Kid's One-for-One Blanket Business
Tiana Reid — February 10, 2012 — Social Good
References: everythinghappy
SocialBusiness.org interviewed Emily Holdridge, the Co-Founder of Everything Happy, a company that donates a blanket to a child in need (you get to choose where) when one is bought. Holdridge's story is particularly intriguing because she co-founded the company with her son David, who had the idea.
Have a peep into what prompted the business model, as well as the inspirations behind this family venture.
Four Questions with Emily Holdridge
1. How did the idea for the business model come about?
It all started with a very sweet and simple idea, a Happy Blankie. David was seven at the time and he was inspired by how much his two little sisters loved playing with their stuffed animals and blankies. His idea was to combine them both -- he told me that he wanted to create something that would make babies happy, especially sick babies. David said, "if we can make babies happy, then their mommies and daddies would be happy too." I instantly "got" it! My eldest son spent quite a bit of time in and out of hospitals when he was young and I knew how great of an impact something soft and comforting could have on a child.
2. How did you decide to join this sector?
TOMS Shoes was a big inspiration to us. Since David's goal is to have every child in every hospital receive a Happy Blankie, we knew we needed to give them away but we wanted our customers to be a part of the giving process. We let them recommend giving destinations and we let them choose where they want to send their second blankie. We've also added Happy Pals (stuffed animals) and Happy Threads (clothing). We want to reach a lot of people and we want to get others involved. The message behind our products is what is most important to us. Sharing hope and spreading joy to as many people as possible!!
3. How do you get your inspiration?
Wow...good question. I love to read encouraging books about successful people and successful businesses -- stories like that fascinate me. Walt Disney is a big inspiration to me too. I love his quote: "If you can dream it, do it!"
4. How do you reset yourself to be creative? Do you have any rituals?
Prayer...lots of it. And dancing (my favorite). My kids plus loud music equals a lot of fun!!
Have a peep into what prompted the business model, as well as the inspirations behind this family venture.
Four Questions with Emily Holdridge
1. How did the idea for the business model come about?
It all started with a very sweet and simple idea, a Happy Blankie. David was seven at the time and he was inspired by how much his two little sisters loved playing with their stuffed animals and blankies. His idea was to combine them both -- he told me that he wanted to create something that would make babies happy, especially sick babies. David said, "if we can make babies happy, then their mommies and daddies would be happy too." I instantly "got" it! My eldest son spent quite a bit of time in and out of hospitals when he was young and I knew how great of an impact something soft and comforting could have on a child.
2. How did you decide to join this sector?
TOMS Shoes was a big inspiration to us. Since David's goal is to have every child in every hospital receive a Happy Blankie, we knew we needed to give them away but we wanted our customers to be a part of the giving process. We let them recommend giving destinations and we let them choose where they want to send their second blankie. We've also added Happy Pals (stuffed animals) and Happy Threads (clothing). We want to reach a lot of people and we want to get others involved. The message behind our products is what is most important to us. Sharing hope and spreading joy to as many people as possible!!
3. How do you get your inspiration?
Wow...good question. I love to read encouraging books about successful people and successful businesses -- stories like that fascinate me. Walt Disney is a big inspiration to me too. I love his quote: "If you can dream it, do it!"
4. How do you reset yourself to be creative? Do you have any rituals?
Prayer...lots of it. And dancing (my favorite). My kids plus loud music equals a lot of fun!!
Trend Themes
1. One-for-one Model - Businesses can utilize the one-for-one model to encourage customers to participate in philanthropy and make a positive social impact.
2. Cause-driven Products - Creating cause-driven products that customers can relate to can help foster brand loyalty and increase sales while making a positive social impact.
3. Customer-driven Philanthropy - Allowing customers to choose the destination of donations and be a part of the giving process can help create a stronger connection between the customer and the brand.
Industry Implications
1. Children's Toys and Clothing - Businesses can create products that provide comfort and joy to children while also giving back to those in need.
2. Philanthropy and Donation-based Organizations - Organizations can utilize the one-for-one model to encourage donations and increase social impact.
3. E-commerce Platforms - E-commerce platforms can provide a convenient and accessible way for customers to participate in philanthropy and giving back to the community.
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