My name is Carrie Collins, owner of Fabric Horse. All Fabric Horse products are incredibly functional and all handmade in Philadelphia for both men and women. Originally designed for urban cycling our products expand far and beyond. The utility belts are perhaps what we are best known for, especially our originally designed U-Lock Holster made from seat belts of junked cars. Everything we make uses recycled, reused and new materials to make the most durable product possible.
What inspired you to go into the craft business, do you still have a day job? After 6 required internships during my undergrad in Industrial Design I knew I would start my own business. Having been raised by two parents that either made most things they needed or knew how to fix what they already had I grew up learning to be self sustainable. After working all sorts of jobs (mainly for R.E.Load bags) for a bunch of years and running an art gallery I am now doing FH full time. I started Fabric Horse not necessarily in response to the craft scene out there (which I was honestly somewhat oblivious to at the time) but because I believe in domestic manufacturing and healthy work environments. I use FH as a vehicle for any and all projects I take on which include traveling to teach skill building workshops to sewing co-ops, art installations, costumes for parades, or working on the set of a film.
Describe your creative process when designing/making your product line. One of my bottom lines is to be original. In a design world where everyone rips everyone else off this can be challenging. Especially now when several companies across the globe are now ripping me off. It is the nature of the beast. We do our best to supply our market with the most functional, durable, sustainable, and original products . . . and at times we pay tribute to those timeless designs that everyone has grown to love.
What’s the best thing about what you do? The best thing about running your own company is doing what you love and doing it well. Once you realize that you truly can do anything you want in life the world becomes your oyster. And the worst? The worst thing about running your own company is going through a recession doing everything you can to afford payroll. Once you have amazing skilled workers, they become your biggest asset.
What’s the best advice you have been given about your business or craft practices? The best advice I have heard is that there is an inevitable ebb and flow in business. Nothing stays the same and you have to ride the wave of change. When we freeze up in fear that is when everything can slip away. Taking risks are the ways we make great leaps. Another great piece of advice is no matter what you make, somebody will like it and buy it. You might have it for a while, but it will make that person’s day someday.
Our website will be undertaking a complete overhaul this spring! Keep an eye out for our new products and look book.
www.fabrichorse.com
http://fabrichorse.blogspot.com/