How did you come to start your rabbit business? How have you managed to keep profits on the rise?
In 2009, I started my own business through 4-H: Whisper’s Rabbitry. I had a few friends in my 4-H club who wanted to show rabbits, and I decided to not only show, but start my own business raising and breeding Mini Lops and Californians to the American Rabbit Breeders Association standard.
After a year of brainstorming, researching, and preparing myself, I bought my first pair of show-quality, pedigreed rabbits in 2010. I also created a website—my main advertising component, as Whisper’s Rabbitry is the second website that pops up when Google is prompted with “Michigan Mini Lops.” I have created business cards and flyers to advertise my rabbitry and the animals I have available. Marketing to show, brood, and pet owners, I have found that prospecting rabbit owners appreciate rabbits that are purebred and pedigreed, and appreciate being able to interact with both the parents of young rabbits they are interested in, bringing in new business weekly. Throughout the past five years, I have managed to keep profits on the rise by selling not only rabbits, but supplies as well. I also ensure a unique experience for every new rabbit owner by including a free toy, care sheet, a unique birth certificate or pedigree, and I am always available to answer any questions.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about business or life along the way?
The biggest lesson I have learned is that research, dedication and hard work are crucial to ensure the success of any business. I have also learned that empowering and mentoring 4-H kids is the most rewarding part of my business; I love sharing my knowledge of rabbits and inspiring new entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.
How many hours a week do you work on your business? How do you find the time?
Between feeding animals, updating my website, and answering emails I spend approximately four to five hours on my business every week. Between high school sports, AP classes, 4-H, Pro Youth Team, and National Honor’s Society, I make sure to reserve enough time in the evenings to grow my business.
Where do you plan to go to college, and what do you plan to study?
I plan to go to Lake Michigan College, playing soccer for their women’s soccer team, before transferring to Michigan State University to complete my bachelor’s degree. I am looking to major in either marketing, business or teaching.
Will you continue your business once in college?
My goal is to scale back my rabbitry in college, keeping my website up to date and entrusting my sister to take part in my business, providing care for my animals while I am at school.
