After some comments at FurDU 2024, I thought it would be a good Idea to explain how Angy Paws is structured. Unlike sole traders selling at cons (nothing against sole traders!), the funds from sales don't go to me. Angy Paws Pty Ltd is structured as a company and I'm an employee on an hourly rate. I get pay slips, income tax and super just like a regular employee at any other business.
After an event, I don't have "cash to splash". Those funds aren't mine, they belong to the business. Most of it will go to restocks and developing new product. A little bit goes to me and my helper as regular hourly pay, so we can afford our personal bills like food, utilities and all those boring grown up human things.
As for my pay, I make about the same as I did as a full time postie, so enough, but not a lot. (I don't need or want a lot). My helper at the con is paid exactly the same hourly rate as I am. That's important to me. We're literally doing the same work.
Angy Paws has one permanent casual employee - The Treat Master. He works remote from home with flexible hours and is paid the same hourly rate that I am. His doggy companion is not an official employee and is paid in cuddles and treats.
Collab artists are paid a commission every single time we order a new batch of their design. I have structured collabs this way so that artists get ongoing payments - passive income. Yes, I could have paid a one off for rights to their art, but I'm here to support them, not exploit them.
The last thing I want is for this business to change how people interact with me, so no matter how successful Angy Paws is, please remember that I'm not Angy Paws, I'm Sol, an employee. I have a job like you do. I'm just another human and yes, I'd love to chat.
