Howdy, y'all!
Today is a special day because we are doing an exclusive interview with Pam, the owner of Heads or Tails Pup!
Angus modeling the Heads or Tails Pup Denim Harness.
What is Heads or Tails Pup, you ask?! Heads or Tails Pup is an eco-friendly pet accessory brand that operates out of Burbank, California (super local to LA!). They use upcycled and thrifted goods to make the cutest shirts, vests, and harnesses!
As a sustainable, local brand in the pet accessory world, we just had to ask Pam for the inside scoop!
"...somehow the kids' t-shirts would always end up on the dogs."
Pet Project LA: It is so friggin cool that you have a pet brand that uses upcycled human clothing to make pet clothes! What inspired you to create a sustainable pet brand?
Pam: I have 5 kids and I had an overflow of clothing that they had outgrown that I would donate. At the time I also had six dogs. So somehow the kids' t-shirts would always end up on the dogs. Being a beginner seamstress, I went online and bought a pattern for a dog t-shirt and started making my dogs adorable t-shirts. I went into a couple of pet stores and they loved them. A lot of the t-shirts were superheroes, cute sayings, band t-shirts my kids had outgrown. So that’s how it started. I then started buying t-shirts at thrift stores. I expanded into denim and love the idea of repurposing the denim pockets on denim handmade harnesses. I have always been a denim on denim girl!
Paco modeling Heads or Tails Pup overalls.
Pet Project LA: I know you get a lot of your clothing materials from second hand stores. What is your method for going and choosing suitable items for pet clothing?
Pam: I visit a lot of thrift stores and pick out t-shirts that I know will appeal to the pet buyer. Our most popular t-shirts are Band and Superhero shirts.
Smudge modeling Heads or Tails Pup Gamer tee.
Pet Project LA: Heads or Tails Pup is a true family-run business in that you work with your two daughters. Have each of you taken on certain roles in the company? What do you enjoy most about working with your daughters? Any words of wisdom for folks wanting to start a family business?
Pam: I love working with my daughters. Rebecca is my partner in crime! I do most of the design and sourcing. Rebecca manages all production. Shelby is a busy college student and helps with creative input. It truly is a family business, if we get in a crunch I will have my husband and boys cutting fabric and checking in patches.
Paco modeling Heads or Tails Pup Denim Vest.
Pet Project LA: I am sure you’ve gotten this question before, but do you happen to have plans to expand your size range for some of the big big fur children?
Pam: Currently I have XXL harnesses and a 3X denim jacket. We are expanding the larger pup category and have some super exciting things coming up.
Pet Project LA: Tell me about the patches you use on your clothing/harnesses! They are the cutest!
Pam: We buy patches all over the world. We also design some patches so they are exclusive to us, like our new Pups of Anarchy patches. We are also starting to sell our patches separately on our website and all platforms. We have gotten many requests from pet owners to match their dogs by buying coordinating patches for their jackets!
Angus modeling Heads or Tails Pup Denim Harness.
Pet Project LA: How many fur babies do you currently have? Are they almost always wearing your second hand upcycled goodies?
Pam: We currently have two tiny Maltese pups. They are 9 and 10 years old. At one point we had six dogs. They got very old and passed away. Unfortunately, we recently lost Pumpkin at 22 years old. They are always outfitted in our newest fashions!
"It's ok to mix and match something old and new to create a masterpiece."
Pet Project LA: What would you suggest for others trying to reduce their carbon footprint and combat fast fashion?
Pam: There are so many parts of clothing that can be repurposed into something new. That should be people's first go-to when creating. It's ok to mix and match something old and new to create a masterpiece.
Smudge wearing Heads or Tails Pup Gamer Tee.
Pet Project LA: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us today! Is there anything else you care to share with our readers?
Pam: Love, creativity, and comfort helps your pup feel special and cared for!
Closeup of the Heads or Tails Pup Denim Harness.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know about Heads or Tails Pup as much as we did! Hip hip hooray for sustainable brands making a difference in the world and the power of thrifting!
Ta ta for now!
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