Meet the family behind boxes full of cheer

Happy hampers: Ashlea and Scott McGlynn, and their children, five-year-old Addison and seven-year-old Hudson, are the family behind small business Cheer Box. Photos: EDWINA WILLIAMS

SCOTT and Ashlea McGlynn began their careers in the corporate world, but after many years, they realised work was no longer enjoyable.

The couple made the decision to start their own small family business, with a desire to make people happy, and now run Delacombe-based graze box, platter, and hamper enterprise Cheer Box.

“Our main business is creating and supplying grazing boxes, and we pride ourselves on our finesse,” he said.

“We have systems, routines, and accreditations to make sure all the food is safe, fresh, and looks amazing, and we don’t just consider Cheer Box a business, but an opportunity to provide a vessel for people to communicate and support each other.

“During COVID, customers sent our graze boxes as presents or care packages to their friends and family, and we were able to help them remain connected.”

The business also offers grazing tables for celebrations, using biodegradable bowls and plates so customers can easily pack up everything themselves.

Scott McGlynn said he and his wife pride themselves on the quality and finesse of their grazing boxes, platters, and hampers.

Mr McGlynn said running a small business requires a different mindset, and can be challenging, but being able to provide “good, old-fashioned customer service,” and support other local food producers in the process, is a joy.

“We love offering the convenience, talking to people about their order, and helping them create an experience where they can sit down, talk with family and friends, have a graze platter, and enjoy time together.

“We’re hoping we can continue to get the support of the community, and become a prominent business in Ballarat and beyond,” he said.

In recent years, after leaving their administrative jobs and establishing Cheer Box, Mr McGlynn said he and his wife have been re-energised.

“Since we started our business, there’s been a spark in Ash’s eye and a passion that I haven’t seen before,” he said.

Cheer Box orders can be placed until 7pm the night before pick-up or delivery, and chilled boxes are available for people travelling a fair distance with the food they’ve purchased.

The couple has an aim to expand their offerings in the future.