Embrace the Unexpected: Daphnee Hocquard

Daphnee Hocquard embraced the unexpected two years ago and started The Unibox – the monthly treat box subscription service for students. She tells us how it all started and what has happened since.

Daphnee Hocquard

“Whilst at university, I was very envious of my housemate receiving regular surprise parcels from his parents. As a student, I certainly needed a regular boost. Therefore, I decided I would get myself some surprise parcels too! In the process, I tried multiple subscription boxes, loving the surprises, and the comfort it brought. Something to look forward to and a special self-treat. However, none seemed to be tailored to my student life. I needed relevant products, and more motivation! The seed for The Unibox was planted.

"I realised it was a case of 'if not now, when?’"

I always knew I wanted to start a business and while in a relatively ‘corporate’ job a few years after graduating, I realised it was a case of 'if not now, when?’ In January 2017, The Unibox came to life. Six months in, we decided to add different monthly themes. Like a birthday surprise every month, with contents relevant to the student lifestyle at that time of the year, and including pampering products, stationery and tasty vegan snacks.

Recently, we added a new product to The Unibox family, The Unipocket. It’s a budget-conscious, letterbox-friendly version, with many of the same benefits and good vibes of the full-size Unibox.

After just over two years and shipping thousands of Uniboxes, I can honestly say it’s been a rollercoaster! I’m so glad I took the leap and ‘embraced the unexpected’. I’ve learned more in this time than ever before; about business, health, myself, you name it. No two days are the same, and it’s certainly never dull!

Nothing makes me happier than when I see comments like ‘this has made my week!’, because it was always crucial to me that we be more than just a fun product discovery service. We are on a mission to empower and inspire students all over the UK to have regular mood-boosting 'me time’ to help them through their university journey – I love the fact that we accompany students in their journey, and they accompany us in ours.

Find out more about The Unibox:

TheUnibox.com

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iQ residents: Get £5 off your first Unibox