Eco-business founder Charlotte Allen with two enthusiastic product testers!
A former fashion student has built an eco-business out of turning surplus fabrics such as British tweeds into pet accessories.
Charlotte Allen launched Manor and Mutt by hand-making dog collars, leads and coats from material more commonly used in the fashion industry.
Having studied fashion for four years, as well as working in various high-end retail establishments, Charlotte wanted to combine her career and passion for animals.
She personally makes all the products by hand and oversees everything, from pattern cutting and fabric sourcing, to putting together the final item and dispatch.
HERRINGBONE TWEED
“I studied fashion design and went on to launch my own country inspired clothing brand,” said Charlotte. “With tweed being such a beautiful yet expensive fabric to use it always upset me to see the amounts being bagged up and thrown away once the initial pattern pieces had been cut. This is when I thought a dog would look rather snazzy in that pink herringbone tweed and that is where it began.
“Before covid-19 struck I went to country fairs and local dog shows and these events were great because people could see and touch the products, try them on their dog even. I also had requests from dog boutiques and groomers wanting to stock the products.
“I have a website too and online sales are great, but I still don’t think you can beat getting out there to your clientele and letting them experience the products first-hand, especially when they are made from such beautiful fabrics.”
Charlotte produces mainly collars and leads and has started making dog coats. She’s also hoping to launch a line of jackets for ladies and gentlemen so they can match their four- legged friend.
Currently, Charlotte makes everything herself but does have people and facilities in place if she needs to scale up the business quickly.
BRANCH OUT
And she’s now looking to branch out into pet stores and is taking a stand at PATS Telford in September.
“I would absolutely love for people to appreciate what I am trying to achieve and for it to be a pleasure for stores to have my products on their displays. I think now more than ever people are conscious of where things are made, how they are made and who is behind the business.”
