Change is good when done right and for the right reasons. The Twisted Cow has begun the change in who and what we are and how it is presented to you; hold this sistah’s hand as I talk you through my crazy and why I am doing what I am doing.
I was working on my home studio and as I painted, nailed, pulled, glued, and assembled the various bits and pieces I had this overwhelming feeling that it was time for a change…a major change. Let’s be honest folks, you can buy a collar anywhere and if you look hard enough the same designs are being offered with other collar makers. What sets each of us apart is how we assemble and market our products. So, I’ve had this idea in my head for a very long time about my collar designs and where I want to take my company. Project Runway has really inspired me to put my point of view in my collars so that they are carefully DESIGNED vice simply assembling them. I really have two collections of collars; 1) Foundation Stock and 2) Urban Symphony. My Foundation Stock (or our standard line of designs) will still be fabulously simple, colorful, and fun, but Urban Symphony with all of its embellished and highly designed goodness will be designed to blow your socks off! I cannot really say right now what I am going to do, but I will tell you that it is going to be a damn hoot and a half!
The website has changed a bit (and it will again just like my hair!), but the product offerings are still in discussion mode. I am looking at trends in purchasing and how my gorgeous clients operate and some of their needs. There are several questions being asked and really need to be answered from the client point of view so that we not only give you something awesome, but it is something that you need and will use.
If you look at the main menu at The Twisted Cow, the Accessories link is new and will house the little items to dress up your collar, the Safety First is an absolute necessity because of the offering of ID tags and tag collars that assist with getting our lost fur babies home, and Here Kitty Kitty is for the cats in our lives. Here Kitty Kitty was almost on its way out, but my cat people spoke up and I listened. I also realized that the cat section needed its own version of Urban Symphony…its a surprise :). The Creature Comforts line is a bit of me returning to my roots of making pet beds and/or related items. I won’t necessarily be offering dog/cat beds, but there will be some stuff that is designed to make nap time purely awesome! Phone Candy and Camera Straps; I love the idea of the custom people accessories (I am such a girl) but the key is doing them right and really able to give people something fun and highly functional. I am not sure what is going to happen with those two categories at this time, but for the time being they will remain (maybe) on the menu.
I am an analytic person by nature or as some would say…nosy as hell. I am sure that I am the reason why parents hate the question ‘why?’; I actually drive myself nutters because of that same curiosity. Anywho, I have been doing some extensive research into the construction and components of my collars and leashes, but concentrating on the right metals and finishes. I think I have found what I am looking for. I really wanted a collar that was really nice to look at, light weight/comfy, strong, safe, something that would be worn for years (getting value is very important), and could be sold at a great price. Sadly, all those things cannot always be realized in ANY product. The new hardware will be sleek. It will be lighter in weight while not compromising the strength needed to keep our loved ones safe, BUT it will come at a higher price. I am all about sacrificing for fashion, but sometimes I have to really really really weigh it all out. I hate to raise my prices, but this new hardware for my line of collars and leashes is a match made in heaven and the price increase will be necessary. You are probably asking yourself, “when is the price increase going to take place?”. The price increase will happen slowly over the course of time as I phase the current hardware out and the new hardware in.
With the new hardware comes other changes that include reducing the widths that are available to you for customization. The hardware is offered in limited sizes, so I have the option of using two different suppliers or simply reducing my collar width offerings (BIG DECISION TIME!!). I love variety, but trends are showing me what is hot and what is not. There is a school of thought that some things should be offered even though they are not popular with the market; I am considering that school of thought, but I have to be realistic about what flies off the shelves versus what gathers dust. Hopefully by this summer the decisions will be made on what to keep and get rid of…gotta love a good cost / benefit analysis.
So much of what I do is attitude based because no matter what you do, you really should have your whole heart in it. I have found my own voice when it comes to design and its based on my attitude, my personal history, and culture. I used to sit down and feel empty because I was just staying within the confines of what the rest of the industry was doing. Worst. Idea. Ever. It was actually harder to suppress my point of view than express it; so, when I decided to take my own path I became overwhelming inspired. What my company needed was the real ME. I had to take ownership of my company, my designs, and my well being. I owed it to my clients and I really owed it to myself.
What does my attitude adjustment mean for all of us…bigger, bolder, crazier, and more damn fun.
I promise to be the best me that I can be and I will do everything in my power to give you the best that can be offered without sacrificing safety or functionality. Let’s all be crazy together…no one ever said that a bowl mixed nuts was a bad thing!
Kisses y’all!!!
Linda Jean
The Twisted Cow 