Dad jokes are certainly an acquired taste – mostly liked by dads. But they always need a few fans to keep them in business.

That's where Katie Capozzi and Kyla Schnellert come in.

They've built a punny card-making business off their dads' sense of humour. 

Photo Credit: Submitted

"We get a lot of inspiration from our dads. They are the kings of dad jokes and it makes for fantastic card content," said Katie Capozzi in an interview with KelownaNow.

Their card-making business, BAECK + ANN, also looks to pop culture for inspiration.

"We try to stay aware of the latest trends and memes and then spin them in a way that makes it original. We have this master list of puns that we write in whenever we hear or see a funny joke on the internet, have an idea or our dads say something weird."

But contrary to what you might think, a day in the life of BAECK + ANN does not involve sitting around making each other laugh and coming up with the hilarious puns and sketches you'll find on their cards. 

Now that would be amazing.

The actual day-to-day of BAECK + ANN's business involves everything from packing and shipping Etsy orders to answering customer emails.

Less glamorous indeed, but the reward comes from having their work featured in stores, magazines, online and in the hands of folks like you and me.

The trendy, minimalist, funny cards offer a variety of sayings for various occasions including, 'Thanks a brunch,' 'You're the Shihtzu,' 'You make miso happy,' and 'Sorry I've benedict lately' for the apologetic breakfast lover.

From start to finish, getting the cards like 'Thanks a brunch' or 'Sorry for benedict' into your hands begins with the idea stage and moves to designing the cards and printing them, which they do locally in Kelowna. Once the cards are printed, next they tackle inventory, shipping supplies and photo shoots to get those cards sold. 

Currently the two are preparing for the Treasure & Travels Market at the Vancouver Mural Festival on August 12th.

"You can find us running around town looking for cute decorations for our booth," said Capozzi.

This isn't the first great idea the two have had. It's just the first one they finally decided to act on based on timing, skills, experience and know-how.

"For 20- something years, we've both been writing down business ideas in journals. We'd always toyed with the idea of starting a business but never felt like it was the right time until our final semester at UVIC."

They were in business school together and finally got to the point of their program where they were able to receive credit towards starting their own business venture.

"So we finally decided to live by our favourite wine-bottle mantra: 'Screw it, just do it.'" 

Photo Credit: SubmittedLeft to Right: Katie and Kyla

Since they were young they've been coming up with DIY projects. They met in grade eight at Okanagan Mission Secondary and after that they were basically inseparable – attending the same business program and living as roommates.

A huge contributor to their success has been allowing the business to change.

"Our business is always changing and growing as we do. It's definitely not the same business we started almost two years ago."

"One of the best things we learned in business school was to fail fast and pivot."

Photo Credit: Submitted.Left to Right: Katie and Kyla.

Their work has been featured in the Huffington Post and Buzzfeed. But they're proudest moment was seeing their Mother's Day cards featured in Chatelaine Magazine.

"We both grew up reading Chatelaine. My mom always had the latest copy in our bathroom."

They both have 'real' full time jobs on top of producing product for BAECK+ANN. 

"We're really lucky that we have a business that can move and change as much as we do."

"The small business community in Kelowna is amazing and growing so much. There's such a great group of like-minded individuals doing things they love and following their passion."

For young entrepreneurs hoping to make a name for themselves in Kelowna, Capozzi encourages people to reach out in the community.

"Reach out and people are happy to give advice. There are so many opportunities to collaborate."

Their next big plans are to expand. With retailers already carrying their work in Toronto and Kelowna, they want to see more cards in stores.

While they are moving to Vancouver to balance their work-life goals, Capozzi said Kelowna will always be home and they'll be back.

Oh – and the name, BAECK + ANN refers to Kyla's middle name being Baeck and Katie's middle, Ann.

"A lot of people pronounce it wrong but we don't mind, it's so entertaining. The best is if you leave out the 'and' – it kind of sounds like you're saying bacon in a Jamaican accent," said Capozzi.

Now that would be an interesting card.