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Why Red Panda’s? Why not! They are cute, fluffy and have adorable faces. More than that there is a story behind my fascination with them. When I was a small child my parents took me to a zoo. At that point in my life my whole goal was to see a Giant Panda. My life would then be complete! I was young enough that I didn’t realize that Giant Pandas aren’t widely available. In my excitement, I read “Red Panda” on the zoo map but only registered “Panda” in my brain. Imagine my shock and bewilderment when the great big teddy bear I was expecting turned out to be small, red and like a raccoon. My parents tried to get me to look on the bright side but let’s get real. I was not a happy camper. Years later I returned to the zoo. I didn’t bother with reading the map and instead casually strolled by the animals. One of them caught my eye. It had a world-wise face with gentle eyes, a dense coat of fur I could pet for hours, and a great big bushy tail. What could it be? Why, it was a Red Panda only this time I was seeing it through adult eyes.
If I try really hard I’m sure that I could think up a lot of life lessons to go with this experience. Don’t get stuck on the flashy, showy items. Take time to notice the little stuff. Perception plays a crucial part in life. And of course, that my parents really did know what they were doing (at least most of the time!) Any of these would work for why I chose the name. Or it could be that they are really cute and fluffy and I just really like them! What ever explanation works best for you, go ahead and go with it. While you are pondering feel free to look around and buy!
1 year update!
It is hard for me to believe at times but it has been 1 year since Red Panda Creations opened in October 2006. This last year has been filled with thankfully more ups than downs. I am still selling a variety of stickers like Blue's Clues, Mickey Mouse, and Pokemon and now I am also selling some toys like Plush Puppies and Care Bears Figures. I am hoping to expand the amount of toys that I sell over the next year.
The biggest change over this last year didn't happen in my business but in my personal life. I am now the mother of a teenage daughter! I'm still not sure how that happened! Luckily she hasn't figured out yet that teenagers and parents aren't supposed to get along. Sure I have to walk 10 feet apart from her when we are in public. But she is still willing to talk to me a bit at least when no one she knows is looking. That works well because it gives her an opportunity to remind me that she now knows everything. It is funny how that coincided with my suddenly not knowing anything!
I would like to thank everyone who has made Red Panda Creations a success and so much fun to run!
2 year update!
Two years and still going! This year has brought with it an expansion into hand crocheted baby blankets as well as a teenage daughter who entered High School. I'm not sure which has been more work! Thankfully both have been very rewarding. My younger daughter keeps reminding me that she too will be a teenager soon which gives me something to look forward to.
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