Studio Visit: Found My Animal

I discovered Found My Animal, accessories “for adopted animals and their people,” a couple of years ago, and had to have them in my stores. With a mission as beautiful as the products they make, how could I resist? Handmade in their Brooklyn studio, their accessories are simple and classic, but also durable and practical. My favorites: the braided collars and rope leashes in the classic neutrals. But, I am also loving their new brightly colored and ombre accessories. And for travel, their portable water bowl is hard to beat.

Owner Bethany Obrecht was kind enough to welcome us in for glimpse at their space, process and pups. I hope you enjoy this look inside. XXJKE

R+T: Can you share a bit about how Found My Animal Came to be?

Our founders met on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn while walking their two rescue pups, both of whom were named Walter. The Walters were sizing each other up, and their people started a conversation that quickly revealed their passion for animal welfare. They decided to become partners after discovering they had more in common than two rescue dogs with the same name. They had both attended great design schools—Cooper Union and Rhode Island School of Design—and were passionate about animals, animal welfare and a love of the principles of good design.

Inspired by a fisherman in the family, we made our first three-strand, hand-spliced and whipped rope leash for our rescue pups back in 2006. So many people stopped us in the street to admire our unique nautical leads that we decided to share them with others.

R+T: Tell us about your mission, and how it ties into the products that you create…

Found My Animal promotes animal adoption in a very direct way: let your pet wear your values. By encouraging rescue over purchase, we support animal welfare by asking pets and their owners to help deliver our simple, important message.

Our accessories stand out and say “Hey I’m adopted, join the club.”

R+T: It’s a beautiful thing when a brand doing great things also happens to make an exceptional product…what is it that makes your products so special?

Our products have a really nice combination of being beautifully designed and hand made. The products remind us of our animal’s rescue past and their new bright future as being FOUND. When you look at your leash or collar it stirs up emotion not only for your dog, but for all homeless pets. We want people to be well aware of the urgent need for animal adoption worldwide.

R+T: Tell us about your own animals!

I adopted Henri from Waggy Tail rescue and Claude from Pawsafe Rescue. After my little Walter passed away I adopted Claude as a friend for Henri. I was told that he was a “Chihuahua bulldog (whatever that means) and he ended up growing to be 50 lbs. Even though they aren’t matched well in size, they are best friends. Henri is still the boss.

R+T: If you had to, could you choose a favorite leash, collar or accessory?

My absolute favorite leash is the natural leash and rope collar to match.

THE STUDIO

R+T: Tell us about your studio space… How did you find it? What drew you to it?

We manufacture all our products in our Brooklyn studio located in the old Pfizer building on Flushing Ave in Williamsburg. We currently employ 15 full time people from the local community who lovingly hand-make everything we sell. I was drawn to the space because there is a great creative energy throughout the buildings. Everyone there is building their dream.

R+T: How would you describe the atmosphere in the studio?

Our atmosphere is busy, creative, sweet in a way.

R+T: A well-designed studio is one that…

Haha, that’s funny because our studio in my opinion is not well-designed at all! Starting a small business is all about growing at the right speed. Right now we are making due and becoming a close work family as a result. We share with each other, with laugh with each other, and we work closely to perfect our process.

R+T: Tell us about a typical day in the studio…

New challenges arise every day at the studio. I just do my best to learn through each one and get better at what we do. Everyone wears many hats, so every day is different.

R+T: Top five workspace musts?

Patience, Respect, Creativity, Love, Ambition.

Photos: Sarah Elliott