Hi y’all! I’m Heather, the founder of The Raptor Den. I’ve got some really exciting news to share with you today! As the holiday season twinkles on the horizon, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of The Raptor Den’s online shop and holiday ornaments!
Me with my little raptors, Liam, Ellie, and Warren
A little bit of raptor history
For those of y’all who might be new to my little corner of the world, The Raptor Den is a labor of love born from a journey that’s been anything but a straight shot. When I was a full-time advocate and children’s ombudsman for the state of Florida, juggling the joys and challenges of raising three adopted children (each with their own special developmental needs), life was a rollercoaster with more ups and downs than a country backroad. But amidst the hustle, I began to find solace in crafting – a balm for the soul. And then I found myself turning my stress into something beautiful.
It started with a simple desire to create – to make something with my own two hands that could bring a smile to someone’s face. And y’all, that’s where The Raptor Den took off. I began to put stuff up for sale on social media and started taking orders from friends and family and people who heard about what I did. It got so big that I actually needed to start a business. I left my former job and rented a commercial space – and all that was left was a website. So I asked my sister Amy to help me out with an online shop.
The brand new website
Screenshot of the front page of my brand new shop!
Y’all, this website is my oldest baby sister’s masterpiece. She’s a wizard with web design. She’s put her heart and soul into making our online space as welcoming as a front porch swing. It’s user-friendly, pretty as a peach, and showcases our products in all their glory. I was originally going to use Shopify, but Amy steered me to something better.
Navigating through the shop is easy. There are categories, filters, options for sorting – it’s all there. We’re still working and tweaking things every day, so if you see something that doesn’t look right, please feel free to reach out and let us know – just email support@theraptorden.com.
New holiday ornaments!
New customizable holiday ornaments available in the shop
Onto other big news: I’m also launching a line of customized holiday ornaments! This season, I’ve been as busy as a bee creating some new designs that I’m just tickled pink to share with y’all. I’ve got glitter-filled snowglobes and snowmen as well as the 3 Holiday Wishes For Veterans Cookie Press Ornaments that I created in collaboration with Jack Hill of Copperhead 347 as a fundraiser for the Clear Path NE Service Dog Program.
3 Holiday Wishes for Veterans Cookie Press Ornaments
Outside the shop, I have a bunch of one-offs and quick custom pieces I’ll be putting up on social media, like customized stocking ornaments and actual stockings. So keep an eye out on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for some new holiday cheer!
A special thanks to all of you
Starting this venture as a full-time business was so nerve-wracking, but y’all, it’s been worth every second. The Raptor Den isn’t just a business; it’s a story – my story, woven into every product I create. It’s about turning life’s lemons into lemonade, about finding light in the darkness, and most importantly, it’s about sharing that light with y’all.
So, as the holiday season approaches, take a stroll through our new online shop. Pick out something that speaks to your heart or send a gift that’ll make someone’s holiday season brighter. And remember, when you shop at The Raptor Den, you’re not just buying a product; you’re becoming a part of our story, a part of a dream that’s blossomed against all odds.
Thank y’all for your support, your kindness, and for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to a holiday season filled with love, joy, and a little bit of handcrafted magic from The Raptor Den.
With all my heart,
Heather 🌟
(Mama Raptor)