When did you first start your craft?
I started developing my products in October 2012 and then started selling them in December 2012 on Etsy.
How did you discover your talent?
I have a Vet Tech background and my life has always involved animals. My friend and I heard about the "No Poo routine" of not using shampoo in our hair because of the harsh chemicals. Long story short, we tried it, loved it, then I realized my animals didn't need all of those chemicals either!
How did JB Ranch come about?
JB stands for Jay and Brittany (my husband and I) and Ranch is because we moved to our dream house in October 2012 on 5 acres where we can now help more animals. We have 7 dogs, a mini pig, 2 goats, 2 horses, and 2 barn cats...
The name is pretty cool, what made you decide on this?
RESCUE Pet Products became the name of my products because each one "rescues" a common pet need such as your dirty dog, dry skin, cracked paws, etc. and also because 10% of our profit goes to local animal shelters and other organizations dedicated to saving animals lives. My long term goal is to open my own animal rescue where I can save animals on a daily basis.
What drives you to create?
My love for animals. I tell people that because my passion for animals is unstoppable, I am unstoppable. I will not stop what I'm doing until I am able to achieve the goals that I know I was put on this earth to achieve.
How do you get inspired?
Any time I have a bad day my animals can still make me laugh. They are always by my side no matter what and I know that every animal on this earth deserves to feel the love that my animals share with me.
How would you describe your style?
Maybe a little "in your face" or "alternative". I have never been the one to go with the norm or blend in with a crowd.
What is your favorite part about your creative process?
I love designing my labels and photographing my products. It's the part where I can 100% be myself.
What are your favorite items?
I love the Paw & Nose Balm because it has so many different uses - some of which a few of our dogs benefit from. I also love the bracelets I started making because it feeds more of my creative side.
What environment do you like to work in?
Since I work in my kitchen for the most part, I like to have it to myself. That doesn't normally happen though because all 7 dogs want to know what I'm doing and I trip over them on my way to the other side a lot...
Do you listen to music while you work, and if so what do you listen to?
Sometimes I do. I have one of those iphone docks where I can turn up Pandora stations of my choice. Lately I've been listening to songs that make me dance while making my products...
How much time do you spend in the studio?
Kitchen - about 2 hours per batch of products which gets me around 5 shampoos or 5 leave-in conditioners, 5-6 Paw & Nose Balms, and usually some cologne or anti-itch spray.
Photographing - at least an hour and that doesn't include editing or creating listings in my shop.
Whoa are some of your biggest influences, artistically or personally?
Pretty much anyone that is successfully running an animal rescue. I watch Animal Planet a lot and have a thing for Pit Bulls so I do love the show Pit Bulls and Parolees.
What are you currently working on?
Right now I'm working on marketing because I feel like I have some unique items in my shop but because they are unique, no one is searching for them specifically. One of my plans is to design some post card type flyers to pass out at dog parks and other dog friendly places around town.
What are your plans for the near future?
I work on my shop and listings every day but know I need more items in my shop. I think I will start developing products for cats next because it was never my intention to have dog only items.
What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
It wasn't necessarily as an artist, but as a person in general - positive thinking has always been a struggle for me but as soon as I really understood and accepted it into my life, it actually worked. Not everyday is easy but it's one step closer to my end goal.
Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
Zooey Deschanel (Jess in the show New Girl) - because she's strange but has a great heart
Describe your work in three words.
I love animals
~~~~~Enter Below Via Rafflecopter to win a bottle of Rescue dog cologne from JB Ranch ~~~
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