For those of us who share our lives with a bunny, we’re all familiar with the little things they do: that nose bump when you come home from work, that eager sniff when you peel a banana, and not forgetting the stubborn thump when you manage to annoy them. *fump*
Rabbits may be small, but they have the biggest impact on our hearts. Inspired by their rabbits, here are 10 amazing bunny people and their creative business ventures.
1. Oishi Bunnies, by Gigi “Cookie Yiyi”
Oishi Bunnies creates the most delicately detailed bunny treats. Reminiscing of the miniature wonder of Sylvanian Families, founder Gigi, fondly known as Cookie Yiyi, adopts a herb-based approach to making bunny-friendly cookies and birthday cakes.
The treats are made with ingredients such as organic herb filling, organic oats as well as real fruits. The concept came from Cookie’s own experience.
Cookie has 3 bunnies of her own: Barley, alpha lionhead lop; Bubble, sweet holland lop, and Missy, senior harlequin ninja bunny. Cookie turned to natural remedies when Bubble, who was due for neutering, failed his blood test six times despite the best vet care.
Putting in the effort to research, source for seeds and grow organic herbs to boost Bubble’s health, nature works its wonder where lab-processed medicine failed. Cookie’s hard work paid off, Bubble finally passed his blood test and was neutered safely.
Soon, Cookie started making herb-based cookies and gave samples to friends. Receiving positive response, she went on to channel her creative instinct into baking cakes for bunnies.
“Watching those happy faces chew healthy cookies or smash their birthday cakes can really brighten up anyone’s day!” she shares happily.
As a private rescuer, Cookie has personally rescued and rehomed several rabbits to loving families. Through Oishi Bunnies, Cookie feels honored that she can utilize her creativity to help and support bunny shelters. She has also met other bunny products and service providers who share the same spirit in giving back.
“We look forward to working with our partners, the3bunnies.co, myhappytales and crafteebun in the near future,” Cookie says. For the upcoming Christmas season, Oishi Bunnies will be fundraising for Bunny Wonderland and House Rabbit Society Singapore.
2. Fat Rabbit Farm, by Jason Ponggasam & Patty Variboa
Passionate creatives Jason and Patty are the founders and designers at Fat Rabbit Farm. Prior to their bunny-based venture, the couple ran a design studio named CreativePear that helps businesses with branding and identity. Today, Fat Rabbit Farm stocks a brilliant, joyful range of apparel, vinyl stickers, enamel pins and more.
Now, it’s a mistake to think of them as just another shop with graphic slogan tees – there are stories and personality behind each character. Inspired by their bunnies Babee and Blanket, Jason and Patty introduce Fat Rabbit Farm as a “magical, floating kingdom”, a place of fun and discovery inhabited by whimsical fellows.
“The real-life Babee and Blankets’ personalities are definitely instilled into the animated characters. Babee has always been a spunky, happy-go-lucky bunny with a big appetite! Blanket has always been an adventurer and a daring bun,” they explained about their bunny’s characters.
Their current rabbit, CoffeeCake, hasn’t been cartoonized, but they describe him as “our boss and makes sure the real Babee and Blanket are watching over us from above.”
Fat Rabbit Farm has come a long way since 2006 but the committed founders themselves have not stopped bringing humor, fun and light-heartedness into people’s everyday lives.
“We have fans and customers tell us how our creations brighten their day, or inspires them in some way – to even helping them through anxiety and depression. Making people feel happy and joy through our silly characters is an honor and we hope to continue to make a positive impact on people’s lives.”
3. Napoleon Bunnyparte, by Tiffany McAuley
Napoleon Bunnyparte creates stimulating, puzzle-like bunny toys that not only can be tossed and chewed but are also attached with compartments to hide treats. Besides toys, customizable treats and other bunny things, the store also makes sure that humans aren’t left out by selling must-have hoodies and home accessories. Bunny-themed, of course.
Extending the love for rabbits to the greater community, Napoleon Bunnyparte runs a special Bun For Bun program. For every toy purchased, another is donated to rescues nominated by customers.
