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Novel Creature: outdoor goods for women

Novel Creature is a brand of outdoor goods and community for compassionate women who support mental health with each purchase.

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$801
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Project Description

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Outdoor products for compassionate women

We promote radical self-care by connecting women to the outdoors and supporting mental health counseling with each purchase. Products include weather resistant canvas bags (zipper pouches, hip bags, back packs, etc.), bandannas, and branded materials such as stickers, patches, and t-shirts. 5% of sales are donated to AGAPE Nashville, a local not for profit agency that provides mental health counseling on a sliding scale for families and individuals at multiple locations throughout Middle Tennessee.

DaypackatRadnorsideview

Our Mission

Approximately 12 million American women suffer from depression each year and women are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than men, due to a combination of factors (genetics, hormonal changes, life changes, etc). The mission of Novel Creature is to take care of these women and to encourage them to seek help when needed. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for mental health; a simple walk in the woods can restore the body’s natural balance for some women, while some may prefer traditional talk therapy or be in need of medication. For most it is a combination of two or more of these. We empower women to take the first step towards self-care and provide the means to do that through organizing outdoor adventures in our women-only Facebook group and providing funding to AGAPE.

BandannaatRadnor

I began my journey with Novel Creature when I was getting my Master’s degree for counseling. I began experiencing the weight of anxiety and I found relief in sewing and spending time outside, combined with medication and therapy. I sold my handmade creations online and decided to support the counseling community in Nashville by donating a portion of sales to AGAPE. During this time I was working for Girls Scouts, an organization I grew up in, teaching outdoor skills to campers. This had a major influence on my business and eventually, Novel Creature became an outdoor brand and community that has allowed me to serve and connect women from all walks of life. I still make everything myself but hope to grow to a position where I can create jobs for other Nashville women in some capacity.

travelerpouchatradnor

There are relatively few outdoor goods marketed specifically for women, and fewer still that have a social mission. Novel Creature provides women with products made just for them that are versatile and fashionable for using in their everyday adventures. We connect through a Facebook and Instagram, hosting meet ups and trips for women to experience the outdoors.

CinchpackatRadnor

I’m raising $3,000 to take my business to the next level. With the money I raise I’ll be able to purchase an industrial sewing machine, order wholesale supplies, join professional organizations, pay for shows to sell products directly to customers.

Photo Jul 03, 2 27 27 PM

My team consists of me, Marissa, and my husband Chris. Chris graciously serves as my graphic designer, web developer, and consultant. I wear many hats: operations director, sales manager, social media director, bookkeeper, and product manufacturer. I work from the Lodge, a co-working space, in Franklin, TN just south of Nashville. Really, Chris and I take just take care of what needs to be done with the goal of growing the team in the future and having a dedicated workspace. I would love to see my team grow by having paid internships for local college students that could transition into long-term positions.

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The main benefit of Novel Creature’s growth is that more counseling sessions would be funded so that people who need therapy can get it. Women in our community will be empowered to seek therapy, talk to their doctors, and make time for self-care by spending more time outdoors. Growing Novel Creature to a business that is consistently able to fulfill online orders and participate in regional events could also mean that the conversation around mental health might one day transform into one filled with more empathy and compassion.

Our Rewards

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Vinyl Sticker 3" x 3"

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Embroidered Patch 3"x 3"

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Bandana

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Traveler Pouch

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Hip Bag

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Prone to Wander & Mountain Mama T-shirts

 

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Cinch Bag

  

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Drawstring Day Pack

  

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Camp Dinner (Co-ed) // Ladies Tent Camping Trip // Ladies Cabin Trip

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

What are some of the potential risks and challenges you face in producing your project?

The risks are relatively low. There might have been a chance that no women want to spend time outdoors or that nobody cares about mental health, but that has proven to be untrue. Women want to go camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, and canoeing.. but it can be intimidating when it feels like men have a monopoly on the outdoors. Providing access to these activities is something that women want. Additionally, mental health care is such a huge issue in our country right now. People feel strongly about addressing it in more ways than simply overmedicating the hurt and hurting. The only real challenge I face is the matter of time. I’m a school counselor, which means I work Monday through Friday 11 months out of the year, not counting the breaks. I love being a counselor, so my solution to this challenge is working nights, weekends, and breaks, with the potential for hiring interns from the local colleges.

