MEET THE MAKER – BIG LOViE

Julia Petrus Verstraeten, founder of online boutique Cozy with Posey in San Francisco, CA, interviewed Sheba C.E. Fideler from BIG LOViE as part of her MEET THE MAKER Series.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a midwestern girl who loves the outdoors, good food, cocktails and conversation. As a designer I get jazzed creating beautiful things that bring people joy. I am an empath and am innately driven to help others. Mostly, I am who I am because I am surrounded by a tremendous network of family and friends whose love is so true; the grace of their support allows me to live in peace and the courage to push myself.

Can you walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

As a graphic designer, marketer and entrepreneur I have been designing and creating for more than 25 years, and progressively working with more and more clients and projects whose goals were focused on promoting positivity and helping improve lives.

My dear friend, Rosie DeSimone, called me in 2018, with the idea to create super soft blankets adorned with positive messaging and I was immediately all in. BIG LOViE is founded on the truth that we all need comfort and love. Every person giving a BIG LOViE feels good; the recipient is constantly reminded they are important, they matter, they are loved; and with every blanket sold one is donated to a child in need of warmth and love. I knew we could move the needle to help people, blanket by blanket, and the ripple effect of that would be limitless. 

We launched in 2019 and have added more blankets, hats, scarves and sweatshirts to our offerings. Everything we offer is cozy and positive. We expanded our product line to be able to reach a wider audience. We want to spread positivity and love far and wide.

Take us behind the scenes, what does your day to day look like?

Every day is different, which I love.

I focus on sales & marketing so I am always forecasting, planning and implementing on all things in that realm. This includes a lot of time daily on social media engaging with people; it’s a fantastic way to hear what people are thinking and interact with them in real time.

We are always in some stage of product development, whether that’s expanding current products or working on new ideas. I love days when we are creating new products, designing them, choosing colors, writing and designing positive messages. Rosie and I collaborate beautifully which is a treat; we are fortunate to be able to bounce things off each other and really elevate each other’s ideas.

As giving back is a cornerstone for us we are always confabbing about fundraising opportunities for organizations in need, how we can create new and fun ways to support charities who are out there doing the great work of helping people in need, day in and day out. This really feeds  us!

Some non-negotiables: strong coffee in the morning, healthy food throughout the day, breathing and freeing my mind with yoga and or some outdoor activity – walking, skiing, biking, etc. These MN lakes call to me and refuel me in every way. I also love to cook so am happy when I can end the day with a delicious meal and glass of wine.

What's your favorite part about owning a business?

The freedom to create and evolve without restriction.

What are your mission and values?

We have four core principles: have fun, make beautiful products infused with love, nurture creativity and send more love out into the world!

What are you most proud of?

Creating beautiful products that help people feel loved and cared for, and in so doing, donating to so many children and people in need. My heart is full with gratitude that I’m able to do this work.

What's a fun fact about yourself?

When I was in 7th grade, my four siblings and I were on The Family Feud with Richard Dawson.
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