“We have had the opportunity to visit some of these rescues in person, in cities like New York and Hong Kong,” founder Tiffany shares. “Hearing an entire room of shelter bunnies nibbling away at the toys we brought in is an amazing experience that we carry with us.”
At home, Tiffany’s bunnies are Sophie and Chloé, two best bunfriends since Napoleon, whom her business is named after, crossed the Bridge. Outgoing by nature, Chloé is a therapy bunny at a children’s hospice. Sophie, who has head tilt since 2018, sees the world a little sideways but otherwise enjoys life as a spoilt bunny.
Although head tilt is sadly irreversible, Tiffany shares how important it is for humans to see the positive by understanding the bunny’s perspective. Unlike humans, bunnies don’t compare life before and after. They just move – or rather, hop – forward.
“You will always look back and think of the things you could have done better. [But] trust that you are doing the best you can with the knowledge you have in the moment.” For support, she suggests head tilt groups such as Help for Head Tilt Hoppers.
4. D.Fluff Lounge, by Dawn Yeo
Behind D.Fluff Lounge is professional groomer Dawn Yeo, who specializes in mobile grooming services for small animals. She gained her skills through courses at Angie’s Pets, where the founder is a long-established pet groomer in Singapore.
Dawn also offers boarding services in her home. Indeed, no other place better than a bunny-loving groomer who has 5 bunnies of her own! Dawn took in Poochie, Thumper, Ponyo, Tiara and Amos from previous owners when they were unable (or some, unwilling) to care for them anymore.
Being able to interact with fluffy bunnies on a daily basis has its happy moments. For clients who genuinely believe in their bunnies’ welfare, sometimes a little help from experienced bunny owners is all they need. For Dawn, answering housecalls and visiting clients in person presents this opportunity.
“It is always nice when clients take my advice and help their rabbits improve their quality of lives and living spaces,” Dawn says.
But sometimes her job goes beyond D.Fluff Lounge. Dawn recalls how a former client contacted her in desperation when the two rabbits she had once handled fell into tragic states. The owner, not fully aware, had placed the rabbits in an unethical boarding place. The case was later covered by local bunny rescues, Bunny Wonderland and Bunny Binkies Club.
One of the owner’s remaining rabbits was left paralyzed from the incident. As part of her medical boarding service, Dawn cared for him and the bunny was nursed back to health after 2 to 3 months.
“Unfortunately, he was unable to get back full control of his limbs,” Dawn says, but focusing on the positive, she adds that the bunny managed to gain a healthy weight and was able to hobble around again. Due to this incident, two other rabbits were also successfully rescued and rehomed.
5. Bunnies That Lunch, by Jessica McCarthy
Bunnies That Lunch is a monthly subscription box filled with bunny toys and treats. A huge animal lover, founder Jess grew up with furry and small reptilian creatures alike. Alongside Bunnies That Lunch, she also runs two sister businesses, Doggies That Lunch and Kitties That lunch. She currently shares her life with two bonded bunnies, Turtle (CEO and Chief Snack Taster) and Tofu (renowned Professional Bunstructor).
What’s actually in a Bunnies That Lunch box changes every month. It’s a fun and exciting surprise that sparks curiosity even in non-bunny species (i.e. Furless Apes. Humans.) For bunny owners, it’s certainly a joy to see our beloved companions sniffing and exploring the new goodies, which can range from chew toys such as willow sticks to varied packages of hay, herbs and dry fruit treats.
Connecting with like-minded bunny parents on social media, Jess recalls how some customers have supported Bunnies That Lunch since the very beginning.
“One lady in particular, Caroline, she lives in France and has never missed a single box in the whole 4 years of Bunnies That Lunch. We speak regularly on Instagram and she has become a friend to me, which I think is really special.”
“As a small business, I really feel every order, every customer, means something to me,” Jess adds. “I am so truly grateful.”
Bunnies That Lunch brings the luxurious treasure box to bunny rescues as well. Every month, a large bundle of goodies and samples is put together and donated to a nominated charity. The latest beneficiary this month is Little Furries Rabbit Rescue.
Check out “10 Bunny Owners and Their Bunny-Inspired Businesses, Part 2” here.
