Keeping Texas' pooches trendy

Mr. Bowtie Boutique offers custom dog apparel to North Texans

BY: TIFFANY DITTO

Staff writer

Wendy Stark considers herself a "crazy dog lover" and she may not be wrong.

By day she works as a veterinary technician, and in whatever time off she has, she operates her own online boutique pet clothier: Mr.Bowtie Boutique. Stark makes custom bandanas and boutique dog collars with flowers and bowties — embedding her love of dogs into each stitch.

I've always been crafty, from a young age I remember doing projects with my mom and sister," Stark says. "As I have gotten older and have adopted many animals (that need to be dapper) I have combined my passion for dogs, sewing and fabric into this fun business. I get so excited when I come up with a new design or find a fabric that inspires me.

Photos courtesy of Wendy Stark

Stark begins her process at the craft store, searching for fabrics that spark inspiration. She's known as a regular at her local McKinney JoAnn's Fabric store, so much so that the employees greet her by name. After selecting her fabrics, she begins crafting multiple collars at once — cutting out all of the shapes in the various patterns she plans to sew, and then sews them all at once. On average each collar takes her about an hour to create, but she can sometimes spend several hours on custom pieces.

My most recent item was a request from a client who simply asked for a Texas Flag bow tie, my first attempt was cute, but the final bow tie is now my favorite piece," she says. "Most of all, I have my wonderful fur babies who not only energize me creatively, they are also my test subjects. I never sell anything that has not been worn and abused by my crew.

Stark and her husband are the pet parents to 9 sweet pups and one cat she refers to as a "cat-dog." She primarily sells her creations online in her Etsy shop, or at local festivals and craft shows. If you're lucky you will see a member of her pack at one of these booths? of course looking like a stud and sporting one of her famous bowties.

Photos courtesy of Wendy Stark

Collars can be bought with or without an accessory, and currently retail for $16-$28. Personalized reversible bandanas can be bought from the boutique for $18-$22. That's not all Stark dabbles in though. For the fellow crazy dog parents, she also makes custom shirts.

If you are asking about custom shirts for dogs, I have not made shirts," she said. "I have made custom jackets/coats, but I never was 100% happy with my design. I do make shirts for people and absolutely love when I get a special order for a shirt. Working with clients to design a custom shirt makes me so happy. The process is so much fun and I really get to know the people I am working with, many are now friends!

The adult t-shirts retail for around $20.

Though she doesn't plan to open a brick and mortar store, this holiday season Stark will be a vendor at 9 shows or festivals. If you don't happen to be at one of those events, follow her on social media, or visit her shop at: etsy.com /shop/MrbowtieBoutique.

I named my company after my parents dog Stinky, aka Mr. Bow Tie," Stark says. "I felt like Stinky Boutique might not be a great marketing strategy. Their dog LOVES bow ties, he has over 50! When they change his out he prances and jumps around, you can actually see him smile. I wanted to pay homage to my parents who have always supported me and encouraged me to create.

Photos courtesy of Wendy Stark

Twitter: @TiffanyDitto