When should I expect to receive my rewards?

I plan on having all rewards shipped out in the middle of May 2017. Some items (branded materials and tickets to events) can be shipped right away so you may receive those early. Funds raised will be used to purchase supplies for making the outdoor goods, which will contribute to the production timeline. If there are any changes, I will email you in a timely manner.

I want to join your women's meet-ups and adventures! How do I join the Facebook group?

Visit facebook.com/novelcreature. Request to join the group pinned to the top of the page and your request will be addressed ASAP.

04/23/2017
Prone to Wander T-Shirt
$30
04/13/2017
Traveler Pouch
$20
04/12/2017
Drawstring Day Pack
$100
04/12/2017
Prone to Wander T-Shirt
$30
04/09/2017
Monetary Contribution With No Reward
$50
04/07/2017
Bandana
$15
04/02/2017
Hip Bag
$25
04/02/2017
Drawstring Day Pack
$75
03/31/2017
Monetary Contribution With No Reward
$20
03/30/2017
Monetary Contribution With No Reward
$15
Monetary Contribution With No Reward
11 Supporters
Select this reward
5.00 USD
Vinyl sticker

Weatherproof Novel Creature three tree logo sticker for your car or gear.

100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
15.00 USD
Embroidered Patch

Novel Creature logo patch for your bag or jacket.

100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
15.00 USD
Bandana

Save $5: will be $20! Hand-dyed oversized Bandana in Fire, Forest, or Sun (choose your color later). This bandana is extra long so you can easily tie it in your hair or around your neck loosely.

99 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
20.00 USD
Traveler Pouch

Save $5: Will be $25! Water resistant canvas zipper pouch fully lined with hand-dyed muslin in Black/Fire, Tan/Forest, or Natural/Sun (choose your color later). It's the perfect size for keeping your small items together in bigger bags and the water resistance helps keep them safe, from tampons to protein bars.

97 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Hip Bag

Save $5: will be $30! Water resistant canvas hip bag (aka fanny pack!) full lined with hand-dyed muslin in Black/Fire, Tan/Forest, or Natural/Sun (choose your color later). The 90s favorite is back and it's really just the best for keeping your keys, snacks, and phone close at hand while hiking, climbing, or jogging.

98 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
30.00 USD
Mountain Mama T-Shirt

Limited edition super soft t-shirt inspired by John Denver, mountains, and all the babes out there (choose your size later)

99 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
30.00 USD
Prone to Wander T-Shirt

Limited edition super soft t-shirt for the adventurous spirit who can't stay put.

93 Left
7 Supporters
Select this reward
40.00 USD
Cinch Pack

Save $10: will be $50! Simple backpack made from water resistant canvas full lined with hand-dyed muslin in Black/Fire, Tan/Forest, or Natural/Sun (choose your color later). Makes toting necessities easy for short hikes and it's the perfect size for your harness and climbing shoes.

100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Drawstring Day Pack

Save $25: will be $100! Basic backpack made from water resistant canvas full lined with hand-dyed muslin in Black/Fire, Tan/Forest, or Natural/Sun (choose your color later). Perfect for everywhere you go, from day hike to day-to-day.

98 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Camp Dinner (Co-ed) May 13

For this experience, you're invited out to nearby (Greater Nashville area) campground for a campfire cooked farm-to-table meal under the stars.

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Brand Ambassador

Dang! You're my biggest fan! Tell the world with all these branded rewards: Vinyl Sticker, Logo Patch, Prone to Wander T-shirt, Mountain Mama T-Shirt, and Traveler Pouch.

100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Women's Camping Trip May 19-21

Let's sleep under the stars! At a nearby campground (greater Nashville area), we'll get set up and hangout around the campfire. Food and campsite reservations will be provided, but please bring a sleeping bag and tent/air mattress and/or hammock to sleep in. If you've never been camping before I'll send a suggested packing list to get you ready to go!

