Check Out Andre Sanders’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Sanders.

Hi Andre, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my journey for my business after I had to be medically removed from my position working in law enforcement. During the meeting for my agency to tell me that I would no longer be able to work in my capacity, they brought in a therapy dog to help ease the bad news. At the time I was big a macho and didn’t think I needed the therapy dog but as I was told the bad news, the dog was a great hugging partner. Fast forward, as I sat at home with my injury for over a year, anxiety and depression took over from my chronic pain I needed a way to distract myself from the bad spot I was in. I started making bracelets and necklaces for humans, and at that time, the therapy dog popped into my head. I started to make dog collars for dogs so they could look good too along with their owners. It started as just a hobby but I quickly remembered I had always had a love for design. I started to take the collar making more seriously and landed a licensing agreement with the University of Arizona. Shortly after I entered a pitch competition with Start Up Tucson x TenWest and made it to the finals. I was awarded a prize from CIC Tucson and from that point my business took off. I continued to obtain more licensures from Universities, got my product into local pet stores, and started producing amazing designs.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path to where I am today I would say has been smoother than most business’s experience. The struggle I am currently facing is growing faster than I can keep up with. I ran into a few inventory problems but I pushed through the hill and worked on stocking up on inventory to supply more pet stores across the United States and other events that I’ve had to participate in.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think what I’m most proud of and specialize in is being able to get licenses to produce officially licensed collars. When I tell people these are my designs and I have them UV printed onto biothane, the look of disbelief on their faces makes me laugh. Also I help other pet businesses brand collars and leashes for their business. This helps bring brand awareness in ways they may not recognize. The ability of printing designs on the biothane material is not new, but it isn’t being implemented in the way that I use it. I am also proud of when I show stores and Universities my designs, the way that they respond with genuine interest always makes me feel good. It’s validation that what I’m doing is different from what is commonly seen on the market.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I will say I am a big fan of listening to motivational speaker Eric Thomas. his podcast and YouTube videos help me push through my moments where I become tired and lazy.

Pricing:

• Custom Leather Collars $60+
• University Collars $35
• Custom Paracord $35+
• Basic Biothane Collars $23
• Biothane x Parcord Collars $25

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedrecreations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedrecreations/
• Other: https://thedrecreation.etsy.com

Image Credits
Monique Vargas
Lance Thorn