Macaroni KID Spotlight - Highlighting local KIDs who deserve to be in the Spotlight
Over the weekend, I happened to meet a local, small business owner that impressed me so much, I had to introduce you to him and his family. Meet Owen Hassler, a 7th grader from Blaine, who is the owner of Cute Cuddler Pet Apparel. I came across Owen and his booth at a local dog event where I found myself in awe of the incredible handmade dog leashes, collars, bandana's, dog biscuits and headbands that he and his sister had laid across their tables for sale.
Owen was inspired 3 years ago to make his own dog leash after he saw someone at a farmers market selling handmade dog products. After going to a 4H event and seeing how other kids were able to sew their own clothes, he knew he wanted to learn too. So he went home and asked his mom to teach him to sew. Shortly after learning to hand sew, he received a sewing machine for Christmas and from there he began his business. He would watch YouTube videos to learn how to make different items for his dog Kevin, the original Cute Cuddler.
One of his favorite things that he's made for Kevin has been a hoodie. Owen also started baking dog treats for his business after trying a variety of recipes. Now he outsources the baking to his sister Natalie who is in charge of making the biscuits and creating the dog toys. Of course their dog Kevin, always knows when they are making biscuits and sticks right by them in the kitchen to be the official taste tester. The treats are Kevin approved.
I asked Owen's mom, Leah Hassler to tell us more about why she feels it has been important to support them throughout his journey and she stated, "I have a unique opportunity to teach them about the value of money. If he wants to go buy an expensive bike, it is a great lesson for him to know what it takes to earn that kind of money. It's partly motivated by his 12 year old wants and needs, but also he is learning how to run a business."
Leah's pride for Owen and Natalie really shined through as she shared how her kids have developed through this experience. She shared, "They have to go talk to people and being able to have an organic conversation is a skill. Of course, making money is always the goal when you have a business, but for us the fact that they can learn to come out of their shell a bit, talk to strangers and sell their products is a huge benefit for where we see them growing."
When asking Owen what advice, he would give to other kids who may want to have their own business, he says, "They should just keep going and keep doing it. Even if they don't think there's not that many people who would want to buy it. Also they are kids,so people will want to buy from them." Natalie's words of advice were, "If you Work hard and if you really want to share your ideas to the world, do it."
Word continues to spread about Cute Cuddler Pet Apparel, and it has opened up opportunities for Owen to learn more around partnering with organizations and fundraisers. Earlier this year he was asked by a hospital that his aunt works for to be a part of a fundraiser for a 5 year old little girl with Leukemia. Her family had been traveling 2 hours to and from the Children's Hospital for treatment and the goal was to raise donations to help their family. As part of the fundraiser, the hospital ordered 200 orange headbands from Owen in honor of this little girl and the orange symbolizing Leukemia. They then sold them at a suggested donation amount, raising thousands of dollars for this little girl. Another local woman recently bought pink headbands for a Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser as well. Owen is learning to partner with people and helping to make a difference. In the future Owen plans to be an Engineer and Natalie would like to be a teacher. I am confident these kids have a very bright and successful future ahead of them.
If you want to spoil your dog or perhaps are looking for a gift for a dog lover, be sure to check out Cute Cuddler Pet Apparel's website - Products | Cute Cuddler Pet Apparel to shop. Custom orders are welcome, and they can even personalize through embroidery. Great holiday gift ideas! Their next in person event will be on November 2nd at Centennial Highschool Craft Show so look for their booth.
If you know of a KID who deserves to be in the Spotlight - let us know! We love highlighting and recognizing local kids making a difference in our community. Email me at Cherik@macaronikid.com.
