Anee Shah: Founder of Anee Rabbit

Anee Shah: Founder of Anee Rabbit

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your brand.

Oh hey! I am Anee, a scientist
turned artist + surface designer based in Boston, MA.

Inspired by slow living and nostalgia, I create art that evokes the warm fuzzies, a sense of calm and fond memories of the good old days! I love to paint soft, muted botanicals characterized by playful, gestural brushstrokes. My work is modern, fresh with a nod to vintage. I also create patterns for textiles and other everyday goods and have licensed my work to some wonderful brands.

What inspired you to start your brand or craft?

After the birth of my first born, I started noticing cute patterns on baby clothes, swaddles and even diapers. I thought my art can be on such products as well. I had no clue there is an industry out there solely for this kind of work called surface design. I was hooked and for the next couple of years I took a bunch of courses to learn how to create repeating patterns and the business side of it. Early 2020 (before the pandemic rocked the world), I left my full time corporate job to stay at home with kids and pursue my creative path but it all started with midnight musings over a cute newborn swaddle design!

How did you come up with the name of your company?

Anee (pronounced as uh+nee) rhymes with bunny and that's how the name Anee Rabbit came about! In many cultures, the rabbit is a symbol of creativity and good luck. It is also associated with magic and mischief (I'm all for that!). The best part, though, it reminds me of my daughter saying bunny rabbit when she was just 15 months old and that brings me immense joy which I hope reflects in my work and in turn in your home.

What does an average day look like?

There is no such thing as an average day right now! I am first and foremost a mom to two littles so the majority of time goes in hanging out with them. But I do make a list of things that need to be tackled as soon as the babe goes down for a nap. That could be pitching to companies for a collaboration or answering emails or creating new patterns. Painting usually happens over the weekend- it is my alone time.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

Without doubt, painting! But unfortunately I get to spend the least amount of time doing that.

When you’re creating do you have a person in mind?

Not a person but a feeling for sure. Most of the time, it is a feeling of slowing down and a sense of calm.

When was your business founded and how has it evolved over time?

I launched my business in the summer of 2020. Since then I have been fortunate enough to see my art come alive on different products like apparel, gift boxes, phone cases etc. It also makes me super happy to see my originals and prints finding their forever homes across the country!

Are there any challenges that you’ve had to overcome?

I always thought art and design is a saturated market and I will have a hard time finding my place. I had to (and still do) put in a lot of work on my mindset to realize that there is room for everyone. Each one of us has a unique voice and that is what makes us special.

Apart from that, there are daily challenges like trial and error of a new product or figuring out the best packaging and shipping supplies or even finding a decent chunk of time to sit and paint. Well, it is all part of the game!

What is one piece of advice you have for a female entrepreneur just starting out?

Just start, don't wait for the perfect time or perfecting your skills. You learn so much on the journey. You'll figure it out eventually.

Let us know where we can follow you.

You can find me over on my internet home:
www.aneerabbit.com or www.instagram.com/anee.rabbit

I have some exciting collaborations launching at the end of this year and early next year. Also, 2022 calendars will be released in the Fall. If you don't want to miss out, sign up to my email list from my website!

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