Harrison seeking to live his dream
Bradley Harrison is trying to overcome a difficult year to fulfill a dream.
The 35-year-old Amherst man is trying to start his own personalized gift business.
His plan is to use a Glowforge 3D laser printer to make all kinds of personalized gifts for his customers, including coasters, picture frames, keychains, jewelry, bookmarks and much more.
“I’ve always been making things for people and designing things online, so I always wanted to go in that direction,” he told The Cumberland Wire. “A couple years ago I saw an ad for a 3D laser printer that cuts wood, acrylic, glass and I’ve been following that since then. Trying to think of ways I could employ myself, that was always at the top of the list.”
One of the reasons he believes customers would be drawn to such a business is that he will involve them in the creative process.
“I’m open to doing almost anything as long as my machine is capable of doing it,” he said. “I definitely want to work with the customers.”
He is hoping to rent a space where he would have a standard line of items available on the shelves but will also be able to print anything his customers are looking for.
The idea emerged out of difficult times for Harrison. He lost his job a year ago when the call centre he was working at closed because of COVID-19.
During the following months, he struggled to find the right job but managed to use the free time to develop his business idea.
However, Harrison does not just want to start his own business to help himself. He also feels a duty to his fellow citizens. Harrison is hoping he can grow the business and someday provide employment to other members of the community.
“Knowing how hard it is to get a job here myself, one of the major goals is to help build the community, help create jobs,” he said. “I really want to be involved in the community with my business.”
So far, he has been able to use a 3D laser printer remotely through friends online who have already started their own businesses, but he will have to acquire his own.
Harrison, however, is still trying to procure the funding to get off the ground.
The Glowforge 3D laser printer he is trying to acquire will cost about $10,000, he says.
He has garnered some support already.
The Cumberland Business Development Corporation (CBDC) will help pay for the equipment and provide training. But first he must raise his contribution of $4,000 on his own.
He has started a GoFundMe page as a part of his effort.
It can be visited at https://gofund.me/9a67db2f.
He needs to have the money raised in 24 weeks. Anyone who pledges $40 or more will receive a personalized gift from Harrison. The gifts for each amount are listed on the GoFundMe.
If Harrison can get off the ground, his products will be available online, through Shopify, and at local consignment stores.