From Pallets to Presents: An Ames Entrepreneur Builds a Mystery Box Business
Allyson Anderson, City Reporter
October 14, 2026
Two years ago, Jami Tharp stumbled upon a trending TikTok challenge: mystery boxes. Intrigued, she placed a few orders from Amazon, sparking an idea. What began as a simple curiosity evolved into a thriving business.
Today, Tharp owns J&O Mystery Box Co., an online enterprise that transforms liquidated merchandise from retailers like Target and Amazon into themed, personalized boxes. This journey started in her garage and has now led to the acquisition of a local building, set to open on October 23rd.
Sourcing the Unknown
Tharp sources her inventory from various wholesalers, including GM Pallets, carefully weighing the cost against the potential value of the unpredictable contents. Each pallet presents a unique "clash of chaos," leading to the discovery of both ordinary and unexpected items.
Customization and Creativity
The business offers a personalized touch, allowing customers to request custom boxes tailored to their interests. Tharp recently crafted a birthday box for an 8-year-old girl, showcasing her ability to merge an eclectic inventory with specific themes.
Tharp manages every aspect of the operation, from sorting goods to fulfilling orders, ensuring each mystery box delivers a unique and valuable experience.