Debbie's Fund for Good Story
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
Debbie has spent years dreaming about creating a business that combines her creativity, love of animals, and desire to build something of her own.
With support from Manawanui's Fund for Good, that dream took a big step forward when she received an xTool laser engraving machine, giving her the opportunity to bring her ideas to life and launch her pet-focused business, PurrCats.
Inspired by her own pets, Debbie had been planning the business for several years and already had ideas for a range of products, from pet houses and sun shelters to personalised keepsake boxes, urns, and engraved identification tags.
Since receiving the funding, Debbie has been busy setting up her workspace, learning the capabilities of her new machine, and testing new products before making them available online.
The progress has been exciting. Debbie has already created a range of engraved pet identification tags, keepsake boxes, memorial items, bread clips, and personalised products, with more designs continuing to be added as she develops her skills and expands her product range.
She is also getting closer to launching her online shop, where customers will be able to personalise products with names, images, and custom engravings. As she continues to master new techniques and materials, Debbie is steadily building the foundations for a business she hopes will grow for years to come.
For Debbie, this opportunity represents much more than starting a business. Following many years of health challenges and an extended period of rehabilitation, she has worked incredibly hard to rebuild her independence and create a future on her own terms. Fund for Good has given her the opportunity to combine her creativity and love of animals with a business idea she has been developing for years, helping her build confidence, learn new skills and work towards greater independence.
As more creations come out of her workshop and her online store moves closer to launch, Debbie is excited about what comes next. We can't wait to see her website go live and watch her collection of personalised pet products continue to grow.