Meet Kristina Mckean | Owner of The Elephant Project

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristina Mckean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I started my career in a very different field than I am in now. I began in interior design and gradually found a love for product development. For many years I worked as a product designer for Old Navy. However, after a trip to Thailand where I witnessed elephant abuse, I felt called to do something to help. It was a huge risk for me to leave my job and start this business. There were so many unknowns and risks that came with starting a business. I worried about what type of market this business would have, how I would advertise, how I would pay for initial inventory, etc. Owning a business has been full of its ups and downs, however, hard work and grit have carried me a long way. The Elephant Project has grown so much over the years, and I have learned that it is so important to take risks and do the things that are scary. It has been so amazing to see the impact The Elephant Project has made on elephants around the world, as well as how it has inspired children everywhere to be a voice for the voiceless.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started www.theelephantproject.com a few years ago after witnessing elephant abuse during a trip to Thailand. I was inspired by my children’s interest and willingness to help these elephants. Using my background in product design, I created elephant dolls named Kiki and Tembo. These dolls help educate and empower the youth. 100% of the net proceeds are donated to hands-on organizations in Africa and Asia that rehabilitate and rescue abused elephants. We currently work with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and The Elephant Nature Park.

My journey with The Elephant Project has not been easy, but it has been so rewarding. I have learned so much about the importance of educating and spreading awareness, as well as how to find your right target market and PR connections. It is my life mission to share The Elephant Project with people all around the world and help spread the elephant love!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My story starting The Elephant Project began after a trip to Thailand where I witnessed the abuse of elephants for entertainment purposes. The Elephant Project donates 100% of its net proceeds to help rescue elephants, such as the ones I first saw in Thailand. When looking for elephant sanctuaries and organizations to support, I came across The Elephant Nature Park in Chang Mai, Thailand. I have been working with The Elephant Nature Park and its founder Lek Chailert for many years now. It has been SO amazing to work with Lek and see the changes they are making firsthand. I recently visited Lek at the Nature Park and had the opportunity to meet some of the elephants that they rescue. Lek is such an inspiration, not only for myself but for people everywhere.

Website: https://www.theelephantproject.com/

Instagram: @theelephantprojectofficial

Twitter: @KikiandTembo

Facebook: @theelephantprojectofficial

Image Credits
Jessica Dalene Sara Prince