The Side Hustle Show 679: Free Inventory: The Sustainable Stuffed Animal Side Hustle
Jun 26, 2025
Charlotte Liebling, founder of Love Before, a sustainable soft toy adoption agency, shares her journey of transforming discarded stuffed animals into treasures. She highlights the emotional value these toys hold and how her innovative branding and local marketing strategies have led to over 10,000 adoptions. Charlotte discusses the challenges of balancing a full-time job with her side hustle, the power of storytelling in retail partnerships, and creative zero-cost marketing techniques. Her mission blends charitable goals with sustainability, aiming for a future where every stuffed animal finds a loving home.
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Origin Story of Love Before
- Charlotte noticed charity shops discarding stuffed animals despite their sentimental value.
- She started Love Before to lovingly rehome these toys instead of letting them go to landfill.
Start With Community
- Build a community first before selling any products or services.
- Validate your idea through social media to ensure it resonates beyond your immediate circle.
Collect Inventory Locally
- When starting, personally ask local charities and neighbors to donate stuffed animals.
- Distribute leaflets locally to build awareness and collect more inventory.