This has to be one of the coolest small shops that I have come across in the last 2 years. Today we are going to meet Madison and Rachel, Co-Founders of A Little Something Extra from Toronto Ontario.. A Little Something Extra is a small, blank "open when" card that you fill in with words of love, support, and friendship. This card is to be sealed and included in a traditional greeting card. The envelopes have instructions that explain that these cards are to be opened at a later date when someone truly needs some extra words of encouragement.
Madison & Rachel's mission is to provide people with the ability to stay connected and feel supported through words of love and encouragement. As they like to say, “A Little Something Extra allows you to be there for your person, even if you can’t be with your person”. Their products act as a new take on the classic “open when” gift, by encouraging the writer to add words of love and support to their recipient with the intention of having it opened at a time when it’s truly needed. Their goal is to provide people with a way to connect throughout life's most challenging moments.
Do you have kids? If so how many & age?
Madison: No kids for either of us, but I have two nephews whom I love very much, 2.5 and 6 months.
What's one thing people probably don't know about you?
Rachel: We went to university together but our friendship really only started in our final year. We became much closer friends after school, even though Madison had moved to New York.
What is your favourite thing to do for yourself?
Madison- Going to the spa!
Rachel- Treat myself to a delicious meal.
What is your favourite date night activity? Madison - I think we are both fans of a classic dinner & drinks situation.
What's one thing you couldn't live without?
Rachel- Coffee. It is a necessity for both of us.
Who's your IG inspiration?
Madison- Personally, I love Sarah from The Birds Papaya. In regards to A Little Something Extra, we love all accounts that feature a floral, white, and fresh vibe.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Madison- Being your true self will get you far in life, so just be cool with who you are.
Rachel- Trust your instincts!
How did you choose the name for your business?
Choosing a name was difficult, but because we encourage people to add it extra to a card or gift they are already giving, it sort of just made sense! We paid an IP lawyer $1200 to do a search for a trademark of our name, and they gave us some valuable advice, but we probably didn't need to spend money on that when starting everything up.
How do you balance having kids & running a business?
We don't have kids, but given the fact that we find it difficult to balance a 9-5 with this side business, we truly admire working moms.
Where can people find your products?
Our cards are available through our website, www.alittlesomethingextra.co!
What advice can you give someone looking to start up their own business?
Do it! It’s scary, but you meet amazing people along your journey. We’ve found that the feeling of not pursuing something is harder than giving it a shot and seeing what you are capable of. Just start small and celebrate every milestone!
What sets your business apart from others alike?
There is no product like ours. We are the only company that offers these thoughtful, small but mighty "open when" cards!
What is the most challenging part of running your business?
Trying to figure out what the right thing to do is! Once you have an idea, there are about 100 paths you could take. It’s challenging to pick a route! We just take it one or two decisions at a time and then once we do that, keep moving forward, slowly but surely!
What does a typical day look like for you?
Both of us have full time jobs, but right now are working from home. Our conference calls include enthusiastic conversations, comfy clothes, and maybe a glass of wine!
Favourite song: Band On The Run - Wings
Dream Vacation: Probably anywhere at this point! However, we love New York and are desperate to get back to our favourite restaurant in the West Village, Via Carota.
Favourite Book: The Goldfinch - Donna Tartt
Dream Job: Business owner!
Favourite Podcast: This American Life, The High Low, Reply All, and a million more!
Dream Car: 1965 Mustang Convertible
Favourite Smell: Butter, garlic, and onions cooking.
Dream meal: Penne a la vodka
Favourite item of clothing: Madison’s old men's green shirt. Rachel borrows it all the time!
I think these little cards arrived at the perfect timing. I feel so distant from my friends and family right now and they are feeling just as distant and down as I am. In such a time of uncertainty it is hard to find the words to; brighten up someone's day, tell them how we feel, and how much they mean to us. These cards are the perfect way to not worry about the words and brighten up someone's day when they need it most.
I love that the concept is for them to open the little card later on. It isn't about right in the moment instead the person you gift it to is able to decide when they think they will need a little pick me up most. Then the card is small enough that they could carry it around with them wherever they go in their wallet, card or even diaper bag and look at it when they need a reminder of how much they are loved and cared for. Its amazing how one little card can hold such meaning for someone. I highly recommend checking them out and giving them a follow for more information on how you can make a difference in someone's day!
