Today we’d like to introduce you to Gail Simms.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gail. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My story started in NYC, Art and Theater, Music, Museums and Shoes! After Parsons School of Design, I found myself in California with a new view and all kinds of possibilities for my professional life. That was years ago, first as a successful Sportswear, Swimwear, Bodywear and Eveningwear designer (Stylist, in Europe). I started my Design Resource Corporation Idea Elefante after realizing that I could handle multiple projects concurrently, it was a no brain-er for me. I love working in Europe, Asia and the USA. A Gypsy at heart. My philosophy has always stayed true…. ” If you are a truly creative person, you can design anything and make magic happen” My personal Title is as mystical as you can get…… I am a DESIGNER a FINDER a CURATOR and an ENTREPRENEUR. And this leads me to my E-commerce site WAGS and WOOFERS. Fashion was not as creative for me, most companies wanted what was successful the season before and there were no magical garmentos, they were a dying breed. Then came 9/11 and the World stood still I noticed Pets were more visible after that horrible morning! Was I just imagining it or were there hundreds more Dogs on the streets. I had a dog and a cat and always had had pets, but this was different. To be perfectly honest, as you can see from above, I am a visual creator, I can use this skill to visualize a room as a Jungle or a pair of shoes worn by Ginger Rogers in Top Hat (that’s a movie) and on and on. However, the Computer was another story and very much like entering a Black Hole. My self-confidence not withstanding I vaulted ahead… my vision of a wonderful place coming to you, with my logo set, from a cold liquid screen was the hardest thing I have ever done!!!!! I have spent most of my savings, maxed out credit cards on this learning curve called the Internet. Because I love animals, I research new Veterinary trends and have a large group of Pet Health and Wellness Pioneers in my go to Specialists Lists. This is what sets me and my site apart. I only sell non-toxic, low carbon footprint, futuristic, made in the USA unique Pet Health/ Wellness supplies along with very particular products (my magic eye of finding the newest and the best). I write a Blog… WALKING THE BLOG and discuss why the K word KIBBLE may be convenient, but it will shorten your Pets life and make her develop all kinds of health issues in the future! Such as, why feeding your Pet Home Cooked or Raw adds to a quality life. And it has been proven after years of testing and research. Why Manukka Honey from New Zealand is a natural healing honey with natural antibiotic properties. I’m still trying to keep my energy level up, but I have to admit it’s tough, this Internet thing
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not knowing what it takes to really build a site was my main problem. A friend of my husbands, who is a savvy internet businessman, advised me to go to Web.com. Wrong, I found out the hard way after 1.5 yrs. and lots of money later that I was a plain old website NOT an e-commerce site. The friend probably thought I was a bored Housewife, as he really didn’t know me, and figured that would be good enough. I found Shopify.com and realized, after much research that this was the best and cheapest way to start again.
Thinking back, it was retail on steroids, with my speaking a different language computer speak. I have no funding, I thought I knew so much more and I’m doing it all alone. I can’t afford to hire full time help and I have a brilliant site that a friend built for me 2 yrs. ago. After paying yet again for a third time. Links break, work needs to be done so I’m now involved in a love/hate relationship.
The buying and drop-shipping for me is a breeze. However, remember, I’m a visual creator, I know what I want but don’t have the staff to carry out my needs, when it comes to loading, linking and the programs, it’s me limping along. I absolutely hate having to work with social media, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter… take up too much time. I build my own Ads, I take my own pics and I write and ship… I belong to hundreds of Dog Groups on line and have a great following. I actually just discovered how to build my site visits, without paying a fortune but Conversions are still a problem.
What’s your favorite memory from childhood?
Walking with my Dad when I was 3 and he saved a kid from drowning in a sewer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wagsandwoofers.com
- Phone: 877.659.o488
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wagsandwoofers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wagsandwoofers/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/wagsandwoofers/
- Other: https://www.reddit.com/user/WagsandWoofers/
Image Credit:
Alain@plush
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