Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrin Wilson
Hi Darrin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Pibborafi started with one plushie designed after our very own dog, a Boston Terrier named Angus. As people saw his plushie on social media we began to receive inquiries about how to order one. At that time we hadn’t used any kind of eCommerce platform so we thought we’d give it a shot and see what happened. As sales came in we placed an order for about 300 Angus plushies and decided to donate them to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, NY. That was the beginning in 2011. From there people approached us to do their dogs as plushies. We incorporated as Pibborafi in 2016 and launched the International Pibborafi Rescue Hero Contest where people could vote for which dog would become the next, newly dubbed, Pibborafi Rescue Heroes. We’ve been making plushies ever since and donating to local rescues with a portion of proceeds.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Many obstacles and struggles along the way. The obvious one was money, never having enough money to leverage enough production to truly reach larger audiences. Supply chain disruptions and global volatility was another major struggle. We do little marketing so not many people know about us, even to this day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Being a creative person, I myself designed the first few Pibborafi Rescue Hero plushies. It was interesting as I was a trained fashion illustrator but never had designed a consumer product before, let alone understand the ins and outs of the toy business. That’s what I would be most proud of; the fact that I was able to somehow navigate the process from design drawing to finished plushie for children to enjoy. What sets me apart from others? The fact I am too stubborn to care about setting myself apart from others. :)
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Pibborafi is always open to collaborations with people, personalities, businesses and rescues. All they need to do is drop me a note through our website; pibborafi.com
Pricing:
- USD$14.95 per Pibborafi Rescue Hero
- Each Pibb is created using eco-friendly materials
- Not many are produced. Sometimes as little as 36 per pup.
- Each Pibb is not an exact duplicate of the dog, but a whimsical tribute.
- To get your dog done it is free, but we must select you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pibborafi.com
- Instagram: @pibborafi
Image Credits
Pibborafi Inc.