Moda Gifting Founder Scales Thoughtfulness Through Tri-C’s Goldman Sachs 10KSB Program
How a local entrepreneur transformed her business by learning to think bigger
Deb Wasylko has built a business around the power of listening — a skill she considers the foundation of meaningful gifting. At Moda Gifting, the certified woman‑owned company she leads, Wasylko and her team listen 70% of the time when working with clients, searching for cues about what matters most before crafting a personalized gifting experience.
Companies often turn to Moda to support key goals such as retention and engagement, particularly within HR, sales and events teams.
That expertise was on full display when Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) tapped Moda to curate a welcome basket for entrepreneur Daymond John at the College’s 2024 Presidential Scholarship Luncheon. Wasylko assembled items from more than a dozen graduates of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program at Tri-C — from perishables to custom wearables — and orchestrated all behind‑the‑scenes logistics, resulting in a striking collection delivered flawlessly during and after the event.
As her business grew, Wasylko recognized the need to evolve.
During her three months in the 10KSB program at Tri-C, she undertook a rebrand from Baskets Galore to Moda — short for “Mother Daughter,” reflecting her daughter Hannah’s role as operations manager. The program gave her the structure and expertise to step back from daily operations and focus on long‑term strategy. 10KSB also provided her with access to advisors, faculty and resources at no cost.
“Something like 10KSB only comes along once, and I didn’t want to miss it,” Wasylko said.
Wasylko credits the experience with shifting her perspective and expanding her vision. Today, supported by an alumni network of more than 1,000 local business owners, she continues to grow Moda with one central mission: to “scatter happiness like confetti” and make people feel truly special.
Learn more on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses website.
January 30, 2026
By Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu