January's Featured Etsian ~ Aplomb Designs

http://www.etsy.com/listing/88299425/dog-tail-leash-hook-chalkboard-doodles

As part of my goals this year I am planning to feature a fellow Etsian once a month. I found this seller while making a treasury and couldn't get over how unique and just plain adorable her products are! She did me the great pleasure of doing a little Q & A so we could all get to know her and her store a little better. I am so excited to share her wonderful answers and her great products!


First things first-
Etsy Store: Aplomb Designs (click me!)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86110268/dog-tail-leash-holder-wheres-the-fire

This is such a unique product! How did you come up with the idea for it?
In my circle of friends I am the crafty or artistic one. For as long as I can remember I have always made gifts for my friends and family.  I was trying to come up with some ideas to sell for a fundraiser and came across the tails.  I knew I could do something fun with the tails and started making the leash holders.  They were a hit and I have been making them ever since.


Why did you choose Etsy for your stuff?
I have been a long time buyer on Etsy and love being able to find unique and handmade items directly from the artist who makes them. I love that personal connection. When I decided to open up an online shop I didn’t ever think about selling anywhere else, as Etsy just seemed like the perfect venue.


How long have you been doing this on and off Etsy?
I have been making my dog tail holders for about two and a half years. 


I read that you have at least 1 pet. How many pets do you have? 
I have 2 dogs; Murphy a 12 year old lab mix, who is the senior gentleman of the house and Miss Ella a 4 year old American Staffordshire Terrier mix, who is the class clown.  The pitter patter of little feet doesn't end there however; I also foster for local rescue groups, dog sit for friends and have weekly play dates with the neighbors’ dogs so you never know what dogs will be at the house.

What is your personal favorite dog tail leash you have made?

It is really hard to pick a favorite.  Custom requests are always fun and recently I put together a set of 8 tails for a customer who was decorating her bathroom with a dog theme and wanted a custom holder to use for hanging towels. 

What has been your favorite experience with creating these leash holders?

One of my favorite things is working with customers to come up with the perfect holder for their companion.  I love the interaction and how it can generate new ideas.  One of the great things that I have found being on Etsy is that the customers are wonderful. It is amazing how a simple follow up email thanking you can make your day!

Do you have one of these hanging in your home? 

More than one. I have a variety of leash holders in my house.  Over the years I have acquired a rather large collection of leashes, collars, and dog jackets (it gets cold in MN).  So I find that I am always adding more holders to house my collection.

What would you say is your "style".

I love vintage, rustic, old, antique, quirky, whimsical, eclectic things.   I think this is reflected in my personal style.  I am an avid reader of design blogs and DIY websites.

  I read in your bio that you volunteer for a Pit and Rottweiler rescue group.What are they all about?

A Rotta Love Plus is dedicated to re-homing Rottweilers and pit bulls in Minnesota, raising breed awareness, educating the public about responsible pet ownership, and advocating for the humane and equal treatment of all dogs without prejudice. http://www.arottalove.org

Your pet Ella is a therapy dog! How great is that! What kind of therapy do you guys do?

Miss Ella and I volunteer on a regular basis at a children’s home that serves at risk youth.  Miss Ella has a big personality and is very exuberant so we have found that working with kids is a perfect fit. We also do programs with schools and the Science Museum of MN.

Your profile says that "creative minds are rarely tidy..." I absolutely love this & totally agree. If people could see into my mind and see all the ideas floating around there, I swear they'd never get out. Speaking of tidy, what is your work space like?

I live in a very tiny 1930s house so there isn't a lot of extra space.  My work room is actually in the porch which is packed from floor to ceiling – it is organized but chaotic.  I would love to have a big airy space to work in someday, but for now cozy clutter will do.  As long as I have a space to create I am happy.

Does your store have anything new and/or exciting coming up in the near future you'd like to mention?

I always have ideas rumbling around in my head.  Hopefully I will have time to put them together for the next holiday season.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/77276139/dogtail-leash-holder-x0x0-patchwork-paws?ref=v1_other_2

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83177563/dog-tail-leash-holder-double-bow-tie?ref=v1_other_2

ApombDesigns product are so great. I love the style and that she gives the option to customize it with your pet's name or pretty much any phrase you want with Scrabble tiles! I've never seen anything like these and just as soon as Blair and I get our home after our wedding there will definitely be one on my wall. I encourage all of my dog loving readers to check her out, she has several styles to fit anyone's home style and also takes custom orders if you want something made JUST FOR YOU. Special thanks again to AplombDesigns for letting me interview her. 

You can visit her store HERE. 

Which is your favorite leash hook?