I spend most of my time thinking about relationships — how they’re built, how they’re sustained, and why some of them last while others quietly fall apart.

As a psychotherapist and mentor to therapists and entrepreneurs, I see this truth over and over again:
Relationships don’t thrive because of grand gestures.
They thrive because people feel seen.

That’s why thoughtful gifting matters more than we often acknowledge — especially in professional spaces where connection can easily become transactional.

Relationships Are Sustained by What We Give, Not What We Get

We live in a culture that emphasizes output, productivity, and return on investment. And while those things have their place, they don’t create loyalty, trust, or longevity.

Care does.

Sustainable relationships — with clients, teams, colleagues, and communities — are built through small, consistent moments of appreciation. Through gestures that say, “I thought of you,” without asking for anything in return.

That’s the lens I bring to everything I build — including the experiences I curate for the therapists I mentor.

Why Sugarwish Has Always Stood Out to Me

On a very personal note, I love Sugarwish because it makes generosity feel easy without making it feel impersonal.

I’ve received Sugarwish gifts myself, and every time the experience has been the same: warm, thoughtful and genuinely joyful. The packaging is beautiful. The quality is high. And the element of choice — being able to select what actually delights you — is such a quiet but powerful detail.

It feels like care, not obligation. As someone who values intention, that matters to me.

Bringing Sugarwish Into Our Retreat Experience

This past year, I hosted an overnight Round Table retreat for women therapists, speakers and entrepreneurs  — women and friends who are building sustainable, values-driven practices while holding a lot for others.

The retreat was about slowing down, reconnecting and creating space for reflection and embodiment. When I thought about which brands I wanted to include, Sugarwish felt like a natural fit.

Not because it’s flashy - but because it’s human.

Introducing Sugarwish to this group wasn’t just about enjoying snacks together (though that part was lovely). It was about showing them a tool they could genuinely use in their own work — with clients, teams and collaborators — to express care in a way that feels aligned and easeful.

The response was immediate. People were curious, excited and already imagining how they could use Sugarwish in their own practices. That’s always a good sign.

The Ripple Effect of Thoughtful Gifting

One of the things I appreciate most about Sugarwish is how it creates a ripple effect.

A single gift becomes:

• a moment of delight

• a feeling of being remembered

• an opening for deeper connection

And because Sugarwish centers choice, it respects individuality — which is foundational to any healthy relationship.

In therapy, we know autonomy matters. In leadership, we know empowerment matters. In gifting, the same principle applies.

A Simple Reflection for Leaders and Teams

If there’s one thing I’d encourage leaders, HR teams, entrepreneurs, and relationship-driven professionals to consider, it’s this:

Don’t wait for milestones to express appreciation.

Some of the most meaningful gestures happen in the in-between moments; after a hard season, during a transition or simply because someone showed up with integrity. When tools exist that make those moments easier to honor, we’re more likely to act on the instinct to give — and that’s where culture and connection are built.

Why This Partnership Felt Aligned

What made partnering with Sugarwish feel special wasn’t just the product — it was the shared values. Our retreat wasn’t about excess or perfection. It was about intention, presence, and care. Sugarwish supported that energy beautifully, offering something that felt thoughtful rather than performative.

That alignment matters to me — and to the communities I serve.

Final Thought

At its best, gifting is a language.

It says: 

“I see you.”
“I appreciate you.”
“You matter.”

Sugarwish makes it easier to speak that language — consistently, thoughtfully and with heart. And in a world that moves quickly and often forgets to pause for connection, that kind of ease is a gift in itself.

About the Author

Dr. Victoria Grinman is a New York–based psychotherapist, speaker, and mentor with two decades of experience supporting individuals, families and leaders. She mentors therapists and entrepreneurs in building sustainable, values-driven practices rooted in clarity, connection, and longevity.