Interview-Kenny Co OP

Todays interview is with Rachel and Ray of Kenny Co Op

How did you choose the name of your shop and how long have you been a member of
Etsy?

Kenny Co Op is Rachel and Ray. Our Name is derived from two things. Kenny was Ray's fathers name. We use his name as inspiration, because he was so inspiring to us. We wanted to have a name that could grow with the products that we make. So a Co-Op made sense, we could put different thoughts and ideas under the umbrella of a co-Op. Thats how Kenny Co Op was born. We became members of Etsy in May when we opened our shop. It has been incredible so far and we have been so excited and surprised with the great response our shop has received in such a short time.

What kinds of items do you sell in your shop and what inspired you to start
creating them?

We sell Vegan Candles made with essential oils and Vegan Lip Sauce. We were inspired to make candles that contained no animal products or petroleum products. we wanted a natural, Eco-friendly, non-toxic candle with the benefits of soy and essential oils. Our lip balms are Rachel's baby. Finding a lip balm that doesn't contain animal products, especially bee's wax was very difficult. So Rachel slaved away at finding the perfect balance of soft and luscious for her lip balms. Trust me she is addicted to lip balm. She knows what she is talking about. We are basically making stuff we like to use ourselves and sharing it with others.

Do you donate to any charities or do any volunteer work?

We are big supporters of Humane Society of the United States.
We are also in the August Vegan Craft Sample Bag and all profits are going to Peaceful Prairie Animal Sanctuary, just in case you haven't heard enough about this yet. Go to www.vegancraftsamples.com and buy your bag now.

What are some of your favorite things about etsy?

Meeting people with like minded ideas and convictions. Plus there is a ton of cool stuff out there. It is really amazing what goes on inside people's minds and how they are able to bring it to fruition.

Do you sell your items outside of etsy, either online or in retail shops?

You can now find our stuff on Artfire at www.kennycoop.artfire.com

We also sell our products at a store for local artists and crafters called Made in Akron. If anyone is in the Akron area they are having a meet the artists even Saturday August 29 and we will be there and debuting our Halloween Vegan Lip Sauce. www.madeinakron.com

Have you been featured anywhere?

The Front page of etsy several times and on several blogs

http://hempbath.blogspot.com/2009/08/handmade-hemp-kennycoop.html

http://www.artaddict.wordpress.com


Do you have any future plans for your shop?

Big plans! Be on the lookout for Bath Bombs, Bath Salts, and Vegan Gift Baskets. Check out our Limited Edition Halloween Vegan Lip Sauce coming soon.

Do you have any animal companions?

Yes, our house is run by three kitties. Princess Cali is the ring leader of the bunch. Dax is the lover who always wants to cuddle. Bernice is the newbie around these parts and plays fetch better than any dog around.

How long have you been vegan and what made you go vegan?

We went vegan less than a year ago pretty much overnight. Once you see where food really comes from and how those animals are treated it changes you. People know that animals are slaughtered for food and clothing but until you actually see it you don't really understand why it is so wrong. I am glad that there are so many undercover investigation videos out there that really do reach people and make them stop denying the cruelty involved in eating and wearing animals.

What are your favorite foods?

We ordered Pitseel's seitan recipe and wow does that stuff disappear fast around here. We love vegan cupcakes, mushrooms (Rachel's absolute favorite food), Tofutti frozen dessert, broccoli, broccoli and more broccoli