We recently connected with Ashley Lavin and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The shelter where we adopted our most recent dog from put adorable bandanas on each of their adoptable pups in their social media posts. When we brought our pittie home I wanted to put matching bandanas on her and our older dog, but when I shopped at our local pet stores nothing was big enough to fit them. I already had a sewing machine and basic knowledge of how to use it, so I made them a matching Halloween set of bandanas. Looking back, the first set that I made was really not that great but it got the job done and the pups looked so adorable. Some of my family members that have larger dogs found out that I was making bandanas for my dogs and asked if I could make some for their dogs too and everything took off from there! I perfected my size options, worked on my sewing techiniques and learned more about different breeds of dogs and cats to help customers find the perfect size. As someone who has loved dogs my entire life (and have had 5 of my own as an adult) this profession couldn’t align more perfectly for me!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ashley and I am the owner and maker behind Pretties + Papers. We create joyful handmade products for pets and their people, ranging from bandanas, bows/bow ties, shirts, bags, stationery and so much more! Our goal is to spread happiness and positivity with our products, while giving back to our community. With every bandana we sell we donate one to shelters/rescues, we sponsor a different shelter/rescue every month (donating a portion of our sales and items) and with our products for people – we donate a portion of sales to organizations who support vulnerable children.

We pride ourselves on finding the perfect fit and product for each individual pet. We understand that no two pets are the same and they shouldn’t be treated that way. We are so proud that all of our items are handmade with love and attention to detail.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

When I first started my business, I mainly participated in “in-person markets/events” without having a website other than Etsy. Talking to customers in person and showing up for repeat markets was hands down the way I have built my reputation in my community. In person you are able to ask them questions, guide them along products and most importantly get to know them (and in my case – their pets). Personally, I wouldn’t have been able to create such a loyal customer base without being in front of them, talking to them and loving on their fur and human babes!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first started I was mainly doing in person events and making pet bandanas. Often I would hear “my dog would never keep that on” or something along those lines and I found that people couldn’t really tell what I was selling from my display. I realized that I couldn’t offer just one product and that presentation was so important in order to be successful at these events. Honestly, the first year was really tough and frustrating. Over the last 5 years I have slowly added and constantly had to pivot by adding additional products (stationery, bows + bow ties for pets and people, shirts, bags, pet toys, party hats and more) while focusing on how everything is displayed. I have realized that even if my products don’t fit with every person’s needs, often people still want to come in and take a look at my booth because of it being visually appealing. And getting them inside your booth is half the battle! My biggest ah-ha moment was when I realized that my product range and my display were going to be a constant point of working and re-working.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.prettiesandpapers.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pretties_and_papers/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063563051405

Image Credits
Jawfox Photography, Beloved Pet Photography, Nia Negrette Photography