If you live in the Boston area, there are some pretty amazing business women who create the best accessories to beautify your pup! Last week, I shared with you beautiful bow ties from Curly Tail Ties and this week’s feature is Tails & Sails! Tails and Sails is another local Boston business based out of Charlestown, MA, and they make the most adorable handmade scarves for your pup! Between Curly Tail Ties and Tails & Sails, there’s really no excuse for your pup not to be one of the best dressed dogs in all of Boston! I have met so many wonderful people in the Boston dog community and Christina, the founder of Tails & Sails, is definitely one of them! She is so sweet and has a true passion for her business! I had so much fun photographing her and 3 of the most adorable black lab models! And now, I’m so excited to share more about this amazing business owner! Meet Christina!

 

How did you get into making scarves for dogs?

Never in a million years did I see myself making dog scarves, but here I am! I started out by making my dog, Stella, scarves when she outgrew most of the cute little jackets and accessories made for little dogs. People started to ask where I got her scarves and then before you knew it, I was making scarves for other people’s dogs too! Seeing the joy it brings people is really what keeps me going. I love to make and see people happy.

I mean seriously, how beautiful is Stella?!

When did you know you wanted to make this hobby into a business?

I’m not sure there was a defining moment, but I think my own curiosity is what pushed me to grow my hobby into a small business. I have no formal business training, so this venture has been something to challenge myself with, and boy, do I love a challenge!

Speaking of a challenge! Trying to walk three black labs at once!! They had to get their energy out before posing like perfect angels in the next picture! 🙂

 

Do you make scarves for dogs of all sizes?

My scarves come in 4 sizes (S-XL) and generally fit all breeds. Here and there I encounter really small dogs and really big dogs that are outside of my standard sizing. For these pups, I do my best to offer options for custom-fit scarves.

Scarves can fit puppies too! 

Can I find your scarves in any local stores?

You can! My scarves are sold at Wags Charlestown (Charlestown), The Pooped Pooch (Dorchester), Monomoy Horse & Dog (Harwich), Muddy Creek Animal Care Center (Rowley), and Everything But The Dog (Reading). I am also starting an Etsy store as well!

What was the inspiration for the name Tails & Sails?

We are based out of the Charlestown Navy Yard and sailing is quite the sport here. I wanted to combine my love for pups with my love for my community and so, Tails & Sails is what I came up with! People often think that my scarves look like a sail – but I assure you, that’s not what I was going for.

What is the inspiration for your scarf designs?

I try to capture a “coastal prep” kind of look or what I consider to be quintessential New England style in my scarves. I love anything that reminds me of the coast and being a hearty New Englander.

What’s the best part about owning your business?

There are so many things that I appreciate about owning Tails & Sails! I have met some amazing people along the way who have supported me and some who have even become good friends. I’ve had the opportunity to become a part of people’s special moments – Tails & Sails debuted on some holiday cards this year and it warmed my heart to no end. Tails & Sails has also allowed me to share Stella with a much larger audience than I ever would have imagined. I love this girl so much and I am truly so proud to be able to share her special moments with our followers!

 

 

Do you have any upcoming events?

Sure do! Tails & Sails is participating in a fashion show with Monomoy Horse & Dog/Cape Equestrian on the Cape in June! We’ll also be at Paw Palooza on the Cape in July! This is a must-see event for dog lovers. Come and compete in Dock Diving or come as a spectator! This is seriously my favorite event of the year. I love seeing dogs compete! Their athleticism and obedience training is just so inspiring to me. We’ll also be at local Boston events. We’re frequently at South End Open Market and some of the Somerville Local First Markets.

(Pictured from left to right: Zeus, Fenway, & Stella!)

How can people stay up to date with your events and new merchandise?

We’re usually pretty good about posting on Instagram and Facebook about our upcoming events! By “we’re” I mean Stella and me. Just in case you were wondering, she’s very good at navigating social media. Follow us on Instagram @tailsnsails and on Facebook at Tails & Sails to keep in touch!

Also, special thanks to our beautiful models, Stella, Fenway, and Zeus! Be sure to follow along with their story on their Instagram accounts @fenwaytheblacklab and @thelabslife_zeus. And a big, big thank you to Kate and Julia, our amazing assistants/dog moms, for all their help capturing the best images of these three black lab besties with Christina! Also, how great are Kate and Julia’s shirts?!

If you’re interested in being featured in the “That’s So Fetch!” Series, feel free to email lauren@laurendobishphotography.com! I’m always looking for new dog vendors in Boston to collaborate with! It’s so much fun being a part of this community and I love finding new opportunities to collaborate with people who are passionate about their business! Looking forward to hearing from you!