Kitsch n' Fox- From Side Hustle to Dream Business!

Aim

Kitsch n' Fox is my one woman creative hustle- creating eco-friendly handmade and small-batch clothing, accessories, and home décor.

WHAT IS A ONE-WOMAN SIDE HUSTLE?!

Well, Kitsch n' Fox is my little creative business that I run from home, in my spare time.  That is, the time I have spare after going to work (I support homeless people with drug/ alcohol dependencies, offending behaviours, and issues with mental health); studying (I'm working on an Access to HE qualification in Social Work so that I can go to uni one day); and running round after my two rescue cats and two rescue dogs (FYI my Chihuahua Lola is a DEMON! But we love her <3 )

(Lola helping me crochet)

WHAT DO YOU MAKE?

For the past few years I've mostly been crocheting these really beautiful hats and ear warmers, and selling them online and at small craft markets. But I also have a craft room at home which is full of half-finished projects that I love to make- baby rompers, gorgeous animal hats for babies and children, and home décor items like pom pom wreaths and cushions. So far though, I've only sold on a small scale, and they're usually custom orders. Everyone always asks me, "Why don't you do this full time?!"- and you know what? I WANT TO!

HOW CAN WE HELP?

As we all know, money makes the world go round. And, as I haven't won the lottery (yet- I'm still hoping), I'm turning to crowd funding. 

The aim of this crowd funder is to raise enough money to open up a little online shop- there'll be more details about that later. But one thing that this crowd funder promises is that no one will be giving away money for nothing! Each of your pledges comes with a reward from my little shop, once you've helped me open it! If you take a look over there to your right, you'll see the list of pledge choices that you can make, and exactly what I'll be sending you to say a HUGE thank you.

HOW WILL THE MONEY RAISED BE SPENT?

Well, first of all, let me tell you about this AMAZING campaign which is backed by Natwest. It's called BACK HER BUSINESS, and helps women with business start-up ideas to close the gender business gap- for good! They'll pledge my first £50, and there's an opportunity for me to have my fund boosted even further with an extra £500 from Natwest, which is an INCREDIBLE gift.

As for what I need, I'd love to raise £2,000 for my start-up. This will cover the initial cost of:

• Business cards and stationery
• Packaging
• Advertising
• Materials
• Fabric design and production fees
• Licencing fees
• Insurance
• Market stall set-up
• Stock
• Website
• Crowd Funder's fee

The BIG DREAM is, of course, to be able to do this full time- to keep working with more amazing artists and illustrators, and other makers... to be able to expand my product range and make lots more beautiful things for you all... to sell at craft fairs, and to one day open a REAL LIFE SHOP! If an amazing thing happens and we exceed the target, each and every penny will go towards all of the above and more, to make this hustle a big dream business!

IS YOUR BUSINESS ECO-FRIENDLY?

YES! 100% of the materials I use are vegan and cruelty-free.  All of the packaging is 100% recyclable, so please don't throw it in the bin! 

I love to use vintage and recycled yarns, and have started using a sustainable banana yarn, which I love!

When it comes to the fabric and clothing, I will only be using small, eco-friendly companies and high quality, sustainable fabrics. 

And, because I want to give back, 10% of all sales will go to KINGFISHER WILDLIFE AND EXOTICS SANCTUARY (http://www.facebook.com/kingfisherwildlifesanctuary/)

Kingfisher is an AMAZING sanctuary run by another one-woman machine! Her name is Natalie, and I urge you to go and look at the fantastic work she does. She is fully self-funded, and with more and more animals needing her care, your donations are SO valuable to her. Please support this real life wonder woman! 

I WOULD LOVE TO PLEDGE TO YOUR START-UP!

AMAZING!! Thank you- so SO much. Your pledge will help get this little side hustle turned into a full time business one day, and honestly, I'm not sure where to begin to thank you for that. Well, other than sending you one of the pledge rewards to say a massive, massive

***Keep watching for sneak peeks of our exclusive prints!***                                                    

This project successfully funded on 17th January 2020