MEET ANEE RABBIT
FOUNDED BY
ANEE SHAH
LOCATION: Boston, MA
@anee.rabbit
THE INTERVIEW
Written by Boston Women’s Market
BWM: Can you tell us a bit about what lead you to the launch of Anee Rabbit? What are you aHa moment?
Anee: I have always enjoyed painting and did so on and off. After the birth of my daughter, I was on my maternity leave and I started noticing all the cute patterns on her swaddles, crib sheets, clothes, heck even diapers! I realized I could have my art on such products. After some googling, I found out that there is an actual industry for this kind of work called surface design. Consider my mind blown! Soon, I started taking courses on how to create a repeat pattern and how to make art your career. After being a scientist for a decade, I left my stable job to pursue art full time (also, right in time for the birth of my son... also, right before the pandemic)!
BWM: How have you continued to manage the growth of your business while also finding time and ways to invest in yourself?
Anee: I am continuously finding ways to diversify my income. I also make it a point to invest in my education through courses and podcasts. As for finding time, I strongly believe, if it is priority for you, you will make time for it.
BWM: Our community members are often just beginning to grow their business and many are interested in learning from other successful business women. What key pieces of insight have you learned from launching your business?
Anee: Don't wait for things to be perfect. Just start! Action is way better than meticulous planning. As cliché as it sounds, just begin. Stop overthinking every little thing. What's the worst that could happen, it will turn out to be a mistake but you'd have learned so much from that experience. Also, be frugal in the beginning. It is ok not to have that fancy branded tissue paper and custom packaging materials. Ask questions and be kind to your audience, peers and most importantly to yourself!
“Stop overthinking every little thing. What's the worst that could happen, it will turn out to be a mistake but you'd have learned so much from that experience.”
BWM: With the business acumen you have now, what’s one piece of advice you wish you could tell yourself five years ago?
Anee: You will get there. Have faith and keep going. Do not over think it.
BWM: We think the stories of failure are just as important as the stories of success. Can you talk about a time that you failed in an entrepreneurial venture or objective? How did you face and overcome this failure? What was the lesson learned?
Anee: I have launched products which I thought would be a hit but ended up being duds. It is so easy to get down and demotivated but I keep reminding myself that a failure does not determine the path of your career. Let it go and get back to the drawing board.
BWM: Do you have a favorite go-to business tool or resource you can recommend to our community?
Anee: I love my iPad and Apple pencil. It makes it so easy to clean up my watercolor art and is essential to my pattern making process.
PRODUCTS WE LOVE
A DOG’S LIFE CALENDAR
A dog’s life sounds pretty nice to us right now! There are 12 unique hand-drawn dog illustrations, each month has a seasonal theme. Neutral color palette makes for a perfect gender neutral gift and fits with any kind of décor style.
TWIRL GIRL PRINT
Twirl like this beautiful life is a big dance partay! This print is a limited edition print in honor of my collaboration with Alice and Ames. This playful hand-lettered piece would be perfect for your little girl’s room. Goes well by itself or in a gallery wall.