The Past, Present, and Future
I’m Gabby, co-owner of NMIPlastics. I’d like to tell a more detailed story about our beginnings than the one provided in the “Our Story” section. I want to share a little about where we started, and how it’s going now, and what we want for the future here.
Ben and I launched NMIPlastics back in 2018 and haven’t looked back since!
Back in 2017, Ben bought a 3D printer for the specific task of creating a full size mask to wear to a Comicon. He went as Rick from the show Rick and Morty. Ben ended up putting hours and hours of work into it which surely paid off; the mask turned out amazing. He continued printing things and started doing his own 3D modeling; everything from personalized keychains to jack stands for his RC vehicles to replacement parts for household items.
Then, in 2018 Gabby launched an Etsy shop, Northern Michigan Plastics (NMIP) to sell Ben’s printed creations. We started with less than 10 products. A few included the Tac Plat cubicle shelf and a few coaster sets.
When it really took off was when Ben got an RC truck, specifically the Redcat Scout II, Gen 8. He started printing and designing accessories for his Scout II in 1:10 scale that he didn’t want to have to buy online. He began offering some of his RC accessories on Etsy and they took off! Before he knew it he was printing custom RC license plates, miniature coolers, traffic cones, and more. You name it and he was ready to print it for you.
Ben’s 3D Printed License Plates on His Scout II
His passion for sharing his creations eventually turned into his full time job! Ben now designs, prints, and ships to people all over the world! Gabby does some of the other business work. The business has almost hit 10K in sales! We now offer not only some household items and 1:10 scale items, but also 1:12 scale for dollhouses and 1:6 scale for 11-12 inch dolls! On top of that, Gabby got a Cricut and is making 1:6 scale paper products as well!
But the truth is, it started way before Ben and Gabby had even met.
Just like most children Ben and Gabby loved using their imaginations to bring tiny worlds to life. GI Joes had always been a part of Ben’s childhood that he had loved. And as a child Gabby enjoyed setting up entire scenes that told stories with her Barbies and American Girl Doll. Maybe that’s why they still love tiny things today. Because there’s something magical about a tiny world inside your own. You make it anything you want it to be as long as you have the imagination to make it so and the time to dedicate to it.
Ben just recently created a small space where we can have our own diorama - of course it is a 1:6 scale garage!!! 😊 Slowly I’m sure it will turn into much more as we would love to have a miniature kitchen and a miniature fallout shelter. We dream of so much more and are excited to continue sharing that with people through our products! We want to help you create a tiny bit of magic in your lives. ❤
What magial miniature worlds have you created? Or want to create? I would love to know. Comment below if you would like to share.
Happy mini adventures,
Gabby Urbanavage
Dean Winchester putting his toolbox away in his garage after spending the day working on his car, Baby.
