In recent years, plush dolls and stuffed animals have had an increase in popularity. With all the competition out there, it’s hard to make a profit selling ordinary “plushies.” Sydney and Toni Loew recognized this and set out to change the market with their business, Poketti. The idea for the business began in 2013 when Sydney came up with the idea in her 7th grade entrepreneurship class. “I didn’t want to sell ordinary stuffed animals, so I added a pocket to make them functional and more compelling.” Sydney stated in an interview with The Startup Squad. Since then, Poketti has created a full line of stuffed animals, targeted to girls ages 11-14, that have doubled as a way to store personal items such as phones, glasses, or other small items.
Not only that, according to their website, Poketti aims to create products that, “Inspire other kids to take on new challenges, think of others, and work hard to reach their goals.” Sydney stated in the same interview, “We’ve had middle schoolers ask us for advice to start their own businesses because they were inspired by Poketti; these moments remind us that we are not only trying to spread Poketti to everyone, but we are also trying to spread the entrepreneurial spirit.” Looking to the future, Poketti intends to expand their presence on the internet to promote their brand. “As the world moves online, we want to give Poketti a larger presence in the world of social media and gaming. Our plans for the future involve apps, an online virtual world, and a YouTube web series that will guide and motivate aspiring young entrepreneurs,” stated Sydney. Read more about the Loew sisters at thestartupsquad.com, or visit their website at poketti.com to learn more about their business and mission.
It is always nice when you can pursue your passion with someone else that you are close with. I’m sure that the sisters had more courage going into it knowing they had each other. I don’t think I have heard of a plushie that also has a pouch for storing and easy carry.