Interviews

Christi Wymer: President of DifferentDaisy.com.

Can you describe what customers will find when they enter your online store?
I would first like to thank VegFamily.com for offering me this interview and giving exposure to my company.

It is my hope that customers will find a variety of products that they may not be able to locate in local stores. I try to offer a large selection so customers can purchase multiple items and save on shipping charges. Shopping categories include:

Gift Shop (gift baskets, care packages, gift certificates)
Apparel (hemp belts, wallets, purses, non leather shoes, belts and wallets, message shirts)
Books & Music
Candles
First Aid, Medicine, Supplements
Natural Therapy and Herbs
Body Care and Cosmetics

Why did you decide to start a Different Daisy?
I have worked in retail since I was very young but have always wanted my own business. When I started searching for cruelty-free products and found that there weren't many stores out there, I decided to start my own. In the beginning, when I was still vegetarian, I offered products that were vegetarian but not always vegan. When I became vegan myself, I decided to turn the business into a vegan store.

What are your most popular products?
I would say cosmetics are the most popular, but all the body care products sell very well.

What most surprises you about a Different Daisy?
I am still surprised when I find my store coming up on a search engine or listed as a resource on a website I admire. I am most surprised when someone says they have read about A Different Daisy in a newsletter, journal, or newspaper.

How did you come up with the name Different Daisy?
When I decided to start this business I thought for weeks about what to call it. During the day, I work with my mother at her florist and gift shop. One day the two-color daisy (pictured on my logo) came in with a bunch of white daisies. I was instantly drawn to it. I separated it from the rest and took it home with me. This flower was so unique and so special. It stood out from the rest, just like the customers I would be serving. People who choose a cruelty-free lifestyle have separated themselves from the rest of the world. They promote kinder more humane alternatives and, in turn, they are respecting all of creation. Every day, they choose compassion over cruelty. The flower symbolizes the difference, the uniqueness, the respect for all living beings.

When and why did you go vegan?
When I was a young girl, I spent the majority of my time with animals. They were my closest friends. I grew up with so many 'pets' and had such a love for them. It wasn't until after I graduated high school (1994-95) that I realized exactly what had to happen in order for meat to become dinner. I guess I knew what happened, but it never actually struck me. It was a huge awakening for me. Not long after that, I discovered the horrors of animal testing and factory farming. I was disgusted with myself! Why hadn't I realized this sooner? A few years ago (I'd say 1999) I went vegan. Now, I live my life as cruelty-free as possible and do my best to promote kindness. I am much happier and healthier because of this lifestyle change.

What would you like people to know about you?
I would like people to know that I am active in helping animals. The money I make from the business is spent on restocking or on the animals in my care (usually at least 30 at any given time). I do my best to minimize impact on the environment by using recycled packing material and boxes the majority of the time. I keep business costs low so that I can provide better prices for the customer.

What do you hope to accomplish with a Different Daisy?
My main goal is to making vegan shopping so easy and affordable that everyone will want to buy these products. Every dollar that is spent on a vegan, cruelty-free product is one less dollar in the pocket of a heartless, greedy manufacturer.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those attempting to pursue a cruelty-free lifestyle?
I would just tell people that there are cruelty-free alternatives out there for almost every product, you just have to look. The internet is a great resource for finding vegan products. It's the first place I look when I need something. If you can't find a cruelty-free alternative, then quit using that product!

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