Meet the Maker AP - Spoiled Paws Bowtique
By Jenny Vickers Chyb
The Asbury Park Bazaar's "Meet the Maker AP" series highlights local and regional artists and makers that you can find at our upcoming Valentine's Market taking place Saturday & Sunday, Feb 11 & 12, from noon to 5 pm in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall in beautiful Asbury Park!
Today's #MeetTheMakerAP is Jill Wetzel of Spoiled Paws Bowtique. Jill makes adorable pet collars and leashes with interchangeable bow ties, neck ties and flowers. The cuteness factor of Jill's designs are on another level and I can always spot a Spoiled Paws accessory on a dog a mile away! Be sure to stop by the Valentine's Market on Saturday, Feb 11th to pick up something special for your pet - Jill will be launching a new line of Valentine's Day themed collars, but will also have many other every day collar fashions to keep your furry friends looking sharp!
1) How did your business get its start?
After adopting our second dog Oliver, I started making collars for him because he was so small and I couldn’t find a fashionable collar to fit him. From that moment I began creating unique collars in all sizes, even including cats now!
2) What motivates you as a maker?
I’ve always been very creative. I love picking new fabrics and creating new styles for my furry animals.
3) Where did you grow up and where do you live and work now? What is your favorite part about living there?
I am a science teacher by day and seamstress by night. I grew up in Ocean Township and now live in the Tinton Falls area with my two daughters and husband Chris. My favorite part about living here is the diversity of living near the beach with towns like Asbury Park, Red Bank and close enough to New York City.
4) What are you most looking forward to at the Asbury Park Bazaar this Valentine's Market?
Meeting some new furry friends!
5) Why should people shop small / shop local for Valentine's and year round for that matter?
The local Asbury Park community is such a great group of entrepreneurs – creative, hard working and all around nice. Mom-and-pop shops don’t have the resources to pull off million-dollar promotions. But, they do have the upper hand when it comes to impacting the economy.
There are many of us that positively impact our local economies. Small businesses provide many benefits to consumers that large corporations simply cannot: unique products, exceptional service, keeping the money local to your community and access to the real experts!
6) What are you Valentine's weekend plans other than selling?
In addition to the market I will be celebrating my daughters 11th birthday and roller skating is a perfect activity.
7) If your planning to join us at our Roller Boogie in Convention Hall, what would be your perfect roller skating outfit?
Can’t wait to roller skate with my girls! We will be wearing our favorite leg warmers.
Be sure to stop by and visit Spoiled Paws Bowtique at the Asbury Park Valentine's Market on Saturday, February 11th!