Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina McKean.
Hi Kristina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey started a few years back after a trip to Thailand with my family. I was devasted to witness baby elephants on the streets of Bangkok being exploited for money. The mistreatment and abuse of elephants was heartbreaking, and I was outraged to find that this mistreatment carried on in the U.S. Back home, I learned about the widespread issue of circus animal abuse. I was unable to comprehend how animal abuse could be construed as entertainment in any way. After years spent signing petitions, protesting circuses, and creating social media campaigns to help spread awareness surrounding the mistreatment of elephants, I felt propelled to do more. Using my background in product development, I created elephant dolls lovingly named Kiki and Tembo. Each of our dolls comes with an endearing poem and information about the elephant crisis and our mission. The welfare of elephants has now become my passion and life quest.
Over the years, I have grown with The Elephant Project and have turned this passion project into an expanding business. 100% of the net proceeds from the sales of Kiki and Tembo go to various organizations that help aid in fighting the poaching crisis and also provide care to injured, abandoned, orphaned, and abused elephants. The organizations we work with currently include the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Elephant Nature Park. These organizations do hands-on work, providing medical aid, food, and sanctuary to elephants in Thailand and Africa. In addition, a large part of my mission is to spread awareness and education to children of all ages about the elephant crisis. I have expanded The Elephant Project to include other animals in need, such as Big Cats and shelter dogs (coming soon!). I am so grateful for all the support I have received and my elephant-loving community who have helped spread awareness for the elephants and ensure their welfare. I hope to continue to inspire others to make a difference and use their voice for change.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think it’s ever a smooth road when you start a business. I think knowing that there will always be challenges and obstacles makes the journey a little easier. It is a lot of work to source the fabric/material, work on marketing and advertising, and everything else that comes with it. I think it’s all part of the journey and you learn some things that work and some that don’t. I am grateful for all the experiences I have had so far!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I started my company-The Elephant Project because I wanted to create funds and awareness for elephants globally. It’s not just a stuffed animal but a toy that comes with a mission. I am grateful that I have had such an impact on children of every age. Each stuffed animal comes with information about our journey and a little poem. Gifts that have a purpose or give back are essential in our current climate. We must all do our part to give back!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think the toy/gift industry is slowly changing to gifts that have a purpose…whether it’s helping animals, people or the environment…we all need to be more aware of how we spend or money and time.
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