We recently connected with Victoria H and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Victoria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
As the holidays approached, I wanted to dress up my dog Mya in something fancier than the cheap and transparent bandanas I could find. So I decided to make my own bandanas. However, I had no idea how to make them. After researching the best way and taking a few sewing lessons, I learned the basics of sewing, which was crucial in making the bandanas. I started making bandanas for all holidays and discovered that people were looking for affordable and quality bandanas.
But I didn’t want to just sell bandanas; I wanted to add a twist. I know it’s hard to commit time weekly to helping animal rescues. So I decided that every bandana sold would provide a meal to a rescue dog in need.
To begin my project, I gathered supplies, and many family and friends donated their unused fabric. I started making bandanas and built up my inventory. After that, I had to figure out where to sell them. I chose to sell on Etsy and started setting up my product listings. To set up my listings I had to write descriptions, take photos of my inventory, and make sure I had enough inventory listed. After a few years of selling on Etsy, I was able to create my own website, which I customized to my liking. My favorite milestone we have hit is over $1,000 donated to animal rescues.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi there! My name is Victoria, and I have a passion for helping animals in need. I’ve been fostering dogs on and off for about 11 years now, and I can’t imagine my life without them. At home, I have a dog named Mya, and two cats named Pie and Mittens. In my free time, I love spending time with my animals – whether it’s training them new tricks, taking them for walks, or simply cuddling with them while watching TV.
I know that many people find it difficult to commit to volunteering at animal rescues on a regular basis. That’s why we created Crafts 4 Rescues – for every bandana purchased, a meal is donated to a rescue dog in need.
Personally, I love making bandanas, especially “Adopt Me” ones, to help dogs in animal shelters look more presentable for potential adopters. It’s a small way that I can make a big difference in the lives of these animals.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
When I first created my social media for my business I didn’t know what I was doing. I would just take photos of my products and post them. I was trying to be on every social media platform and I wasn’t really connecting with my audience.
Then I decided to take a leap and hire a business coach who specializes in the pet industry Jamie from Be Spotted and she helped me grow the way I needed to to keep my business alive. It felt like my business was at a standstill and then she helped me get it moving again. Along with her tips and helpful advice I love listening to podcasts especially the Wear Wag Repeat podcast by Tori! I feel like every time I listen to a podcast episode I come away with something helpful to my business.
Once I found who my products were catering to it helped me look at it from a different perspective. I help pet parents that cant commit time weekly to helping animal rescues. I focused on my niche and it helped tremendously.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
As a business owner, I make use of social media and email marketing to keep in touch with my clients. I regularly send email updates to keep everyone informed about the latest products and services my business has to offer. Additionally, I engage with my clients on social media, responding to their queries and interacting with them on a regular basis.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crafts4rescues.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crafts4rescues/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crafts4rescues/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/214439860460626
Image Credits
@rescuedsunflowers