Spotlight on Ann Marie Matott

Designer Spotlight on Ann Marie Matott Some might say that artist and activist Ann Marie Matott is a trashion queen - a title she can be proud of for the long hours she dedicates to repurposing and recycling items into fabulous, eco-friendly apparel and accessories for dogs.

Before she started Annie's Sweatshop, she was a new media university instructor and worked with a major toy company. Now, Ann and her two mini dachshunds, Porter and Stout, run an environmentally ethical company from her home sewing room in Waterloo, Ontario.

Annie's Sweatshop is filled with sustainable and eco-friendly dog collars, leashes, harnesses, coats, scarves and pet beds in vibrant colors and designs.

How did you get started designing for dogs?

It was a combination of events. As a kid in Buffalo, NY, I loved sewing things like linens for my hamsters and coats for our first wiener dog, Coco. After university, I became a designer for a major U.S. toy company in NY. Then, my husband was offered a great job opportunity in Athens, GA. With few job opportunities for me, I combined my web design and sewing skills, toy industry experience and love for my two dogs, Porter and Stout, and started Annie's Sweatshop. The "sweatshop" continues to be a term of endearment and humor now that we're in Canada.

Annie's Sweatshop Eco-Friendly Dog Products

Where does your inspiration come from? Why did you choose to pursue creating eco-friendly items?

My ideas come from everyday objects that beg to be tweaked and tinkered with. Improving end products turns me on. At the toy company, I became acutely aware of product design and strove to improve the "junk"... oh, I mean products that are currently out there.

I fill a need in my personal life through DIY measures and improve upon what the market currently provides. That means using sustainable materials whenever possible, offering grassroots recycling of collars and leashes, or using recycled fibers in modular pet beds. I've got my hate on for disposable technologies masked as convenience. I want to make it all last just a little longer!

Describe an average day for you and the doxies in the "sweatshop."

At 8 a.m., we start with computer work like email, website maintenance and then some package prepping. By 11 a.m., it's time for a jog, lunch and then some sewing. Wow, it's dinner time already! Then a walk for the pups. By 8 p.m., we're back in the "sweatshop" finishing up some projects. We "try" to close for the day by 10 p.m. to relax for a little bit before hitting the sack. The "sweatshop" is more a part of my life than a 9-5 job, but the benefits outweigh the heavy time investment.

What's your most popular seller?

Luckily, all the items sell equally well across the 4 seasons. Harnesses, collars and leashes in the warmer months. Beds and coats in the cooler months.

Tell us about your grassroots recycling program.

It's simple. Buy a collar or leash. Send in your old working collar or leash part, and we'll reuse them in another product. Everyone loves a shiny new collar or leash, but in many instances the hardware is in fine working condition. So we try to reuse it, instead of wasting it. More details can be found here.

What's your favorite way to spoil your dogs?

Oh, there's so many like Kongs filled with frozen treats, setting up a My Pillow Pet Bed in the sun, a bike ride (I have a basket they sit in), bones or a nap in our bed (under the covers, of course).

What are you most proud of?

Two things. One, our Search Engine Optimization. Without spending a penny, lil' old Annie's Sweatshop is on the top of Google Searches for "eco," "pet collar, bed or coat." This means we're relevant and accessible to a wide audience. The democracy of Google is great.

Two, the Annie's Sweatshop experience. We strive for the highest quality product and customer service. For example, we have a 30-day guarantee and include goodies in every package. Every day, I hear back from customers with thanks, compliments and rave reviews. This really makes my day. So many people take the time to send me pictures of their pets using our creations. That's not something you experience in a "big box store," that's a personal connection.

What do you do to relax and unwind?

I like traveling, running 'til it hurts, walking or riding my bike to get things done and bringing the pups along. I also enjoy organizing shindigs and old fashioned hoe-downs. I'm a neat freak, so too much of my time is spent cleaning.