At The Wishes Co., we believe that every gift should be a bridge of connection, a celebration of thoughtfulness, and a lasting reminder of appreciation. Our mission is to make our customers’ gift recipients feel the same way we want our employees to feel—cared for, seen, and valued. Each gift is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring it is both beautiful and meaningful, creating an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
We take immense pride in providing a seamless and memorable customer experience. From carefully selecting high-quality, local items to assembling each gift with precision, our team is committed to making sure every client feels truly valued and that every recipient experiences something special. We work closely with partners and suppliers who share our commitment to inclusivity, which allows us to add unique, personal touches to each gift while supporting our community.
Fostering Inclusivity Through Meaningful Employment
Inspired by her neurodiverse brother, Teresa Monteiro, Founder and CEO of The Wishes Co., embarked on this heartwarming venture with a commitment to creating meaningful employment and empowering individuals with disabilities. Teresa's vision for The Wishes Co. stems from her personal belief that everyone deserves to feel valued and celebrated, both in the workplace and in life. This belief drives her dedication to inclusivity, which shines through each thoughtfully curated gift box, reflecting not only a commitment to making people happy but also a powerful mission to foster diversity and positivity in every package.
With over two decades of experience in business development, strategic planning, and customer service, Teresa combines her corporate expertise with her passion for exceptional, purpose-driven gifting. She began her career at The Boston Consulting Group as a management consultant, earned her MBA from Harvard Business School, and spent over fifteen years in various management roles at Thermo Fisher Scientific, a Fortune 50 company. Now, as the leader of The Wishes Co., she personally ensures that each gift embodies the same care and attention she would expect to receive, striving to create not only beautiful packages but meaningful connections.
At The Wishes Co., we are more than a gift company—we are a community that values diversity, empowers independence, and proves that everyone has unique talents to contribute. Each gift is a testament to our mission of delivering exceptional experiences while promoting inclusivity.
Learn more about us on this WCHL / The Hill radio interview with Teresa Monteiro & Aaron Keck.
Founder & CEO
Teresa Monteiro is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in business development, strategic planning, and project management. She began her career at The Boston Consulting Group as a management consultant before earning her MBA from Harvard Business School. Following that, Teresa spent more than fifteen years at Thermo Fisher Scientific, a Fortune 50 company, holding leadership roles in general management, product management, sales, and marketing within life sciences manufacturing and distribution.
Now the Founder and CEO of The Wishes Co., Teresa combines her corporate expertise with a deep passion for exceptional customer service and meaningful social impact. Known for putting herself in the shoes of each gift recipient, she ensures that every detail is perfect and that each gift leaves a lasting, positive impression. Teresa’s vision for The Wishes Co. is one where high-quality, personalized gifting can also create positive change—demonstrating that every gift can carry both beauty and purpose.
Marketing Manager
After graduating from Lenoir-Rhyne University in 2024, Anna moved to Chapel Hill looking to find a job she could be passionate about. Luckily, she found The Wishes Co. and found a space where she could learn about business, engage her creative side, and make a difference in her new found community. As The Wishes Co.’s marketing manager, Anna focuses on developing engaging ways for customers to connect with the company and its mission. Each day with The Wishes Co. she is motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community around her.
In her free time, Anna loves to go on long walks, read a good book, and try new restaurants!
Artisan
Cragan Barbee was born and raised in Pinehurst, NC, and is a graduate of Union Pines High School and Sandhills Community College. A lifelong book lover, Cragan volunteered at the Sandhills Community College library in Pinehurst and later at the Cary Regional Library.
In her free time, Cragan loves singing in choirs, reading, competing in the Special Olympics, and spending time with her nieces and nephew… Although she loves traveling the world, Camp Blue Skies in the NC mountains is her favorite annual getaway. A lifelong fan of the UNC Tar Heels, Cragan is thrilled to now live in Chapel Hill, where she can cheer on her beloved teams right from the heart of Tar Heel country.
Cragan’s role at The Wishes Co. is a natural fit. After years of helping in her parents’ pharmacy and gift boutique, where she assembled gifts for customers, she now brings that same attention to detail to each gift she assembles for our clients. Known for her cheerful spirit, Cragan approaches each project with dedication and a smile, making every gift a little brighter.
Artisan
Kota Shaw is a Junior at East Chapel Hill High School. Her favorite things to do are swim on the East Chapel Hill swim team and the Orange County Special Olympics swim team. She also likes to hang out with her sisters and watch BTS music videos!
Kota is a valued team member who contributes her energy and creativity to our gift assembly process. Her enthusiasm and care bring warmth to our team and purpose to each gift she prepares!
Artisan
Kate’s passion for working with children inspired her to pursue and achieve a degree in Early Childhood Education—a testament to her boundless love and compassion. Her creative spirit shines brightly through her talents in writing, theater, and art, with singing holding a special place in her heart. Kate’s infectious enthusiasm and her commitment to spreading kindness create a ripple effect of joy wherever she goes.
At The Wishes Co., Kate’s commitment to quality is obvious in her creations, where love and magic are inherently infused into everything that she produces.
Kate also manages to personify perseverance, as is evidenced by the fact that she has survived four brain cancer diagnoses that have required her to undergo surgery 22 times, 31 days of radiation, and 18 months of chemotherapy! Her courage and positivity light up every room. She inspires others by exemplifying resilience, love, and the power of a joyful spirit.
Tailored to Fit Every Gifting Need
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