Aardvark from Dash Phantom was the very most popular new Second Life brand in my reader survey, and that's no surprise: It's the purveyor of hilariously charming items including (as above), the explosively adorable Mini Pig-Unicorn. Which as it happens, you can now get today at the Uber event: Click here to teleport.
"The name for Aardvark came from my goal to not take things too seriously—especially in our Second Life," Dash tells me, explaining his choice of brand name. "I knew I wanted an animal name, and aardvark, meaning 'earth pig,' was something I found really funny. I didn't really know what items I was going to make at the time but I knew it was going to be a variety. I wanted a brand name that immediately put a smile on people’s faces. Plus, aardvarks are such funny-looking creatures, it felt like the perfect fit."
As it happens, Aardvark's very best-selling item is also ridiculously unicorn-related:
Yes, a ridable unicorn balloon animal.
"It was a blast to create, and people love fun, playful things. I think the animations really helped—it’s hard not to laugh when the balloon flops around in such an exaggerated, ridiculous way. I wanted it to bring joy, and it seems like people really enjoy traveling in fun and unique ways. The best part though was hearing how people were creating funny memories together like balloon animal races."
Aardvark opened in August 2022, and gained a good customer base rather quickly -- Dash was able to quit his day job and become a full-time SL creator by July 2023.
"I do remember one night last Summer, whispering to my partner, Elo: 'I think I can do it. I think I can really make this full-time.' I was so nervous saying it, but she was—and still is—so supportive. She’s been cheering me on from the start, and that gave me the confidence to write my two-week notice shortly after."
And if you were wondering, yes: Elo is someone that Dash first met in Second Life. And so now the virtual items he creates and sells in Second Life are going toward building a first life together, where they currently live in different parts of the globe:
Above: Dash, Elo, various unicorn-pigs
"I wanted the freedom to work from anywhere in the world and be closer to Elo," says Dash. "Building Aardvark gave me that chance."
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