Interview from Freya's Studio

One of the other giveaways I won recently was a dog collar from Freya's Studio.  You all know how much I love Louie and so I was so excited to give him a fancy new collar.  Breanna even custom sized one for me since the pattern I loved didn't come in a small for my tiny pup...great customer service!

Meet Breanna and her pup Freya:

What Inspires You?I would have to say my dogs.  If I can show the patience, kindness, and honesty that my dogs show me everyday I think I'll be the person I think I should be. 
I also get inspired by going into fabric shops!  It is so much fun to look at all of the fabrics and see the potential collars that could be made.  It's even more fun to see the finished product in use and a smile on our customers faces (whether they're fury or human!)

What motivated you to start your own business?
Freya Dog and I are both very accident prone.  Unfortunately, both of us have had injuries that prevented us from playing at agility, freestyle, or other dog sports.  Luckily, I picked up sewing again and found a passion for creating collars.  Freya is very hard on things so she's the perfect test subject.  I wanted to make collars that were beautiful and fun but wouldn't fall apart.  I'm happy to report that I think we've succeeded!  I only make Freya a new collar when we feel like it rather than out of necessity.  This was a welcome change for my pocket book and it's great to know that others can enjoy the same benefit too! 

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What advice would you give to someone starting their own creative business?
Find something you love to work on in your spare time and then look at the other folks out there offering it.  See if you can find a special niche that will help you stand out.  For us that niche is durability and the fabrics we use.  I try to use fabrics that I haven't seen used before (while also keeping in mind current styles and color coordination).  We're still very small fish in a very big pond so we're always learning more!
My other advice is to not try and do everything at once.  Focus on one thing and then branch out as you find what folks like/dislike.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would love to have the opportunity to go to Europe, I've never been out of the USA (not even Canada and I live in Montana)!  It would be fun to put my French Language classes to work!  I'd especially love to get to learn some traditional Irish Music, as a flutist this would be a dream come true.

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Anything else you'd like to share?
One thing I always tell folks is to look into activities to do with their dog.  Whether it be dog freestyle (dancing with your dog), Agility (obstacle course performance), Rally (jazzed up obedience), or just getting out on more walks there is a ton to do!  Just because they're older or a hard to train breed doesn't mean you can't do more!  Look at Freya Dog, a lab/coonhound/heeler, she's as wild as they come but she's a joy to work with.  Every success we have is even better because of the journey to get there.  Even five minutes of positive training a day can change you and your dogs life.

I love Breanna's philosophy and passion for dogs.  So far the collar has held up really well and looks super snazzy on the Lou Man. 

Don't forget to also visit Breanna's blog