We all know that no two pups are exactly the same, so why should their wardrobe be? New to TVM this Sunday is Ted & Patrick, a brand made for a humans best friend.
Since 2017, Jennie McKinlay and her furry friend Teddie (Ted) have been specialising in handmade cotton rope and vegetable tanned leather products, designed to be just as unique as your fur ball.
Jennie’s passion started when Teddie joined her family and she just couldn’t find anything that conveyed a bit of her pup’s personality, so she decided to come up with her own hand made creations, designed to celebrate some of Teddie’s favourite things and places to go!
Ted & Patrick pride themselves on doing everything small batch and handcraft all of their branding right down to the anodized logo tags on their leads. Their signature products are designed and made in New Farm QLD under the watchful eyes of Ted.
If you haven't yet met Ted & Patrick then head to TVM this Sunday 7th July.
Jennie welcome to TVM, tell us a bit about your background?
Growing up on property on the Sunshine Coast, animals (especially dogs) and nature have always played a massive role in my life. Creative pathways has always been my thing since a child and although dabbling in graphic design and advertising degrees, travel took me to the other side of the world where I worked on private motor yachts and learnt traditional marine rope skills.
What made your pursue your creative passion?
The business started purely by accident, I had a new pup (Teddie aka Ted) and I couldn't find a lead in the colour or style I wanted, plus I wanted a lead that was unique, like her. I had a bundle of marine rope and decided, if I really wanted something that I could visualise, then I simply had to make it. We got so many comments on "where did you get your lead" that we realised there was more people out there like me looking for something special but didn't know where to get it, and so the business grew.
When did you take the plunge and start your own business?
It was six months of development and testing leading up to the launch to ensure our products were strong and suitable and the business started in April 2017 with the launch of our website
What does your brand consist of?
Ted & Patrick specialises in handmade cotton rope and vegetable tanned leather products, we pride ourselves on doing everything small batch and handcraft all of our branding right down to the anodized logo tags on our leads.
Where is the label designed and made?
Our signature products are designed and made in New Farm QLD under the watchful eyes of Ted. We do import a small product range from Japan as a little something fun but the dream as the business grows is to develop a range similar to our imported range but entirely from recycled materials.
What inspires you?
Well of course, I love dogs. I think these days they are very much part of the family and deserve to be spoilt too. As a creative I am inspired by constantly improving and refining my craft, coming up with new designs and evolving the existing lines.
What are your plans for the brand and where do you hope it takes you?
I would love to involve a recycled line - more dog products made from recycled plastics and focus proceeds from these lines to cleaning up our oceans and helping out dogs in need in Australia and globally.
What were the biggest challenges when launching your brand?
The biggest challenge of launching your own brand is overcoming your own fear of failure. Will people like my products, will I succeed - the thing is, they are all questions only answered by taking the leap of faith.
What is the best thing about having your own business?
The best thing about having your own business is having a creative outlet you can share with others. I think my happiest moments are when puppies and their humans send in photos or tag us on Instagram, out and about on their adventures.
Connect with Ted & Patrick:
Online, https://www.tedandpatrick.com.au/
Or find them this Sunday at TVM 7th July 2019
