About Project Paws: Gifts for a Cause
My Inspiration
How Project Paws Began
Hi, I’m Joseph Catalano, the creator of Project Paws: Gifts for a Cause. I started this business in the Spring of 2024 while I was in 5th grade.
My grandfather and both dogs I have/had inspired me to start this business. My grandfather (Leonard Parrino), passed away in 2023, but he liked the bracelet that I got from a dog shop called Faux Paws Dog Shop, which is similar to the white bracelet shown below. He said I should make bracelets like this to raise money for Faux Paws, but the business closed soon after. I waited for something that gave me funds to jump start the project, and the Butterfly Effect Project at my school was the perfect opportunity. This program gave $50 to any student who was accepted after submitting a proposal to give back to the community in some way. I submitted a proposal about the bracelets and raising money to give to a no-kill shelter near us. My dog, Cooper (Hoover-Bissell-Diesen) Catalano was one of the reasons I wanted to do this project. He passed away about 6 years ago. My current dog Buddy (Curious) Catalano was another inspiration for the project. Both were rescued from high-kill shelters in North Carolina. After being accepted, I looked around for a local no-kill shelter and decided on helping The Associated Humane Society of Tinton Falls, NJ.
First Products
My First Bracelets
The first items that I sold were bracelets. These included many different colored braided bracelets and a chain link heartbeat bracelet. I wanted to make these bracelets affordable by anyone, including my classmates, so they sell for only $2 each. All of my profits go directly to the Associate Humane Society of Tinton Falls. I advertised my bracelets through my mom’s Facebook account, word of mouth, showing friends the bracelets I was wearing, and by having signs on the tables at my popup events. At these events, customers suggested other types of items that might be great additions to my bracelets. I kept these in mind for the future.
In just 42 days, I was able to raise $515 just by selling my bracelets!! On April 23rd, 2024 I donated my first check to the Associated Humane Society in Tinton Falls. It was great to have a tour of the Humane Society and to see the cats, dogs, chickens, and ducks that are available for adoption. It was a great day and I was incredibly excited to be able to donate to the animals in need.
Since then, I have added necklaces, burnt wood coasters, purse/backpack charms, earrings, keychains, magnets, wall art, bookmarks, ID tag holders, and figurines to my product line. I have maintained that the prices are affordable so that everyone can purchase them. I am proud to have been able to donate over $1650 in a little under 2 years to the Humane Society and plan to continue doing so. Thank you for your support of my business and the shelter.
About TheCat Creations: Custom Solutions
TheCat Creations: Custom Solutions is a 3D printing, engraving, and custom solutions business created by Frank Catalano. Custom designs for 3D printed items, engraved items and fun tech designs are our specialty.
Born from the mind of an Engineer, TheCat Creations started with a used 3D printer and grew to include 5 other printers, laser engravers, and more. Frank designed custom pieces for friends and relatives in need, including drawer brackets, Christmas tree ornaments, custom pieces for work, lithographs, miniature display pieces, designs for his wife’s school library, collapsible cosplay swords, children’s night lights, and more.
Combining his creative side with his technical knowledge has allowed him to expand and design custom pieces for customers.
TheCat Creations is your go-to spot for unique, fun or functional items for all of your needs.
Library Love, Bookish Gifts by Lenore
