When Gemma Perri got her first pet, she wanted to be able to buy products for her new dog that looked good in her new marital home. What she found online was disappointing, to say the least.
“Most pet products are dull and functional - brown being the predominant colour or garish with bright and childish designs. I know there are many people like me who love to express their personality through great-looking, chic fashion and home design - so why not have the same for their pets?”
With experience in helping startup businesses, as well as skills in art, interior design and web sites, Gemma considered how she might turn this idea into a viable business. “I did lots of research and could see that the more colourful, vibrant products out there were not quite right because they were being produced on small A4 or A3 printers. I saw that Epson had brought out a new 24” printer and I thought this would be perfect to help me set up a business that would give me an immediate competitive edge.”
Based in Billingham on Teeside and not wishing to venture too far afield during lockdown, Gemma found the details for Your Print Specialists (YPS) who had just launched the Business in a Box, which was ideal for Gemma.
“I was looking at second-hand dye-sublimation printers in order to get something bigger, but the price was prohibitive. The cost of the YPS bundle was very affordable and included a heat press, sewing machine and some consumables, as well as the new Epson. It was a great price and I ordered the whole system over the phone. I was pleasantly surprised to hear a knock at the door two hours later. A YPS guy was there with my shiny new printer all ready to install!”
Setting up the printer was a breeze says Gemma, “I just took it out the box, plugged it in, attached it to my Mac and it all worked straight away. It is incredibly easy to use and the quality of the printing is phenomenal. I have been busy designing and developing my product range and am getting ready to go live and launch the business in July.”
Gemma explains how easy it is to create her products using the Epson. “Food and water bowls are a huge potential market and with the Epson they are so easy to make. Being 24” means I can cover the entire bowl, something a lot of my competition can’t do. I then just pop it into the oven and the finished results are brilliant - hard wearing and look great.”
Cudli offers fully customisable pet products that clients can design themselves through the website, and these are proving very popular with people who want to include their pets into the unique look and feel of their homes.
“Currently I am making lots of bandanas, collars, bowls, mats. I am also looking to offer bedding, stands and all kinds of other home products that can be based on the individuality of people’s interiors. These are products for people who like unique and special things.”
YPS’ Sales Director, Georgia Brown, says, “Gemma is exactly the sort of person we launched Business in a Box to help. She has the artistic talent, the drive and vision to set up and run a new business and we are delighted to be able to provide the tools that make it happen. As well as products, our Your Print Institute initiative brings together experts in the field to be our ‘Ambassadors’ who can help and advise people as they start their journey. The institute also offers a range of courses, tips and other services to help people succeed in fulfilling their new business dreams.”