Hey there! Thanks for finding my shop. My name is Kim and I want you to step into my world for a minute. Get to know me a little and what I’m capable of, as you and your furby may be my next client!
As an only child living in Duluth, Minnesota to a mostly single parent, I developed quite an imagination. I loved scary movies, writing, exploring the local woods and creeks on my own, and most of all… creating and fixing things. I dedicate and credit a long-time transgender friend of my mother’s who was both father & mother to me growing up, giving me my first sewing machine and showing me how to fix everything! Your homemade desk will forever serve my creative space. R.I.P. Kung-Fu Fighter, Cindy Baker.
I’ve always connected and bonded with animals. I’ve had dogs growing up, three of my own kitties, an iguana, four various birds and fish! Funny though, because I started my career as a Cosmetologist. After four years of haircuts and perms, I decided to return to college to study Marine Biology (I loved the Ocean). Being new to the college scene and just turning 21, my wild side took over and learning biology failed me. So, as a huge movie buff, I switched into Theatre/Film and signed up for some backstage work study. Next thing you know I was building sets and props in the scene shop and doing costumes and hair!
Birds of a Feather… I was in my element and the center of attention for these 6 Yorkies, one Lapso-Apso and an African Grey!
I finally decided to leave my home in Minnesota (and WI) to finish college at California State University-Humboldt, where they offered more in-depth film, dance, make-up and costumes! After 5 years, I finally received an M.F.A. degree in Theatre Arts. Two days later I moved to Las Vegas to work for Cirque Du Soleil and Blue Man Group in wardrobe. After 6 years, I had three over-use injuries working the corporate world FT. So, I ventured into yoga, natural healing and realized how therapeutic animals can be. Continuing my passion for designing, I love the medium of animals. So, I created a new line of dog costumes based on my love for the darker side, but as with any love for animals, you begin to see some more normal, elegant, and even silly designs emerge. Everything is made with my hands full of love and laughter. I hope you and yours enjoy my site as it grows and help spread the word globally and connect me to the people who so desire my services the most.
The prices in my designs reflect the unique materials that get shopped for outside of the usual chain stores and the time well spent meticulously designing each piece, which most are hand sewn as well. Some, what seems to be simple, pieces can take 4-8 hours to create. I note that most dog costumes (from China) you buy online can cost an average of $35. Imagine the quality of materials and labor, which can be almost equally intensive, and how much these people are making. It’s sad.
In L.A., I became a Reiki Master in 2016 offering my services to aid in healing in both people and animals and continue to dabble in the Spiritual and Mystical Arts. I temporarily moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ in 2017 to be with family while I recovered from the aftermath of L.A. and lack of finding work with my Masters degree. I attended school (hopefully for the last time EVER) as a Licensed Massage Therapist and took night classes as a Certified Small Animal Massage Therapist where my journey with animals is really just starting! Please visit Totem Animal Wellness on Facebook to see how else I serve Gaia’s creatures 🙂
I’m so Grateful you stopped by and made it this far!
Much Love and Furry, Finned, & Feathered, Hugs and Kisses
~KIMBERLY CHRISTINE~