A relaxing coloring book. A soothing collection of songs that help people sleep. Sustainable, healthy and delicious goodies for humans and pets alike. These are the sorts of delights and indulgences our latest group of crowdfunding women business owners are hoping to bring to market — provided their campaigns receive the funding they need.
Check out these 5 women-led crowdfunding campaigns:
1. Vintage Treasures for Your Home (via Indiegogo)
The Business: Nestled in a cozy 220-square-foot shop in Oakland, Calif., is Walrus, a go-to spot for all things vintage. Walrus is run by a small group of artists led by Wendy Renz who have a knack for breathing new life into old things. The group creates one-of-a-kind pieces from green and sustainable products — think crafting, but cooler. Walrus also hosts workshops and classes for community members to learn new skills and develop their inner DIY-er.
The Money: Renz is looking to raise $54,500 by Nov. 14 to help expand the shop. “We’re bursting at the seams! Though we desperately need more space, our vision is bigger than our bank account,” the campaign says. With the funds they raise, Walrus hopes to expand to a 1,500-square-foot retail and workshop space. The team plans to keep their quaint alley location, but add space to the storefront to accommodate a new roster of classes on woodworking, furniture making, upholstery and more.
2. A Coloring Book — For Adults (via Kickstarter)
The Business: Hailing from the United Kingdom, Amelia Gregory is an independent publisher and creator of Amelia’s Magazine. A trained designer in printed textiles, Gregory recommends people of all ages try coloring as a fun and relaxing activity. So far, she’s created three illustration books, and, now, she’s looking to make another, called “Amelia’s Colourful Colouring Companion.” The high-quality coloring book is 96 pages in length and comprises the work of 40 artists from across the globe.
The Money: Gregory is trying to raise about $12,300 by Nov. 23 for the production of “Amelia’s Colourful Colouring Companion.” The book is set to be printed on high-quality, bleed-resistant paper for a limited time only, which adds to production costs. The funds raised will also go toward paying the cover artist, in addition to postage and packaging.
3. Protein-Packed Baked Goods (via Kickstarter)
The Business: Andréa’s Protein Cakery, run by Andréa Marchese, creates all-natural, gluten-free sweets made with protein powder. Since 2013, Andréa’s Protein Cakery has been focused on bringing tasty and healthy alternatives to the preservative-packed treats on grocery store shelves. Marchese hails from New York, but her blog is read by readers across the globe.
The Money: Marchese is working to bring items described in recipes on her blog to store shelves, after scores of fans requested them. To do so, she’s trying to raise $10,000 by Nov. 24. The funds will go toward a nutritional analysis of her recipes to ensure the accuracy of measurements and the absence of gluten. The money will also help get samples to customers, and products into the hands of buyers and distributors.
4. Sleep Aids for All Ages (via Indiegogo)
The Business: The “Dream Wonderland” album was created in Sydney, Australia, by Abigail Hatherley and Tracey Savage to help soothe an often stressful time of the day for parents — bedtime. The album, composed by Hatherley, was created with relaxing melodies that “help parents calm and settle their children before sleep time.” Studies have noted that bedtime routines that have restful music can be beneficial to children intellectually, emotionally and creatively. And the album has proven beneficial for people of all ages, including older children and caregivers.
The Money: Hatherley and Savage are trying to raise $8,000 by Nov. 21 to cover website and public-relations costs. The funds will also help cover the first run of 1,000 CDs, posters, t-shirts, pillows and tote bags to sell at local retailers. The duo plans to grow Dream Wonderland to include an entire brand of calming children’s bedtime products. All contributors get a signed CD in exchange for their donation.
5. Buggy Treats for the Family Pet (via Kickstarter)
The Business: EntoBento is a company comprised of “dog lovers on a mission” like cofounder Amanda McDoulett, all of whom are dedicated to bringing healthy pet food to the market. Based in San Diego, Calif., EntoBento’s treats are grain-free and made with, of all things, cricket powder. They are also “human-grade,” high in protein, absent artificial ingredients and made in the United States.
The Money: McDoulett and the rest of the EntoBento team are seeking to raise $15,000 by Dec. 2 in the hopes of meeting the minimum-quantity requirement for a first order. They’ve found a baker and manufacturer, but need greater backing before the treats can make a splash in the pet food industry. By backing EntoBento, donors get exclusive access to the first round of treats.
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Want to be featured in The Story Exchange’s Crowdfunding column? Drop us a line and tell us about your campaign at [email protected].
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