We see all our clients as super heroes, so it would be impossible for us to run this series of wonderful women without featuring at least a couple of them! Over to #wonderwoman Caroline Denyer, creator of the Growlees Dog Tag brand and much more…
WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO?
My name is Caroline Denyer. I run a small business called Growlees, which sells made in England dog collar charms and t-shirts for outspoken pups and their parents!
I also write a blog, Growlmama – about all things design for people who love dogs – and am working on a range of luxury dog and human accessories under the same brand.
HOW/WHY DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?
Growlees was inspired by daughter-in-a-dogsuit, Frida, as a way for her and her doggy friends to express their unique and special personalities. It started as a bit of fun while I worked on my Growlmama range but it took off.
Growlmama started as I saw a gap in the market for stylish and functional products for people who love dogs. I wanted something simple and cool for my dog and couldn’t find anything that matched my style. I wanted to create something that people would covet even if they didn’t have a dog. No bones and no paws permitted!
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE DO YOU NEED TO BE GOOD AT THIS JOB?
Gosh I don’t know. I have a law degree and thirteen years experience working as a lobbyist. I am not sure either have helped! Obviously a love of/obession with dogs is essential.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FOUND BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS?
Growlees, reaching new customers and bringing them to my website are probably the hardest part, aside from living on a shoe-string.
For Growlmama, where do I start?! Like any fashion start up I have found it difficult to source materials in small quantities and finding suppliers and factories willing to work with small minimums. Materials and factory now sourced, the hard part is getting them to make to spec and on time!
NAME TWO THINGS YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT IN YOUR JOB? (PHONE & COMPUTER ASIDE)
My dog muse, Frida and stubborn determination to make it work.
WHAT IS YOUR SPECIAL WONDER WOMAN SKILL?
This is hard!!! In my former corporate life I would have said shopping and holidays but I don’t do either any more.
I’m not sure it’s a skill but on this crazy ride I’ve managed to meet some of the most incredible people who have reached out to help me (MirrorMePR, Utelier, to name only a few). I take no credit for how great they are but thank the universe for bringing them to me.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD HAVE GIVEN YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Believe in your self. Confidence is key!
Photography credit:Emma O’Brien
Feeling inspired? Read our other wonder women interviews!
