The reason behind the monthly featured business is not only to help bring awareness of these imaginative entrepreneurs, but also to give you a glimpse inside their business, their lives and their buns. Sometimes when scrolling on IG you may see a post for an item that they have created, but there is a chance you miss the concept of their company.
Catch up on the featured business from January/February- Bunmom Boutique, March- Heather Annette and April- NDorrien designs!
May’s Featured Business
Bullies & Bunnies
1. What is your business?
Bullies & Bunnies Pet Bowls and More! Homemade pottery, organic treats, and miscellaneous items for bunnies, dogs, and humans too!
2. Tell me about yourself, your buns.
I am a graphic designer by trade, and have loved art since I was a child, taking after my grandfather who illustrated for Mad Magazine, illustrated Pluto and Goofy for Walt Disney in CA, and then ended up at the Boston Globe. I have also loved animals my entire life. I was always the child to rescue a butterfly, an injured squirrel or bunny, and take home the class pet. I always thought I’d be a veterinarian when I grew up and planned on going to vet school after high school. Until I realized that I could not really deal with blood/surgery… So ya, that kinda squashed that plan. I decided to switch education paths from being a vet to the art field. I’ve had bunnies for 30+ years and volunteered for a local rabbit rescue for almost 10 years. Currently, I have Kiwi, a 3 year old English Angora, that I adopted from the MSPCA (and Rylo, our adopted mixed bully).
3. What inspired you to start your business?
My love and passion for art and design, and having both rescued bully breed dogs and bunnies, is what inspired me to begin Bullies & Bunnies. It’s just a small little side venture that I do for fun.
4. How is your business unique?
I love all animals, but decided to focus on just bunnies and bullies… the animals we share our home and life with. Really, they’re two of the most misunderstood types of pets/breeds. Bunnies, because of the misconception that they’re so “cute and cuddly”. One time, I fostered a 1.5 lb “t-rex bunny” that would have just assumed bite your face off! And the bully breeds, because they get such a bad rap in the dog world. Both just need patience and time, and someone who takes the time to get to know them.
5. How long have you been doing this?
I started offering custom painted pet portraits on pottery items in 2014 and then ventured off into other items from there.
6. What does a typical work day look like?
I work full time outside of the house. So I basically just have nights and weekends to do B&B stuff.
7. What is your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is getting my items seen by others. I used to do events such as Northeast Bunfest, which was always a great success. But there’s just so much stuff being offered out there now, that it’s hard to get seen at times. It’s also challenging finding a balance of posting just enough. Not so much that you’re shoving it in people’s faces all the time. But not too little either, so people forget about you.
8. What is your most popular item?
The Bunny Biscuits seem to be the most popular item. I make them fresh for almost every order and I only do small batches at a time, so they sell out quickly!
9. What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?
Do what you love, honestly. Don’t do it for the money or thinking you’re going to “get rich quick”. Put out pieces you love and you have fun making. Be mindful of yourself and well-being… Don’t cater to every single request or small detail. Otherwise, you’ll find that doing what you love will turn sour quickly. Be true to yourself and your art.
10. Where can someone purchase your products?
Directly from my IG page https://www.instagram.com/bullies_and_bunnies/?hl=en
or https://bulliesandbunnies.square.site (I don’t always list everything on my site)
If you would like to participate in my monthly featured business posts, or know of an awesome small business, drop message via the contact page or directly to my Instagram account The Domesticated Rabbit!
