Welcome to Wear Wag Repeat Podcast Episode 10: Jeannie North of Ripley & Rue is talking to us about the diverse background that lead her to create a dog accessories boutique. Hear how she scaled her business through outsourcing and online tools, plus meet her doodle pups who inspire it all!

Listen to the Episode

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

Who run the world? Dogs. Inspired by owner Jeannie North’s two doodles, Ripley + Rue is a girl-owned, dog accessories boutique with a loud and colorful personality. All products are handcrafted in the U.S. by the R + R team and other talented makers nationwide.

Tori: How did you get started with Ripley and Rue?

Jeannie: A few years ago, I wanted to learn how to sew. I was in the midst of a design agency with my husband and I needed a little break time for me. I have a tendency to pick up new hobbies, so I bought a sewing machine. My dad actually taught me how to sew! I started sewing dog bandanas, because that was an easy thing to start with and I had dogs.

I originally started with twill straps, that was my spin on the bandana. I have fluffy dogs and I didn’t like how some bandanas tied in the back, so I came up with that. After the bandanas I expanded into bows. I had a lot of remnants from the bandanas, so it made sense.

Now I have a team that sews everything for me. Last Christmas I couldn’t keep up with orders anymore. So I hooked up with a sewing incubator that employs stay at home moms and I’m one of their main clients.

Tori: What was your job before Ripley & Rue?

Jeannie: My first business was making hoola hoops! I used to live in a California beach town and we loved going to the beach and hoola hooping, so I sold those on Etsy. I sold some other design products through Etsy. Then my husband and I started a business where we did web development and graphic design.

Tori: Did I see that you have a mobile boutique?

Jeannie: Yes! It’s a mobile pawtique! I got a cargo trailer this summer and we got it wrapped. It has an awning, racks and shelves. That’s what I take to events with me. Next year I want to take it on the road to other cities. It’s a really fun shopping experience.

Tori: What Ripley & Rue product makes people smile?

Jeannie: Definitely my signature bandanas with the funny sayings. I have a few risqué ones that get a great reaction from people. For example the “Handsome AF” bandana did great! Nobody else was doing AF products for dogs at the time.

Tori: Tell us about the dogs behind the brand, Ripley and Rue.

Jeannie: Rue is 3 and she’s a Golden Doodle, and Ripley is 2 and she’s an Aussie Doodle. They make life interesting! I was actually a cat person before we got Rue. I surprised myself with how much I care about my dogs. It actually gives me anxiety to be away from them! I think other dog moms can relate.

Tori: What kind of online tools do you use to keep up with your business?

Jeannie: My website is through Shopify which is great because it integrates into everything like Facebook, Twitter and Quickbooks. For Instagram I use Later which is a great tool to schedule your posts and play with the layout to get a pretty feed. I really enjoy that tool. For design I use Photoshop and Illustrator.

FIND JEANNIE:

Ripley & Rue Website
Ripley & Rue Instagram
Ripley & Rue Facebook

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