MN Glow “When you give you glow”
Where did you get the idea for MN Glow and what does the company do?
April was working at a job that was taking her into a lot of low income areas. She remembers hearing about a need at a local elementary school, students didn’t have the proper winter gear to wait at the bus stop or play at recess. When she thought of those children she knew she needed to, and wanted to, make a difference and help get winter appeal to people in need.
Also, she read the book You are a Badass by Jen Sincero and wanted to do something different and have her own business. Why not have a business that also helps people!
What is the history of the company? When did you start and how long have you been in business?
This business started in Fall 2018. MN Glow was able to start making donation drops of winter apparel last winter. This is their second season. They were a brand new business last year, only 4 month of sales, and were able to donate 800 hats to people in need. Way to Go!!
What were you first steps?
I just did a lot of Googling. I wanted the hats to be made in the U.S. I had to find a knitting mill that was affordable because we are a buy one get one company. We are working with a manufacturing company out of Oregon. I didn’t really know anything when I started and I had to learn as I went.
What do the day to day operations look like? Do you have a team or are you a solo company?
The company is run by April and her husband. Her husband handles a lot of the back end operations such as finance, logistics, and operations.
April handles the marketing, finding places to donate, markets, and everything creative with the business.
What companies do you usually donate to and how often do you donate?
The first donation drop was at The Bridge for Youth. This is a place for kids ages 10-18. We love helping the youth and so they are on our list again. They want to give back to the youth as much as possible. Another place they have donated is Youth Link.
April gets to research places and sometimes they have places reach out to them. It really depends and is up to MN Glow. They also partnered with Mobile Loaves. They were able to be out on the streets handing out food and hats to the homeless last winter.
Do you know what percentage of the population does not have warm clothing?
The Bridge for Youth recently posted an article stating that in the Twin Cities there are 6,000 youth without stable homes, that are considered to be homeless.
What responses do you usually get from the organizations who receive the hats?
People are very happy and grateful for the donations and are very excited to give the hats to people coming to their organizations. Customers also feel really great when buying and giving hats for gifts.
Where are you donating this winter?
Mobile Loaves and The Bridge for Youth for sure. We are still figuring out some other places to donate. MN Glow recently made a donation to a place for youth in Stillwater as well.
How do you determine which designs or colors are produced and what quantities of each?
They are still learning about that. The colors seem to go by season, Red for Christmas, Pink for Valentine’s Day, Evergreen for Winter.
What does the future of MN Glow look like? What goals do you have?
MN Glow hopes to expand and grow in the future, sales outside of the Twin Cities area or possibly other designs or winter apparel. They want to keep growing so they can help keep as many people warm as possible.
What are the best resources that have helped you get this company started that you could offer as advice to others listening?
Mindset is so huge. “I just remember my WHY and I keep taking steps forward.” “My WHY remotivates me all the time when we have struggles.”
How can people get involved if they want to help? Any special things happening for the holiday season?
Youth: Google search a teen drop in center in your area. Contact them and ask what their needs are. Donate used items you have such as clothing or other items they might need.
Time: Work at a local food shelf, homeless shelter, Feed My Starving Children. Reach out to shelters in your area and ask what they need.
Where do you sell your hats or how do people find out?
Word of mouth is huge and also many markets.
www.mnglow.com you can buy all the hats online and have them shipped to you.
We have a discount code for you. You can get 15% off with the code: momsdishmn
MN GLOW Market Apparences:
- November 17-Urban Growler, St. Paul
- November 24, 2019: Wagners Gardens, Mpls 10am-3pm
- November 29, 2019: Lord Fletchers, Minnetonka, 10am-2pm
- December 7, 2019: Wagners Garden, Mpls, 10am-3pm
- December 14, 2019: Charlie’s on Prior, Prior Lake, 10am-2pm