks. Thrilled to get such a thoughtful package, Milligan’s father called to thank her. “He was filled with joy over the package. I was able to send him some homemade love to let him know just how much I was thinking of him,” she says. “I had no idea he’d pass away just a few days later. It gives me comfort to know that in his final days, my dad knew how much I was thinking of him, even though I couldn’t see him in person.” Milligan always knew she wanted to do something creative and decided to finally pursue her passion and start Sending Goodness in honor of her father. Her love for him motivated her to take the idea of “sending goodness” and turn it into a business. She chose lemons to represent her brand because they’re not only bright and cheerful but also boost mood and immunity. And, as Milligan shares: “When life gives you lemons...I say, make lemon cake!” We asked her about her business, the parenting and entrepreneur juggle and what she likes to do for fun with her family in NJ.

New Jersey Family: Did you always love baking growing up?

Chastity Milligan: I grew up in the small town of Ellwood City, PA, and come from an Italian family. Food was at the center of all occasions. I learned to cook and bake by watching my mom. We always sent thoughtful gifts, usually involving food, around the holidays, to celebrate something good like a new baby, or when someone was sick or grieving. Now that my family and friends are spread out all over the country, I am sensitive to the fact that we can’t always stop over someone’s house with a meal or thoughtful gift. Sending Goodness is the solution to that.

NJF: What makes Sending Goodness unique?

CM: In life, the relationships we form and maintain are everything, but our lives are busier than ever these days. I think many people notice an occasion and want to do something thoughtful for that person, but may not have the time to put it all together and mail it. Sending Goodness is a product and a service that solves this problem and makes life easier. It allows the giver to be thoughtful and send their love and support, and it connects them with the recipient who receives the unique and often unexpected gift.

NJF: Tell us about the first box you curated.

CM: The first was for a client who requested a St. Patrick’s Day gift box. Morristown throws a big St. Patrick’s Day parade every year, and many homes and businesses in town have parties afterwards. This was made for a hostess gift. It featured homemade Irish soda bread and other specialty Irish “goodness.” I came up with most of the other ideas that followed by brainstorming with and taking special requests from friends and family.

NJF: How do you source the goodies for your boxes?

CM: Every signature lemon loaf and dessert are homemade by me. I source the honey from Wightman Farms in Morristown. The succulents come from Country Mile Gardens in Morristown. I am currently searching for other local makers to collaborate with.

NJF: What are your best sellers?

CM: The bestsellers are the Sympathy, Sending Hugs, Get Well and Thank You boxes. I think the fact that these heartfelt boxes are our bestsellers is a testament and reflection of our society wanting to spread goodness. It shows that people are striving to stay connected, and people do care about being thoughtful, grateful and encouraging others in good times and bad.

NJF: Do your sons get involved with the business?

CM: I have four boys: Shawn, 12; Sam, 10; Charlie, 8, and James, 8. The boys are watching and learning firsthand how to take an idea and turn it into a business. They help me build the boxes, arrange the bubble wrap, carry boxes into the post office, and even ride their bikes to deliver files back and forth between my graphic artist and me. But the most fun part we do together is coming up with ideas for boxes. We’ll do a roundtable discussion, and they pitch me ideas. We’ve done several children’s boxes, and they have helped consult as to what goes in them. Favorites of theirs have been the How to Catch a Leprechaun Box and the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Box. I hope that I’m teaching them an example of confidence, hard work and helping people. I hope that they are learning to think creatively, to question, problem-solve and to confidently turn their ideas into actions.

NJF: What was your proudest moment as a business owner?

CM: My proudest moments have been when friends and family who I haven’t seen in years have reached out to use Sending Goodness for their families, friends and clients. The smiles and joy emanating from the Sending Goodness community have surprised and touched me more than I ever expected.

NJF: What advice would you give to an aspiring business owner?

CM: Have confidence in yourself and your product or service! If you’re confident, others will be too. There will be setbacks along the way, but work hard and don’t give up. It’s worth it!

NJF: What do you love about living in Morristown?

CM: It’s rich with culture and history, going back to the Revolutionary War, and I love that our children have historical landmarks right in their backyard. Our downtown is full of energy, with so many dynamic restaurants and events. But Morristown wouldn’t be what it is without the community of supportive people. It’s a rather large town, but with a smalltown feel.

NJF: What do you like to do in New Jersey with your kids?

CM: Our boys are involved in baseball, lacrosse, football, track, and wrestling, so it gets busy! We love watching them play sports and the energy and camaraderie that goes with it. We’re also involved in our church, which provides opportunities for service projects. In the summer, we love spending time at the Jersey Shore.

NJF: What’s next for Sending Goodness?

CM: We’ve only been in business for one year. We are working on bringing in new, exciting products, new ideas for gift boxes, and expanding our customer base.