All of you never cease to amaze me. We hear from you guys saying that we're an inspiration for you—but guess what? We get inspired by the things you all are doing each and every day, too. Take Amanda Fox, a sixteen-year-old from Pennsylvania, for example. She and her mom, Kathie, started a completely vegan, cruelty-free, fair-trade shop called the Fanciful Fox in Scranton, PA. Check out the pictures of the awesome goodies you can win from the Fanciful Fox and get inspired by what Amanda has to say, then find out how you can enter to win below!
Why did you and your mom decide to start the store?
My mom and I began making soap and candles about three years ago on a boring afternoon. Yes, I'm one of those cool kids who enjoys hanging out with their mom. After that, our hobby kind of exploded. Once our basement began filling with shampoo galore, we couldn't just give it away anymore. Our friends suggested that we open a store, and it sounded like fun. So, here we are all this time later.
Why did you go vegan?
I became a vegetarian when I was eleven, after I had a dream about animals. I woke up and decided that I would rather not eat something that had a face and family. But, about a year and a half ago I decided to go to Vegetarian Summerfest, out in western PA, with my mom. After all those classes I took, I decided it was completely idiotic that I wasn't a vegan, so from that day forward I've banished all dairy from my diet.
How important is it to you to educate people about cruelty-free/fair trade products?
In my quest to be a compassionate human being, educating people is my number one concern. I talk all the time about how people shouldn't test on animals, and how fair trade is important. I don't, however, shove it down people's throats. That gets us nowhere. I politely educate instead of informing people how to live their lives. I believe all people are compassionate humans—they are just uninformed and unaware.
What do you do in your spare time?
My store takes up almost all of my time, which I don't mind. But, surprisingly, I do have a life, and in that time I am part of my high school ecology club. Also, a main part of my life is going to the Panamanian/Costa Rican rainforest in the summer, to spend time with indigenous people. Therefore, time from my life goes to planning for that. I have friends, again surprisingly, and we do sixteen year old type activities.
What advice do you have for people who feel like one person can't make a difference?
One person can make a difference. No matter how small you believe your voice is, you can make things happen. One suggestion to another human being about cruelty to animals makes a difference. Also, just buying cruelty free or fair trade products makes a difference in this world. By buying that one item on that one day, the demand for a product that was tested on animals and made in a sweat shop went down. That sounds pretty important to me.
Amanda and her mom were awesome enough to donate a shampoo, conditioner, shea body wash, lotion, bar soap, and a pink pig scrubbie in a cute drawstring spa bag for one of you to win. The fragrance is Guava baby, which Amanda describes as smelling like passion fruit and guava. We're giving away the set to one of you lucky people, so to enter to win, comment below with why you think all companies should make like the Fanciful Fox and go cruelty-free.
This contest ends February 6, 2009, and the winner will be chosen and notified by February 13, 2009!
Just so you know … by commenting here, we're taking that as acknowledgment that you've read and agreed to our privacy policy.
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There are ways to make products that don't put animals at risk. Who needs it to support companies that don't respect animals, not me
animal testing seem cruel.
Vegan products are the best!!
Because, thier are ways of testing products without the use of animals. Maybe it will cost more, but at least an animal will not be harmed in the process. I don't feel comfortable using something that may have cost an animal its life, or harmed them in any way.
Animals don't deserve to be treated cruel. They have feelings just like we do.
all companies should go cruelty-free because there are so many wonderful natural ways to make good products that work just as well. there is no need to harm cute innocent little animals!
their products sound so good!
To torture something living so I can wear somelipstick or whatever is obscene and I don't want to be a party to it.
I love animal free stuff, we should never test on animals and I think every site should have these kind of products optional
if it helps in finding cures 4 certain diseases
I'm Ok with it.
It should regulated more closely.
tsslug7@yahoo.com
I rather feel that if you're so in doubt that a product isn't safe then the ingredient shouldn't be used. Why punish some innocent animal for your ignorance? They have paid medical studies all the time. If you feel it needs to be tested let a human make an informed decision whether or not they want to test it for you.
products sould be cruelty free and fair trade because life is precious.
I think all companies should go cruelty free. We have so many other options, so why test on animals?
It makes no sense that we torture and kill innocent animals when we can choose not to. I think all companies should go cruelty free!
I hope you read my post. Our stories are so similar. I also became a vegggie at about 12 or so. Last summer I went Vegan. It is harder! I slipped up a little during Christmas. I have renewed my determination since then. I think you site is great! I wish more people would realize that our lifestyle is MORE healthy. We DO not need animal protein and the needless suffering to lead healthy, fulfilling lives! Good luck to you!
oh, btw, great prize! Love the pink piggie!
i think every company should because it would save alot of needless hurtful pain on these poor animals
Because animals have feelings, too.
I know I don't like getting soap in my eyes, so why would animals?
because Animal Testing is evil.
…because, they are more healthy for us humans! and it sure would make a lot more animals happier:)
Beauty products as great as these ones are made to make people beautiful….but we need to remember that beauty starts from inside with a compassionate heart. What better way to be beautiful that to respect every form of life? That includes animals.
I love products that don't test on animals because that shows that the people behind them are as beautiful in the inside than the products can ever make you
Because there's no reason you can't have good products and avoid harming any creature
Cruelty free is the way to go.
There is absolutely no reason to test products on animals. Cruelty to animals is no longer necessary in making sure that products are safe. There are many technolgies available to use in today's world.
Cruelty free makes sense because why would anyone purchase cosmetic items that have been tested on animals?!?
people need to wise up and treat animals right:)
Because it makes no sense whatsoever to not be cruelty free.
It is just the SMART choice!
Cruelty free must be supported in everyway.
I would not like to use a product that has
been tested on those poor little animals.It
makes me sick to think of it.They do not have to do this and it is a sign that the company does
not truly care about the consumer.There should
be a law against this and the companies should
be fined and or put out of business.If consumers
would stop buying their products,they would be
bankrupt and we would not have to worry about them
torturing animals for their own selfish benefit
Going Cruelty Free makes sense because of all the love animals are capable of giving to each other and to us.
animal testing has been going on for years to the benefit of some but not others. I feel testd don on animals in most cases dont reflect what would happen with individual use. Humans are completely different so this shouldnt be done
I think all companies should go cruelty free because innocent animals should not have to suffer just so people can use products to enhance their beauty. People do not need to use beauty products and animals should not have to suffer for something people don't really need.
i like knowing that nothing was harmed in the making of something i'm putting on my body!
It's a great idea to be cruelty free.
Cruelty free is the only way to go
God bless
Besides that it will get them a larger market(a little detail that might appeal to the company), animals will be saved from torture and discomfort. There is no reason why animals should have to undergo such ill treatment, and who would want to buy a product that results from the torture, mistreatment, and death of many animals? Not me.