Scutte is a small business idea that I started in 2009 after the arrival of my baby puppy Harley David. I was interested in designing pet clothing, but I didn’t know anything about sourcing materials or how to start a fashion company. I had an “ah-ha! moment” while I was shopping at a fabric store… why not just repurpose existing t-shirts into pet shirts?!?! Being an environmentalist and having worked at Sierra Club, was the perfect solution as a design idea and for the planet.
I went ASAP to the nearest thrift shop and bought several shirts. I knew nothing about sewing clothing at the time but dug out my sewing machine and got to work. I taught myself how to design and sew patterns, grade sizes, and how to operate different kinds of sewing machines.
I actually hand-made all of the shirts that I sold, which was time consuming and physically laborious. I also ended up creating a line of catnip toys – “catnip candy”, and “catnip pasta packs.”
At the time, starting this business was my opportunity to utilize all of the my skills in a way that I hadn’t been able to do before – business development, marketing, sales, design, photography, web development, sewing. All of my mind’s skills were being tested – strategy, creative, tactile.
I was able to get my line of pet shirts (and later, pet necktie collars) into several Bay Area pet shops, participated in many community events, I successfully sold many shirts and ties online, and I was even recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 100 ideas.
Muttville still uses the rainbow dog photo I shot back in the day… it’s even a bumper sticker!
Due to the nature of the business model, it became too difficult for me to grow and scale this business, but I learned a lot about myself, business and product development, and bringing yet another idea to life.