A Letter from the Founder

I’m Tyler, the founder of SendAFriend. I’m a young entrepreneur with a drive for creativity and a desire to lead a happy life. SendAFriend isn't just a business to me—it's the culmination of an entrepreneurial journey and a testament to the power of positive thinking.

About Me

My entrepreneurial spirit formed before I really knew what being an ‘entrepreneur’ meant. As a middle schooler, I was crafting duct tape wallets and other goods to sell to my classmates. I kept a notebook tracking my orders and profit. It grew so large that my teachers caught wind and, though they were proud of my ambition, they put an end to my little business. Even at that age, it wasn't about the money to me. It was simply fun to create something and see others enjoy it.

This creative drive grew into a love of graphic design in high school. I found myself spending hours perfecting logos and creating designs for some of my early clients. I remember the day I first saw someone wearing a t-shirt I had designed. It was incredibly rewarding to bring ideas to life and make an impact on the world around me.

I realize now that these early experiences weren't just fun side projects; they were laying the foundation for something much bigger than I could have ever imagined. Little did I know, each duct tape wallet and every Photoshop project was a stepping stone on the path to SendAFriend.

The Idea

The concept for SendAFriend didn't come to me in a boardroom or during a brainstorming session. It didn’t come from a problem-solution need like you see countless times on Shark Tank. Rather, it came during a routine drive home. The name just popped into my head—"Send A Friend"—and immediately, I knew it was something special. I’m not sure what triggered the idea, maybe it was a billboard I read while driving or something that was on my mind. Regardless, it was one of those rare moments where my intuition clicked. It was a great name.

When I got home, I started working on the logo, envisioning what “SendAFriend” could become. It quickly took shape as the logo you see today, representing something that was both playful and heartfelt. The slogan "Someone Loves You" followed shortly after, encapsulating everything I wanted my own business to represent. From there, I dove into product research, figuring out how to source the perfect stuffed animals that would become the 'friends' at SendAFriend.

On that first night of developing the concept, I realized I had stumbled upon something truly meaningful. The idea of SendAFriend hinged on bringing a smile to someone else—not just purchasing something for yourself. I had discovered that one key to finding my own happiness might be in helping others find theirs. SendAFriend wasn't just a product. It was going to be a vehicle for spreading joy, one little companion at a time.

Building the Brand

The weeks that followed the initial idea were fun and challenging, each day bringing SendAFriend closer to reality. I spent endless hours refining the concept, perfecting each detail from the box designs to the website photos. Each decision was made with careful consideration, always coming back to the question: "Will this bring a smile to someone's face?"

Soon I realized I would need someone to help package and ship this care package idea. My mom had recently left her job and, knowing I was looking to start a business, she had jokingly asked me to create a position for her. When I shared my vision for SendAFriend, she was immediately in.

Together, we created the packaging process for our fluffy friends, set up a small packing station in my brother’s old bedroom, and from that day forward, my Mom managed every order.

After six months of work, SendAFriend was ready to make its debut. On July 13, 2018, we officially launched online, sending our first 'friends' out into the world. It was a moment of pride, excitement, and more than a little nervousness.

Preseverance Pays Off

The first two years of SendAFriend were a test of persistence. Some weeks, we would ship as few as two or three care packages, and I began to wonder if my dream was too big, too idealistic. I tried everything I could think of to grow the business—social media, local events, word of mouth—but nothing seemed to stick. By 2019, I had invested thousands of dollars of my savings, with nothing to show for it in return.

But something inside me refused to give up. I truly believed SendAFriend could make a difference in people's lives. Every time I saw a heartfelt message in an order or received feedback from a happy customer, it fueled my determination. I knew in my heart that if I could just get the word out, people would love SendAFriend as much as I did.

Then, in late 2019, I discovered Facebook Advertising. I found an advertising partner to help set up my account and initial ads. Within a few weeks of ads being live, we went from just a few orders per week to a few orders every hour. I was amazed. I'll never forget the night I sat at my computer, scrolling through order after order, reading the notecards people were sending with their gifts. It made me tear up, knowing that SendAFriend was becoming real. It was evolving into a scale I had only dreamed of.

A Global Pandemic

After a few months of initial success with Facebook Ads, the COVID-19 pandemic began. The world as we knew it changed, seemingly overnight. As lockdowns spread and people found themselves isolated from loved ones, SendAFriend became more relevant than ever.

We saw a huge uptick in orders, with messages: "I miss you," "I wish I could see you again," and "Since we can’t hug, I hope you’ll hug this bear." In a time of separation and isolation, our stuffed animals were offering comfort when people could not be together.

The growth we experienced during this time was bittersweet. On one hand, it was difficult to reconcile the success of our business with the hardships so many were facing. But on the other hand, I realized that SendAFriend was providing a needed service—helping people stay connected.

This period throughout 2020 and 2021 reinforced the core mission of SendAFriend. We weren't just selling products; we were providing love to those who needed it most. It was a powerful reminder of why I started this journey.

Where We Are Today

SendAFriend has truly grown beyond my wildest dreams. As of late 2024, we have helped over one million people send happiness across the globe, and our team has expanded to over 30 employees who share the mission of making the world a better place.

What I’m most proud of, to this day, from our products to our customer experience, is that everything is carefully crafted to support our goal of spreading positivity. Plus, we've been able to extend our impact even further, donating over $1.4 million to more than 100 nonprofit organizations and delivering tens of thousands of care packages to hospitals, foster families, and domestic abuse shelters . This ability to give back has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our growth.

I truly feel we've remained true to our roots. My mom still oversees our fulfillment process, ensuring that every package is sent with love. We still put the same care and attention into every order that we did when we were sending just a few packages a week. And most importantly, we still believe in the power of a simple act of kindness to brighten someone's day.

Moving Forward

My hope for SendAFriend is simple yet ambitious: to continue being a source of smiles, comfort, and love when people need it most. Whether it's celebrating a joyous occasion, offering support during tough times, or just reminding someone that they matter, we are here to help show that ‘Someone Loves You.’

The SendAFriend journey has taught me that when you surround yourself with positivity and focus on creating a truly great experience for others, amazing things can happen. It's a lesson I carry with me each day, and one that I hope is reflected in every package we send.

For that I say to you: Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we're making the world a little bit brighter, one friend at a time.

Tyler M, Founder