It is so important to support locally especially when it comes to our youth.
I had seen a video on Facebook of these awesome kids who were donating sensory bags to first responders for every 10 purchases made!
I reached out hoping to learn more, it's so rare for young people now days to want to support others of different abilities and to want to make a difference in their community.
They offer many adaptive items for you to check out, from helping you open a can or drink with a lid to getting pills out of the packaging.
This is how you can better support them:
1. Make sure to follow their social page.
2. Catch all the video updates.
3. Order straight from them.
This is how the interview went:
How did you come up with your business?
We started our business after Tyler got his first 3D printer for his 12th birthday.
Our Mom wanted a sports tassel and then she had us make some for all the team moms.
Then people started seeing them and we received orders.
Why 3D printing?
Tyler got his first 3D printer for his 12th birthday and after printing a few things, we saw more things we could print and sell.
How did you come up with your business name?
We were trying to think of business names and Ugly Ducklings made us laugh, but we didn’t want to leave our dog Ace out!
Are you brothers or close friends (or both)?
We are brothers.
What made you want to donate to first responders?
When we lived in Kansas, we always did a birthday charity but with COVID and then moving to Colorado Springs, we hadn’t done a birthday charity.
Before Tyler’s birthday in March, our mom saw a TikTok about Ben’s Blue Bags and showed us.
Tyler decided he wanted to do something similar for his Birthday charity this year.
Then Tyler and I decided together to continue it as part of our business by donating a sensory bag to First Responders for every ten items ordered.
For my (Colton) birthday in September, I will be donating sensory bags to Safe Passage here in Colorado Springs.
What can people do to help your business grow?
People can follow and share our Facebook page and business.
We try to keep everything as affordable as possible.
We even offer assistive items for just what it costs us.
We know that purchasing assistive and accessible items can get expensive so we try to make items that can be helpful and affordable for those who need it.
Where did you get your entrepreneurial mindset?
We aren’t sure how or where it came from.
We just saw a way to build a company and went for it.
What made you want to make thank you baskets for the nurses for after your surgery?
(Most people don't think to do that, and just treat nurses as that is their job)
I (Colton) have been in the hospital many times and know how hard Nurses work often without breaks. I wanted to do something kind for them to help them get through their shift.
Have you taken any business classes?
We have not taken any business classes.
Who has been your biggest supporter in making your business possible?
Our Mom.
Who has been your best customer?
Grandparents
Where do you see your business in the future?
Hopefully, continuing to make some money while also being able to help the community with sensory bags.
Have you gone to share your work in any networking groups?
We have not.
Have you done any vendor events?
Yes, we have done one so far.
If yes, where is your next one?
Our next event is Calhan Vendors Market on August 2nd from 8am-2pm.
