Although my full-time job is in the VFX Industry as a coordinator, I studied Industrial Design (Product Design) at Syracuse University. Near the end of my college studies in 2007, I realized that it’s not what I wanted to pursue a career in.

I’m a woman of the future, I need to further my knowledge in 3D or graphics.

IN 2008, I enrolled at F.I.T’s (Fashion Institute of Technology), Masters of Arts in Exhibition Design.

I love the energy of NYC, the rush, the energy of being around people, just the fashion scene. I don’t think I’m fashionable, but I love being surrounded by it. I remember the first day of class, I was like, I’ma dress-up because I know everyone else is gonna come real hard.

OMG.

Dripping.

Everybody.

The outfits were out. of. control!

Instead of competing, I just took it all in. I was truly inspired!

It wasn’t until Imoved to Albuquerque due to my partner's work in 2009, that Shay found something that really piqued her interest.

We had decided to get married. I had a dress and I was looking for a hairpiece. But I wanted a nice hair piece and I only found expensive, ugly pieces.

So I decided to make my own. I'm a creative, I knew I could figure it out!

At my small elopement wedding in Las Vegas, everyone kept asking about the hair piece, even the wedding photographer! I’m like, I made it! I did this for fun!

And Hotdogs and Poodles was created in 2009

After three months of selling handmade hair pieces on Etsy, I decided to reach out to hair bloggers and decided to try giveaways as a way to promote the store.

I was getting so much traffic and sales. And then more sales!

Pretty much every day for the next few months. I was up all day and night trying to figure things out. It was a really good run for three years.

And then I moved to Australia for six months with my partner.

But the Etsy shop momentum was too good to stop. Even though sales slowed down, I found it was still worthwhile to keep the shop open.

After moving to Vancouver in 2012, and re-opening my Etsy shop, I am so glad to have made the decision to keep going. I love creating new designs and thrifting vintage button shirts. I am so happy to share my creative journey with you. Thanks for stopping by!