|
So....you are wondering possibly, who makes all of these bows anyway? I mean,
I would be wondering...does a real person actually make all these dog bows?
I am happy to say YES! One-by-one, my bows are proudly made here in the USA in my
little bow studio here in Northern Michigan. Hi! I am Mary and I make all the bows!
My Studio: Is a wonderful place to work indeed! I totally enjoy going to my shop each
and every day...to me, my work really isn't a "job" it is more of a fun hobby instead.
My bow studio (yes, there really is one!) is approximately 1,200 square feet in size. It is
only steps away from my back door so my commute to work in the morning is about
30 seconds and that is if I walk fast! So, I do not have any snow days, or anything like
that, I can pretty much get to work all of the time. My work area is designed so that
my two Shih Tzu's Minnie and Maggie can easily access my work area.
My girls have it pretty high class at my home, they have a play yard that is fenced
between my home and my studio...they have a doggie door in both places
so they can come and go as they please. My studio faces East and I have 5 windows
on that side all together for a nice view, my shop faces a wooded area as we live on
5 acres on a dead end street. My neighborhood is very rural only a few homes on
my street and I am close to a large river. I like to play soothing music while I work,
and in the afternoon somtimes enjoy a good soap opera. My studio currently stocks approximately 500,000 yards of ribbon at best guess...but who knows it could be more
or less...I just know I have a BUNCH of ribbon and on occasion it can get out of control!
I have about every type of embellishment you can think of...and I
am always looking for more...more...more!
My Work: I have been making dog bows since 1999 (a long time!)
My start was originally on Ebay, but I quickly decided that venue was not for me
and I decided to open my own website. I have always strived to make my dog bows look
different than everyone else's. I am constantly trying new ideas, designs and ribbons.
You would think that a person might run out of "bow ideas" but...new ideas still
keep popping in my head! I think dog bow making is an art of sorts...
I think all bow makers have a "signature look" and that you can tell whose bows are
made by whom in some cases. All of my dog bows are sewn by hand...I am the only one
who sews the bows, I do not ask for help in this area as I don't feel the bows would
look the same if someone else sewed them. I am pretty much a working one-lady show...
I do most things myself, on occasion I may have my sister come in the shop to help me
ship or clean up...but you can guarantee that the dog bows will be made by me.
Since I started in this business many, many years ago...there have been many
other "bow makers" that have since opened up shop. Many of them started
by "copying" from my designs and ideas....unfortunatly, I am still copied today!
I don't let "copy cats" bother me... as my customer's know that my bows are the
BEST on the market today and I continually offer fresh ideas, GOOD quality products
and superior Customer Service, this is why my client's continue to shop and have
confidence in me, many since my original opening of business in 1999!
My Family: I have been married for 30+ years now.. WOW! My hubby , Ken and
I met when we were in high school. He was in the 12th grade and I in the 9th.
We have one son (Ken Jr.) that gave us 5 beautiful Grandchildren.
The only "children" I now have at home are my two little Shih Tzu's
Minnie and Maggie Mae. These babies are simply the loves of my life and I thank
god for them each and every day.
I am a retired pet groomer, I opened up a Grooming Salon here in my town,
but sold that in 1995 due to health issues from a car accident I suffered in 1993.
Please see my scrapbook pictures of my babies below.. enjoy!
|
Mary & Minnie at 6 weeks.
|
Minnie all groomed
|
|
Minnie (L) and Maggie (R)
|
Maggie, the day we brought her home.
She was given to us and had never been groomed, she was getting ready for a bath
and hair cut!
| | 
