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Stray Dog products; Jane and daughter Stella
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Friday, October 10, 2008
Spotlight: Jane Gray of Stray Dog Designs
J
ane Gray is a founder and designer at Stray Dog Designs, an accessories company full of quality, quirky products that are handmade by artisans in Haiti and Mexico. We'd tell you more about her, but she does a much better job herself:
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Tennessee...Lookout Mountain, TN…right outside of Chattanooga. It’s a very lush, green, southern and safe place to grow up. I enjoyed a lovely, easy childhood. My favorite things are junk shops, my three fantastically adorable children, my handsome and curly headed husband, reading, the idea of gardening (the actual weed pulling, watering, etc. I find quite tedious) and drawing.
What do you do? Why?
I am a designer. I design accessories. I don't know why. That's a good question. But, i like it (designing, that is, not the question).
What’s the big idea?
I think there might be a couple of big ideas.
One of them is sort of that design can make you happy. And that housewares don't have to be boring or unapproachable. They can be quirky and even goofy and full of personality, and that's all good. And that having a house that looks just like your neighbor's is not nearly as much fun as having a house that is comfortable and reflects your personality. That's one idea. And the other is that not everything we consume needs to be made in China for as few dollars as is humanly possible. I think that if you want to work in a certain medium, then you should figure out where that medium has been made historically. Then, go there. Find and use craftspeople that know and enjoy their craft. And pay them well so that they can live comfortably and support their families. It just makes sense. Just like buying local produce makes sense.
What do you wish the world knew about accessory design?
Hmmm. Nothing much. I think it is far more important that the world knows how to love their neighbor and care for their environment.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Applying myself (all those teachers were right after all).
What’s your mantra?
I don't really have a mantra. I am far too scattered for that. I would forget it, or change my mind. But I am sure you should brush your teeth everyday. So you can say that is my mantra, if you want.
What keeps you motivated?
The need to buy groceries, pay the mortgage, educate my children, etc.
What’s next?
Your guess is as good as mine!
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