BUSINESS PROFILES// ANIMALS IN CHARGE – Alex Barnett

Tell us about your business – when did you start it and what is it all about? At Animals in Charge we love design and we love animals. We are a team of makers wildly crafting beautiful things for animals all over the world. We use traditional methods of manufacture, a lot of hand tools, and occasionally use experimental materials in the hope to supply pieces that are both durable and exciting.

I started Animals in Charge in 2015 as a way of sharing the leashes and collars I made for my Cocker Spaniel, Pixel. I got a lot of interest initially and the business grew naturally. In 2017 we had grown to a business of 3 staff members and it was time to leave my career of 10 years as a Software Engineer to give Animals in Charge the time it deserves.

What inspires you to do what you do everyday? Every day I open my email to beautiful messages from customers, pictures of their dogs, and orders from all over the world. Our workshop in Abbotsford is full of plants, animals, and laughter. It’s hard not to be inspired in this space!

What is next to your business? We work in a shared commercial space with several other small businesses which is really fun. Post Sole Studio are directly opposite our space and we share tools, tips about suppliers and ways of solving different manufacturing issues. They are really inspiring and watching shoes being made from core principles is a truly amazing sight.

What other inner north businesses inspire you? A place we really love to visit is Cromwell STREAT cafe in Collingwood. It’s such a lovely business and has a nice natural space to relax and enjoy a coffee.

What’s your top health hack as a business owner for readers? 
As makers we are constantly using our hands, concentrating, and sometimes putting strain on our joints and muscles. There’s always dogs in the workshop so we place a high importance on taking regular breaks and heading across to Victoria Park for a stretch and stroll with the pups.

http://www.animalsincharge.com.au

 

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