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The Pet Elite: Can you tell me a little about how BabyFacesPets got started?
Joel Ragan: BabyFacesPets is a branch of BabyFaces. BabyFaces began as a memorial charm of my brother Chris in 2004. Chris died in 1986 when I was getting into 3-D design for jewelry. I wanted to make something for my Mom for Christmas. I created a charm in 14kt gold from a photo of Chris at age three. Her response and subsequent tears told me that not only did she love it, but that I just might have a hit on my hands. I started BabyFaces in January 2005 and began offering charms to the public. In the fall of 2006, BabyFacesPets was born as a result of customers asking if I could make charms of their beloved four-legged companions.
TPE: What is BabyFacesPets mission?
JR: The mission of BabyFaces, BabyFacesPets and ForeverLoved is to create one-of-a-kind charms from photos provided by customers. We want to share this wonderful keepsake with everyone. We will promote our product in various markets and will soon expand into new markets with the addition of new products.
TPE: Tell me a little about how these unique charms are they made?
JR: Each charm is as unique as the image it is created from. We digitally lift the image from the photograph and then use a patented process to create a 3-D relief in wax. After the wax is created, we place it in a plaster-like mold that hardens around it. That night we burn the wax out in an oven that reaches temperatures above 1350 degrees Fahrenheit. In the morning, we take the hot, now empty mold out of the oven and pour either molten silver or gold into it. After the mold cools, we take the now solid cast charm out and start the hand-finishing process.
TPE: How can retailers sell these personalized charms?
BF: We offer a great retailer program. Our counter-top POP display shows two sterling silver samples, one of a standard-size charm and one of a junior size. The image that was used to create the samples is included, as well as two product brochure holders, one on each side. The whole display takes up only 15 inches of counter space. Our program is easy to run and orders are easy to place through our secure web ordering system. The brochures are also designed to help the retailer make additional sales, after the customer leaves the store.
TPE: What is Project Never Forget and what roll does BabyFacesPets play in it?
JR: About two years ago, I started Project Never Forget (PNF) as a way for me and my company to have some sort of impact on the families of our fallen soldiers. I knew how much my mother cherished the charm I made of my brother for her; I wanted to give that feeling to the families that have lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan. PNF will make one standard-size charm of every military member that has been killed in action in Iraq or Afgahanistan and give it to their families. I went to my jewelry box maker, Boxco International, and asked them to make a folded flag presentation box for the project. They did, and then donated them to the project. I asked my metals manufacturer to donate enough silver to cast the nearly 5000 possible charms. Hoover and Strong came through with flying colors. To date, we've made nearly 500 of these charms for mothers, wives and children of the brave soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I spent time in the Air Force, and I just wanted to give something back. Unfortunately, as I pay all the additional costs out of my pocket, I have had to put the production of these charms on hold, as a result of the current economic slowdown. I am trying to create PNF as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit so that donations can be accepted.
TPE: What's on the horizon for BabyFacesPets?
JR: We want to grow! There are a number of new products and markets that we are looking at in the future. Our goal is it put a charmed smile on every pet owner's face.
Vist BabyFacesPets online at : Babyfaces.com
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