Have you ever had an amazing idea out of nowhere that you thought might actually be worth pursuing? One day a few years back, Olivia Canlas had a “light bulb moment” — and this idea has now transformed into meowbox, a thriving subscription box business with over 700,000 Instagram followers, multiple employees and devoted fans across the globe.
A lifelong cat lover, Olivia noticed a few years ago that there were a number of subscription boxes for dogs, but none for cats. After doing some research and confirming that there was nothing in the subscription box marketplace for feline devotees, Olivia threw herself into launching meowbox. After a successful appearance on Dragon’s Den, meowbox was off to the races and Olivia hasn’t looked back since. Meowbox now boast subscriptions from members across North America and has been featured in publications such as Vogue, The Huffington Post and BuzzFeed.
Olivia is a babe because of her brilliant entrepreneurialism, her love of animals and for spotting an upcoming industry before anyone else.
What does “Babes Supporting Babes” mean to you?
To me, the concept of “Babes Supporting Babes” is about feeling a total sense of pride for a peer, friend or contemporary without comparing their success with your own. In other words, it’s about being truly present and proud of someone else without internalizing it or making it mean something for yourself.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A previous boss who was a successful entrepreneur told me, “do your travelling now and don’t wait.” I have friends who are in their early 20s, and I understand that they want to get on with their adult plans…but the best advice I believe I’ve ever received was to take risks, trust my gut and worry less about money. When I look back, I don’t regret a thing.
If you could go back in time, what year or era would you travel to?
I would love to know what life was like for my parents growing in the Philippines — the challenges they faced, what their day-to-day lives were like, and what the country was like then. When I reflect on my parents and the choices they’ve made, I realize they sacrificed everything for their kids, and as I result, I grew up with the opportunity to do whatever I wanted. The gratitude I feel for my parents is immeasurable.
What’s next for meowbox?
There are a ton of exciting things on the horizon…the tricky part is prioritizing and choosing what to focus on! meowfest is right around the corner on July 6th in Toronto — it’s a global celebration for cat lovers, and we support feline shelters and other not-for-profit animal organizations. Not only does meowfest support amazing animal initiatives, it also brings our online community together. It’s a very exciting project for us.
Another big thing for us is the shift in the subscription box industry, specifically in regards to how we continually innovate and provide higher levels of customization. The amount the industry has changed, and continues to change, in such a short period of time is mindblowing, and it means that we need to constantly adapt and develop new ways to connect with and delight our audience.
What is your karaoke song?
I avoid karaoke at all costs. I will leave the venue if you try to get me onstage!
What is an invaluable lesson that a mentor has taught you?
Always run your business based on your values and beliefs.
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
I might be doing it right now (*Editor’s note: this interview was conducted over FaceTime while Olivia was travelling through India). Travelling to India has been on my bucket list for 10 years; it scared me and that’s what made me book my ticket. Taking the time to temporarily take a break from meowbox and experience life feels exhilarating and terrifying, all at the same time.
What characteristics do you most admire in the people you work with?
Organization, initiative and discipline, for sure. I’m really lucky — the whole team at meowbox is extremely talented and each person brings a ton of valuable attributes to the team. The people I get to work with each day consistently amaze me.
What are three things we would find in your fridge at all times?
An assortment of pickles, mustards and a big tub of hummus.
What personal characteristic do you have to work on the most?
I would love to be more of a morning person. I know that when I consistently wake up early each morning, my whole life works better. But at heart, I am a night person. I’m trying to transform into a morning person but it certainly isn’t coming naturally to me.
What is your version of a “power suit”?
I always like to be comfortable — I’m not really a suit or heels person. If I want people to know I mean business, or if I want to feel powerful, I put on my favourite red lipstick, and it always makes me feel badass! Right now, my fave is Lady Danger by MAC.
What are you reading right now?
I just started reading Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, and it has been fascinating so far. I am very interested in psychological and sociological books that explore the human condition and who we really are.
What is your favourite city?
Actually, it’s not a city — it’s a little town in Bali called Ubud. The first time I went there, it was a truly transformative experience — from the minute I arrived, I was mesmerized by the lush greenery and peaceful vibe. I try to visit once a year to restore myself.
Champagne, wine or sparkling water?
Pinot Grigio.
What is your astrological sign? Do you believe in that kind of stuff?
I absolutely do! I’m an Aries, and in true Aries fashion, my first tattoo was my astrological sign. I’m headstrong, assertive, driven and adventurous.
Vintage or new?
Definitely new. When I think of newness, I think of minimalism, clean lines and simplicity.
Share the best compliment you have ever received.
I was sitting at dinner once with my partner, and this woman came up to me out of nowhere and said, “just so you know, you are beautiful.” I remember thinking how much I admired her stepping away from her own to dinner to share something positive with another woman. It was such a simple thing, but it made my whole night. I believe if we feel something positive, we should absolutely share it with our fellow humans — you never know how much it might impact another person.
Keep up with Olivia on Instagram at @meowbox, @meowfestival and @oliviacanlas.
Introduction written by Alexis Sheridan.
Photography by Lee Travis Alexander.
Video by Laura Reid.