We recently connected with Gabriela Mata and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Gabriela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

Let’s rewind to the beginning of this delightful tale—an enchanting chapter where the discovery of a corgi unfolds into a charming narrative. During my time at Austin Community College, I encountered Krisia, a woman working at the learning lab with her trusty companion, Bear. Initially mystified by Bear’s breed, my curiosity led me to the revelation that he was, in fact, a lovable corgi, doubling as Krisia’s medical alert dog.

The allure of Bear’s endearing presence captivated me instantly, and his frequent appearances around school became a source of joy. His distinctive little footsteps echoing down the hall brought a smile to my face, reminiscent of the sound my mom’s dachshund, Papi. Both short, cute, and long, Bear and Papi shared a charming resemblance.

Regrettably, as fate would have it, Krisia eventually moved on from her position at the learning lab, leaving me with a sense of missed connections. However, fortune favored me when I stumbled upon one of her posts in the Austin Corgi Lovers Facebook group. Recognizing Krisia and Bear from one of the posts, I seized the opportunity to reach out and express how her dog had sparked my enduring obsession with corgis. To my delight, she responded warmly, and thus began a friendship that fills me with joy.

My adoration for corgis persisted for over four years, culminating in the moment I welcomed my very own corgi into my life. In a nod to the original Bear who ignited my passion, I sought Krisia’s blessing to name my furry friend after hers—an homage to the OG Bear. With Krisia’s approval, my new companion became Bear, a name as adorable and fitting as the one that inspired it. And so, the circle of corgi love came full circle, bringing warmth and happiness to my journey with these delightful canine companions.

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

Picture this: We’re transported back to ACC, where a mundane online math stats class became the unexpected birthplace of a passion project that would evolve into something extraordinary. Amidst the equations and graphs, an idea sparked in my mind—an idea that would give rise to a unique corgi brand.

In the midst of my less-than-thrilling math stats class (a class I wasn’t a fan of, by the way), I envisioned the inaugural design for what would soon become the Corgi Merch Co. brand. The concept was so vivid that I couldn’t resist sketching it out, conducting research—all while pretending to be engrossed in math stats. This was more than just a passing thought; it was a calling.

With the help of a friend, I brought the corgi aspect of the logo to life. Naming my brainchild proved to be an exciting challenge, and after careful consideration, Corgi Merch Co. emerged as the perfect fit. The goal? To embody its name—a go-to hub for corgi enthusiasts, a minimalist and aesthetically pleasing haven for lovers of all things cute and corgi-related.

As the concept took shape, I delved into font exploration to find the ideal match for the Corgi Merch Co. brand. With the logo in place, I began an extensive journey of research, exploring facets like design, products, websites, and social media strategies. Given my background as a social media enthusiast, I aimed to leverage my skills to make the Corgi Merch Co. platforms a visual delight, ensuring every detail exuded professionalism and showcased my creative prowess.

This passion project has been in the making for a whopping four years, and yes, it’s long overdue—but as they say, good things take time. Now, as I gear up for the launch, my primary goal is to spread joy among fellow corgi lovers. I envision people smiling at the sight of someone donning a Corgi Merch Co. tee, instantly reminded of the adorable little dog that brings happiness into their lives. This brand is more than merchandise; it’s a celebration of the irresistible charm of corgis, and I can’t wait for fellow enthusiasts to discover and revel in it.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I set out to bring Corgi Merch Co. to life through a print-on-demand (POD) business model—an approach where products like apparel, accessories, and home decor are crafted only upon receiving an order. This smart strategy eliminates the need for inventory management and upfront costs, offering a streamlined and efficient way to turn ideas into tangible products.

Initially drawn to a POD service in Canada, I encountered a hiccup with extra charges for Canadian taxes on each purchase—a potential source of confusion for customers. Moreover, this platform lacked the specific Comfort Color tees I envisioned for the brand. Determined to find the perfect fit, I embarked on a quest to explore other POD services.

My search led me to a platform that not only aligned with my requirements, offering the sought-after Comfort Color tees but also boasted the advantage of producing everything in the USA. This not only ensures quality but also eliminates the hassle of additional charges. With this new POD partner, I’m confident in delivering a seamless experience for both myself and my customers.

Now, as I prepare for the launch, my emphasis is on minimizing startup costs as much as possible. I plan to allocate resources strategically, prioritizing expenses for pop-up market setups, targeted paid ads, and the necessary props for the upcoming social media campaign. It’s all about making savvy choices to ensure Corgi Merch Co. not only meets but exceeds expectations from the outset.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The culmination of four years of dedication and meticulous planning is drawing near as Corgi Merch Co. prepares for its grand debut on January 16, 2024—coincidentally, my birthday. The excitement is palpable, especially for our inaugural collection featuring three signature products: a long sleeve tee, a dad cap, and a tote bag.

Our long sleeve tee, available in five carefully selected colors, takes inspiration from the vibrant spectrum of peach and orange. This color palette carries symbolic significance within the corgi community, where “momo,” the Japanese term for peach, is often used to affectionately describe the delightful shape of corgi butts. As the color transitions from peach to orange, we’ve seamlessly integrated these hues to pay homage to the UT Austin colors, a nod to my Austin roots.

Adding to the thoughtful design, the colors of the dad cap and tote bag have been meticulously chosen to complement any shade of the long sleeve tees, offering versatility and style cohesion.

Currently fine-tuning the website to ensure a seamless shopping experience, I regret not being able to share the URL just yet. However, updates will be promptly provided in this article. Meanwhile, catch us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for an exclusive sneak peek into the world of Corgi Merch Co. Your enthusiasm and support mean the world to me, and I can’t wait for fellow corgi lovers to embrace this project with the same passion.

Corgi Merch Co. Contact Info:

• Website: Still working on the website URL
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corgimerchco?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080320394463&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corgimerchco?_t=8iDra7Iv90E&_r=1

Follow the OG Bear and my Corgi Bear on Instagram:

• OG Bear: https://www.instagram.com/bearsantiglo/?igsh=MWlkcnRsenhmazd6Mw%3D%3D
• My Corgi: https://www.instagram.com/bearthecorgiatx/?igsh=MXd4djV0eWV4bGtkNg%3D%3D