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
Women's Cabin Trip June 9-11

What's better than camping? Glamping. We'll head to a cabin in the woods and pretend like we're on the Parent Trap (or in Troop Beverly Hills). We'll have camp crafts, plenty of outdoor activities, and your meals will be provided.

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
Women's Cabin Trip June 9-11

What's better than camping? Glamping. We'll head to a cabin in the woods and pretend like we're on the Parent Trap (or in Troop Beverly Hills). We'll have camp crafts, plenty of outdoor activities, and your meals will be provided.

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Franklin, TN
Created 1 Campaign
Lifestyle

Rewards

Monetary Contribution With No Reward
11 Supporters
Select this reward
5.00 USD
Vinyl sticker

Weatherproof Novel Creature three tree logo sticker for your car or gear.

100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
15.00 USD
Embroidered Patch

Novel Creature logo patch for your bag or jacket.

100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
15.00 USD
Bandana

Save $5: will be $20! Hand-dyed oversized Bandana in Fire, Forest, or Sun (choose your color later). This bandana is extra long so you can easily tie it in your hair or around your neck loosely.

99 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
20.00 USD
Traveler Pouch

Save $5: Will be $25! Water resistant canvas zipper pouch fully lined with hand-dyed muslin in Black/Fire, Tan/Forest, or Natural/Sun (choose your color later). It's the perfect size for keeping your small items together in bigger bags and the water resistance helps keep them safe, from tampons to protein bars.

97 Left
3 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Hip Bag

Save $5: will be $30! Water resistant canvas hip bag (aka fanny pack!) full lined with hand-dyed muslin in Black/Fire, Tan/Forest, or Natural/Sun (choose your color later). The 90s favorite is back and it's really just the best for keeping your keys, snacks, and phone close at hand while hiking, climbing, or jogging.

98 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
30.00 USD
Mountain Mama T-Shirt

Limited edition super soft t-shirt inspired by John Denver, mountains, and all the babes out there (choose your size later)

99 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
30.00 USD
Prone to Wander T-Shirt

Limited edition super soft t-shirt for the adventurous spirit who can't stay put.

93 Left
7 Supporters
Select this reward
40.00 USD
Cinch Pack

Save $10: will be $50! Simple backpack made from water resistant canvas full lined with hand-dyed muslin in Black/Fire, Tan/Forest, or Natural/Sun (choose your color later). Makes toting necessities easy for short hikes and it's the perfect size for your harness and climbing shoes.

100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Drawstring Day Pack

Save $25: will be $100! Basic backpack made from water resistant canvas full lined with hand-dyed muslin in Black/Fire, Tan/Forest, or Natural/Sun (choose your color later). Perfect for everywhere you go, from day hike to day-to-day.

98 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Camp Dinner (Co-ed) May 13

For this experience, you're invited out to nearby (Greater Nashville area) campground for a campfire cooked farm-to-table meal under the stars.

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Brand Ambassador

Dang! You're my biggest fan! Tell the world with all these branded rewards: Vinyl Sticker, Logo Patch, Prone to Wander T-shirt, Mountain Mama T-Shirt, and Traveler Pouch.

100 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Women's Camping Trip May 19-21

Let's sleep under the stars! At a nearby campground (greater Nashville area), we'll get set up and hangout around the campfire. Food and campsite reservations will be provided, but please bring a sleeping bag and tent/air mattress and/or hammock to sleep in. If you've never been camping before I'll send a suggested packing list to get you ready to go!

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
Women's Cabin Trip June 9-11

What's better than camping? Glamping. We'll head to a cabin in the woods and pretend like we're on the Parent Trap (or in Troop Beverly Hills). We'll have camp crafts, plenty of outdoor activities, and your meals will be provided.

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
250.00 USD
Women's Cabin Trip June 9-11

What's better than camping? Glamping. We'll head to a cabin in the woods and pretend like we're on the Parent Trap (or in Troop Beverly Hills). We'll have camp crafts, plenty of outdoor activities, and your meals will be provided.

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward