Females, Faith, and Fashion
A pair of female entrepreneurs are making their (paw)marks on the pet fashion industry
Fort Wayne, IN. (February 21, 2019) -Aslan’s Accessories fully encompasses the motto of “Females, Faith, and Fashion” as a female led company that operates by their faith and produces quality pet fashions. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aslan’s Accessories was started by Esther Kauffman and was formerly known as “E's Accessories”. A groomer by trade, Esther decided to try something new by stepping into the pet fashion industry. In 2001, she bought a previously established bow-making business with the goal of the business simply being to supply a friend and other groomers with quality accessories to complete their dogs. She became fully dedicated to the business when she sold her grooming shop to make the down payment for the new business.
Faith played a major role in Esther’s decision, as she says, “The Good Lord told me to buy this business”. Esther found great joy in designing and producing the product, so she invited other females to learn with her. One of these females included Usha Nattam. Usha and Esther had known each other since the early 1980s when some of Usha’s friends recommended she take her family’s first puppy to Esther’s grooming shop. From then on, their friendship blossomed and has stood the test of time. The idea of friendship is something that Usha finds to be very dear, as she says, “Friendship is so important. It comes and stays with God’s grace”.
The business continued to grow as did Usha and Esther’s friendship. While originally producing just bows, their inventory product assortment has grown to include traditional items such as bandanas and collars, but also their own creative products like ruffies, bowser ties, bow ties, simple ties, belly bands, snoods, and water-repellant leg protectors. They also expanded their workforce, specifically employing more female designers and producers. This all-female team is responsible for designing and producing all of the product Aslan’s Accessories sells, which is 100% hand-made. The friendships these women share and the faith that they have in God and each other is what is driving this company and making it successful.
In 2015, Esther decided that it was time for her take a step back from the company and asked Usha if she would take over. Usha realized how much she had grown to love the company and how much it meant to her, so she eagerly agreed to do so. After working closely with Esther for the next two years, Usha felt confident that she had learned the business well enough and was ready to take on the next challenge. In January of 2018, Usha bought the business and recruited her family and friends to help her in this next step.
Through faith, love, and passion, Usha and Esther have been able to create a successful company that provides quality pet fashions and encompasses the adage of “Females, Faith, and Fashion”.
Aslan’s Accessories is a woman owned and operated company that is focused on providing high quality pet fashion.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Usha Nattam at (260) 413-7628, or email aslanaccessories@hotmail.com or visit their website at www.aslansaccessories.com