Today I have a mini interview with Emily Verbeck of AniMAIL Cares which is a small business that sends messages with little felted animals. You can get one for just about any occasion including birthdays, graduations, get well wishes and more. They donate specifically to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute with the sales of these adorable felt critters.
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CWQ: When did you start the company?
AC: The thought was brewing in my head since late 2018. aniMAILcares was launched and up and running in April 2019
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CWQ: When did you start the company?
AC: The thought was brewing in my head since late 2018. aniMAILcares was launched and up and running in April 2019
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CWQ: Why did you start AniMAIL Cares?
AC: I wanted to raise money for cancer research… and I wanted to give people a creative way to spread good vibes.
AC: I wanted to raise money for cancer research… and I wanted to give people a creative way to spread good vibes.
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CWQ: What was the process like for starting your small business?
AC: Lots of phone calls, lots of brainstorming, lots of changing direction… but my goal was to keep it as simple as possible. It’s easy to get ahead of yourself. Taking it one step at time and not getting overly frustrated or excited was key.
AC: Lots of phone calls, lots of brainstorming, lots of changing direction… but my goal was to keep it as simple as possible. It’s easy to get ahead of yourself. Taking it one step at time and not getting overly frustrated or excited was key.
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CWQ: Did the pandemic really affect sales for you?
AC: No, it hasn’t had a negative effect. Since it’s not a brick and mortar business, we have not felt pain many other organizations have. With that being said, we could always use more business! The more money we can bring in, the more we can donate to Dana Farber.
AC: No, it hasn’t had a negative effect. Since it’s not a brick and mortar business, we have not felt pain many other organizations have. With that being said, we could always use more business! The more money we can bring in, the more we can donate to Dana Farber.
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CWQ: What goal do you have for your company in 2021?
AC: I would like to have aniMAILs shipped to every state in the USA. I need to count, but I think we are up to 20 different states so far, with New England being the most supportive.
AC: I would like to have aniMAILs shipped to every state in the USA. I need to count, but I think we are up to 20 different states so far, with New England being the most supportive.
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CWQ: Are you hoping for this to be your main source of income eventually?
AC: No, I don’t ever think we’ll reach that, especially since we want all of the proceeds to go to cancer research. This is a fun hobby right now that has the positive side effect of raising money for DCFI.
AC: No, I don’t ever think we’ll reach that, especially since we want all of the proceeds to go to cancer research. This is a fun hobby right now that has the positive side effect of raising money for DCFI.
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CWQ: Aside from helping the Dana Farber Cancer Institute do you frequently help other charities?
AC: I do the best I can, but I wish I could do more. We have donated to the World Health Organization to its COVID relief efforts. Any charity that supports human rights, or the health of others, are charities that my family and I try to support. Especially those that are local or hit close to home.
AC: I do the best I can, but I wish I could do more. We have donated to the World Health Organization to its COVID relief efforts. Any charity that supports human rights, or the health of others, are charities that my family and I try to support. Especially those that are local or hit close to home.
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CWQ: Do you make the felted animals or are you partnered with someone else who does?
AC: I found a wonderful single mother in Michigan who makes these for me. She get the wool from a local farm and does this in her home. This is her primary source of income. I am so impressed with her.
AC: I found a wonderful single mother in Michigan who makes these for me. She get the wool from a local farm and does this in her home. This is her primary source of income. I am so impressed with her.
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CWQ: Do you have plans to set up at any vendor events in the future?
AC: None at this time, but that would be a fun endeavor in the future!
AC: None at this time, but that would be a fun endeavor in the future!
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CWQ: What advice would you give someone who wants to start a small business?
AC: If you are passionate about something, go for it. There are a million reasons why you can talk yourself out of it, but if it brings you joy- do it. Keep your expectations realistic, be prepared to adjust, and have fun doing it.
AC: If you are passionate about something, go for it. There are a million reasons why you can talk yourself out of it, but if it brings you joy- do it. Keep your expectations realistic, be prepared to adjust, and have fun doing it.
