Raise Kids. Raise Capital. Raise Hell.
Project Description
Ampersand Box Co. is a subscription box company for mamas and kids that doesn't deal with sweatshops. My company is committed to bringing extremely cool jazz to the mama community by doing things completely differently than our competitors. Our inaugural box, the Original Mama Goose Box, is a seasonal (4x a year) goodies box including chocolates, teas+coffee blends, incredible books, bath products and thoughtful items meant to reassure, tickle and comfort you. Maybe challenge you a tiny bit. But not much, life is challenging enough.
Our model looks like this:
YES: yummy/funny/thoughtful products largely made in the US by companies paying living wages and seeking to make their production as green as possible.
NO: cheap crap from factories which take advantage of women and kids for labor.
YES: companies run by immigrants, people of color, single mamas, non-binary folks, domestically or abroad. If the company/manufacturer takes care of their employees, they pass muster.
NO: those weirdly-tiny bottles of wine. and cake pops (just WHY?! WHY MUST YOU TEASE ??).
So...if the supplier treats it's people right, and they make something wonderful...we want to work with them. And bring their products to you, so you can get a bit of love in the mail. Pretty straightforward.
Why am I raising money? Because great products made by people with livable wages ain't cheap and our family isn't independently wealthy. Research some of the competition, and you'll see we exist in a swamp of previously wealthy entrepreneurs with seed money just ...hanging from trees. It's ASTOUNDING to us. We have never not been on a budget. This is our chance to give our family something great and show our kids that business can make communities stronger, and not just leech off of disadvantaged folks to get rich.
We are seeking capital to: pay for the products, the packaging, the shipping, the lawyer, and all the talented marketing, web design and production folks who have brought this idea to life. Our team is largely on a consultant basis right now, but we are looking forward to hiring a supply-chain manager and as we grow, folks to pack our boxes.
Oh...and my computer. I've only ever owned one computer, Sylvia. She has been VERY good to me, but it's been 11 years and she is very ready to go to the farm upstate, if you get my drift. I can't run an e-commerce company without a decent machine.
We will grow eventually but right now...we have to start. And we want to get better and giving you more and more as we grow. So shout it from the rooftops, and please give what you can!
The Campaign FAQs
What kind of things come in the boxes?
In the Original Mama Goose Box, we try to have one non-fiction book as well as a bath product or two and some edible goodies. At ABC, we like to throw in something unexpected or unique we think will make your life better or make your day more fun. As practical mamas, we try not to go for tchotchkes or things that are meant to be decorative only unless we REALLY think it will make your day better. So, useful items.
Where do the items come from?
90% of the time the items are sourced within the USA. The other 10% are companies who treat their employees well and can demonstrate that through transparent policies and outside review. In each box I have a card indicating an item list and the company website, location of business and some information about the journey of the seller. We believe that when we learn more about the families behind the items, we realize we are doing more than just enjoying our goodies, we are supporting local economies and supporting parents and kids. Although, goodies are great.
How long will it take me to get my first box?
Each box takes time to prepare, and the one that takes the longest...is the first one. In ordering our fall box, you understand it will take a little while because we are ordering items as the fundraiser rolls along rather than us just having cash on hand to order before our revenue comes in. Expect the fall box in October and the winter box in (early to mid!) December.
What if I don't like the things in my box?
If you don't like the things in your box, just e-mail us and we will work with you. hello@ampersandboxco.com
Just Because I Care
Toast and shoutout on Our Weekly Facebook Live, where we tackle the weird topics, review products and generally cause a ruckus.
Toast and shoutout on our Weekly Facebook Live, Ampersand Box Co. Tank Top made right here in the Ocean State by www.rhodytees.com
Not an entire goat, silly! A goat's milk soap that smells nothing like goat, feels like velvet and is made in the Ocean State by our friend Rachyl at https://travisfamilyfarm.com/collections/frontpage
...Oh yeah, and my dope tank top and a Facebook Live Toast!
You seriously thought I'd mail you a GOAT?
2 season membership to The Original Mama Goose Box (2 boxes)
EACH BOX MSRP Value of 125.00, so it is an excellent deal!
PLUS a stack of goat’s milk soaps that smell nothing like goat, feel like velvet and are made right here in the Ocean State by our friend Rachyl at https://travisfamilyfarm.com/collections/frontpage
1 Wrap dress from Karina Dresses
1 year subscription to The Original Mama Goose Box (4 boxes)
EACH BOX MSRP of 125.00, so the four boxes alone are worth 500.00, before the gorgeous Karina Dress made in upstate NY.
2 Wrap dresses from Karina Dresses
PLUS
A stack of amazing goat’s milk soaps from Travis Farms in RI
PLUS
6 Season subscription to Ampersand Box Co (6 boxes)
PLUS
A fabulously soft, made in RI Ampersand Box Co. tank
EACH BOX MSRP is 125.00, so the 6-season membership is worth 750.00. The Dresses MSRP @68.00 ea (136.00 for the two), Travis Farms Goat's Milk Soap Stack @40.00, plus t-shirt retails at 25.00 = 951.00 value of all items
Rewards
Just Because I Care
Toast and shoutout on Our Weekly Facebook Live, where we tackle the weird topics, review products and generally cause a ruckus.
Toast and shoutout on our Weekly Facebook Live, Ampersand Box Co. Tank Top made right here in the Ocean State by www.rhodytees.com
Not an entire goat, silly! A goat's milk soap that smells nothing like goat, feels like velvet and is made in the Ocean State by our friend Rachyl at https://travisfamilyfarm.com/collections/frontpage
...Oh yeah, and my dope tank top and a Facebook Live Toast!
You seriously thought I'd mail you a GOAT?
2 season membership to The Original Mama Goose Box (2 boxes)
EACH BOX MSRP Value of 125.00, so it is an excellent deal!
PLUS a stack of goat’s milk soaps that smell nothing like goat, feel like velvet and are made right here in the Ocean State by our friend Rachyl at https://travisfamilyfarm.com/collections/frontpage
1 Wrap dress from Karina Dresses
1 year subscription to The Original Mama Goose Box (4 boxes)
EACH BOX MSRP of 125.00, so the four boxes alone are worth 500.00, before the gorgeous Karina Dress made in upstate NY.
2 Wrap dresses from Karina Dresses
PLUS
A stack of amazing goat’s milk soaps from Travis Farms in RI
PLUS
6 Season subscription to Ampersand Box Co (6 boxes)
PLUS
A fabulously soft, made in RI Ampersand Box Co. tank
EACH BOX MSRP is 125.00, so the 6-season membership is worth 750.00. The Dresses MSRP @68.00 ea (136.00 for the two), Travis Farms Goat's Milk Soap Stack @40.00, plus t-shirt retails at 25.00 = 951.00 value of all items