We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Blanca Osorio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Blanca , thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Growing up, whenever I had an issue, my mom would remind me, “there’s a solution for everything, except death.” Because even when something goes wrong, or you’re going through a tough time, it’ll get better. No matter what mess you’re in, it’s just a phase, and things will turn around. It’s all about your approach to adversity, the right mindset. I’ve always been a strong believer that a positive attitude moves mountains. Maybe there’s been some downers in my life and I’ve had to be the positive force that lifts them up, or we’ll all go down together. If that’s the case, other’s negativity makes me more optimistic!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am the founder of Purrfashion, upcycled cat accessories. We make cat collars and cat harnesses out of clothes and re-purr-posed fabrics. Our tagline, “Cats have nine lives, why should clothes have only one?” really speaks to our mission of sustainability. It all started during the pandemic. I had just adopted a cat and I wanted to take him outside with a harness and leash. But when I couldn’t find a harness that I liked and that my cat was comfortable in, I started making my own.
I was taking virtual sewing classes, and I learned about the pollution caused by the textile industry, from the chemicals used in textile production, to the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills. I wanted to do something about it, and upcycling was the answer.
Now we sell our re-purr-posed cat products at cat shows and online, and I’ve harness-trained many cats.
But why cat harnesses? Well, when I was a kid, my childhood cat was run over by a neighbor’s car, and it was really traumatic. So, while I wanted my newly adopted cat to have access to the outdoors, I didn’t want him out on his own. Other than risking getting run over, cats can get lost, attacked by predators, or even poisoned by cruel people. We don’t let dogs out on their own. It makes even less sense with cats, because they also prey on birds and other animals. But most house cats are either indoor only or go outdoors on their own. Purrfashion is trying to bring awareness that the harness is a safer way for cats to explore the outdoors, resulting in happier and healthier lives for them. We offer a free virtual consultation for anyone interested in harness training their cat, and training sessions available in person in San Diego, CA or online for the rest of the world.
Find us at purrfashion.com. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook @purrfashioncats
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Before the pandemic, I worked in Hospitality. I used to inspect hotels, and the job was 100% travel. Traveling and working on my own gave me the skills to work independently and be my own boss. This made it easier to transition into starting my own business. I also learned the importance of having a brand, a specific look and feel. It’s not about the product or service you offer, but how it makes people feel. Think about a hotel brand you know and like. Have you noticed the scent in the lobby? The decor? It’s all meant to make you feel a certain way. This has helped me when creating my own brand, and it’s been a fun journey!
My Hospitality background also really developed my communication skills. I’m not afraid to approach everyone in the room and start a conversation. That’s really come in handy to learn from peers and advisors on how to make my business better.
So my advice for those early in their journey is to never stop seeking help and asking questions. Force yourself to be outgoing, and you’ll be rewarded with knowledge.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, it helps to write down everything that I need to accomplish, and focus on one thing at a time, starting with the things that are most important and urgent. . Most of the times I do this old school, with pen and paper, because it gives me a little satisfaction when I cross something off my list. I also write down how much time I need to get each thing done. But my advice is, be honest with yourself; allow time for mishaps. Because life happens. Give yourself room to procrastinate!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.purrfashion.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purrfashioncats
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purrfashioncats
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blanca-osorio/
