Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stacey Laviolette. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stacey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Thanks so much for getting to know more about My Friend Toothy. My mission with My Friend Toothy is deeply personal. As a mother and entrepreneur in Ottawa, Canada, I was inspired to start this journey after my daughter faced dental decay and pain that ultimately led to dental surgery. This challenging experience motivated me to create the My Friend Toothy experience, a comprehensive solution for children’s dental health. It includes a book addressing exposure therapy related to dental visits, a plush Tooth Fairy companion with a pocket for lost teeth, and a mirror cling as a visual reminder for kids to maintain good brushing and flossing habits. It’s a heartwarming and practical solution born from my love as a mother and my desire to make dental care a positive experience for children.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Stacey Laviolette, the author and creator behind My Friend Toothy. My journey into this industry was deeply personal and motivated by a significant life experience. Based in Ottawa, Canada, I wear many hats – photographer, entrepreneur, author, and mother.

It all began when my own daughter faced severe dental issues, leading to dental surgery. Witnessing her struggle sparked a profound desire to make this experience less traumatic and promote healthy dental habits in children. Thus, My Friend Toothy was born.

My products offer a holistic and engaging solution to children’s dental care, including an enlightening book, a plush companion named Toothy with a special pocket for the Tooth Fairy’s visits, and a mirror cling to reinforce good brushing and flossing habits. My unique approach sets me apart in the field, addressing the fears and challenges associated with children’s dental health head-on.

What I’m most proud of is turning a personal challenge into a meaningful solution for others. My commitment is to enhance the experiences of both children and parents when it comes to dental care. With My Friend Toothy, I not only help children embrace dental health but also provide parents with valuable resources to guide their little ones through what can be a daunting process. My passion, creativity, and dedication shine through in my work, making me a go-to resource for families seeking to improve their children’s dental health experiences.

What Stacey is most proud of is her ability to turn a personal challenge into a meaningful solution for others. Her work is a testament to her commitment to enhancing the experiences of both children and parents/guardians when it comes to dental care. With My Friend Toothy, she not only helps children embrace dental health but also provides parents with valuable resources to guide their little ones through what can be a daunting process. Stacey’s passion, creativity, and dedication shine through in her work, making her a go-to resource for families seeking to improve their children’s dental health experiences.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

My side hustle with My Friend Toothy has truly become my main passion. Initially, my goal was to publish a children’s book about dental care, but my vision extended far beyond that. I wanted to offer a complete package including the book, plush companions, and mirror clings. However, the challenge was securing the funds upfront to bring this vision to life.

I faced a crucial decision: should I settle for publishing just the book or give it my all and pursue the complete package? I contemplated the prospect of regret, asking myself whether, on my deathbed, I would regret not trying. With unwavering determination, I chose the latter path and decided to run a Kickstarter campaign to raise the necessary funds. In just 30 days, I successfully obtained $12,000 in pre-orders, a clear sign of the demand for my innovative product.

With this support, I had the means to purchase 1000 box sets. The overwhelming feedback from my customers was that My Friend Toothy was not just a gift; it was an entire experience that transformed dental hygiene routines for families worldwide. Fueled by this encouragement and success, I knew there was no turning back.

Key milestones in my journey included the success of the Kickstarter campaign and the subsequent production of the initial 1000 box sets. These pivotal moments not only validated my concept but also propelled My Friend Toothy to become my primary focus and dream. The transition from side hustle to career was driven by the recognition that my product was not only desirable but also filled a significant gap in helping parents and children develop engaging dental hygiene routines. My Friend Toothy, which had started as a small idea, is now a flourishing brand with a global reach. My dedication and commitment had truly paid off.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My journey is a testament to my remarkable resilience. I faced an early diagnosis of a learning disability at the tender age of 6, and was informed that my life would be fraught with challenges. Those predictions turned out to be accurate, but what they didn’t foresee was my incredible determination.

Reading and writing proved to be some of my most significant challenges. Comprehending content took twice the effort and time compared to what is considered “normal.” Writing a book, which is a significant accomplishment on its own, was an arduous journey. Yet, it didn’t stop there. I embarked on the mission of learning various aspects, from navigating Amazon KDP and Amazon Advantage to orchestrating a Kickstarter campaign, using editing software, mastering marketing and advertising techniques – a vast array of skills required for my venture.

This journey was demanding and often stressful, filled with considerable energy and time investments to learn these diverse facets of my business. My tenacity and resilience became my guiding lights during this process.

One key lesson I hope to impart, especially to individuals facing learning disabilities, is the importance of not allowing the apparent height of the mountain to deter them. Even though the path may be challenging, persistence and taking it one step at a time will ultimately lead to reaching the summit.

My story vividly illustrates my resilience, determination, and refusal to be defined by my learning disability. It showcases my unwavering commitment to my goals, regardless of the obstacles in my way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myfriendtoothy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myfriendtoothy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyFriendToothy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-laviolette-myfriendtoothy/?originalSubdomain=ca
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@myfriendtoothy349