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| Jewelry Designer Goes To the Dogs | |
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Dedicated to bringing our readers the most innovative and unique products for pets, Unleash talks with Terri Garcia, owner and designer of Chief Furry Officer, a fine jewelry and accessories lifestyle brand for people and thier pets. What inspired you to start designing jewelry for people and their pets? I own a fine jewelry company, Imagine Jewels (www.imaginejewels.com) and have been designing everything from engagement rings and wedding bands to corporate logo pieces for major corporations. I have always been an animal lover. I started to search for pet inspired pieces that were well designed, made and had outstanding quality. The selection was limited. I thought that if I could not find what I was looking for, then I should just design it myself, which is exactly what I did. Every time I would wear one of my pieces, people would ask me about my jewelry. My designs quickly caught on and that's when I realized that I was a fine jewelry designer who "went to the dogs". We had adopted the most amazing rescue, Skyler, if truth be told, she actually rescued me. She really was the inspiration for Chief Furry Officer. She "worked" with me everyday, siting under my desk. I was the chief canine officer and she was my chief furry officer, my cfo. I found that my heart smiled when I was designing my line. How long have you been in the pet industry? What makes Chief Furry Officer products unique? Our brand is all about quality. We are so proud of our line. For example, our collars and leashes are all made by hand in our workroom in West Hills, California. We take pride in using American milled webbing, the finest hardware on the market that are 100% designer fabrics and are hand cut. It's all about the details for us. We add an extra d-ring to our leashes near the handle, so you can easily carry a waste bag or keys. We offer over 40 custom fabric choices for our collars and leashes and each is named after a city or place of interest in the Los Angeles area. Our "Beverly Hills", "Bel Air", "Los Angeles" and "PCH" are really popular. Giving our client's their choice of 12 webbing colors to select from, it is easy to customize a collar that is just perfect for their dog. Our jewelry is also made in the USA. We like to offer what we call indulgences. There are pieces offered in every price point from Sterling Silver to Diamonds. Our photo pieces are really popular. We take any photo and permanently imprint it on any of our photo pieces. It is great to see how creative people can be. We have clients who put their photo on a pet tag that their dog wears! The jewelry photo charms can be worn as a pendent or on a bracelet. I have made photo charms with a pet's picture on it and it has been tied to a bridal bouquet! Just plain fun....
It is extremely important for us to give back. We have had the pleasure of adopting Bailey and Heidi, both rescues. Bailey serves as my V-PEE of Sales and Heidi is my VP of Barketing. Skyler, Bailey and Heidi all came from Gwen Clark. Gwen is my "fairydogmother". She worked with a local rescue organization and graciously placed my cfo's in our home. If it was not for the amazing work of rescue organizations many of these animals would not be here. It's that simple. We have participated in countless fundraising efforts, from donating portion of our proceeds from the sale of our products to donating merchandise to silent auctions. This fall we are going to be designing a specific collar pattern, where the net proceeds will go to a specific rescue organization. We have coordinated corporate clients to donate used blankets and towels to local shelters. We look forward to raising money for so many great charities!
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Comments (25)
  written by Kathleen Dennison, July 22, 2011
People are really doing a lot of things for their pets now that they would do for themselves. I'm glad were starting to appreciate the animals in our lives. After all, these creatures can give us as much joy or more than those who walk on 2 legs
 written by Frank Occhipinti, July 23, 2011
With tremendous admiration, I would like to congratulate you on this article !!! You have worked very hard to start this company and have put in your heart and soul. Once again, CONGRATS !!! .
Love Ya, Frank
 written by Felicia, July 23, 2011
True. My dogs surely deserve a lot of love. I buy gifts for them on holidays and their birthdays. I think jewelry items are a great way to show how much your pet means to you.
written by Marcia, July 27, 2011
It must be nice for dog owners to afford these extravagant pieces for their pets.
 written by Terri Garcia, designer/owner cfo, July 28, 2011
Hi Marcia, Thanks for your comments. The pieces showcased in this article are for people and are a small sampling of our entire line. The diamond pieces are what we call "indulgences". The bone shown is a pendent and the paw print photo is of our cufflinks. I offer many pieces in my jewelry line that are affordable. It was very important for me to be mindful of price, but not sacrifice quality. I have a complete line of pet products, all made in the USA that start at $6. Our collars and leashes are handmade in our workroom and are priced from $18-$30. Please visit www.chieffurryofficer.com I appreciate your comments, which allow me to clarify that the diamond pieces are not for pets. Thank you! Terri Garcia
 written by Brooke J., July 30, 2011
So cute.....the cufflinks with the paws. I guess theyre made for guys but I'd wear em lol
 written by Jill Cross, August 02, 2011
What a great article Terri! I am thrilled you and cfo have been recognized for your passion and wonderful products. I love to wear my charm bracelet with the pictures of my beloved Allahwyshes and Schaefer. I also keep your charm of Schaefer on my key ring so she goes everywhere I go. She travels with me as well with her image on my luggage tag. I wear the Charlie charm on a chain around my neck. I love knowing my "little people" are with me. Keep up the great work and creative ideas!
 written by PAMELA FRANKS, August 07, 2011
OMG THE DIAMOND DOG BONE IS FAB! IVE NEVER SEEN ANY JEWELRY LIKE IT
 
written by Terri Garcia, designer cfo, August 11, 2011
Thank you all for taking the time to post comments. All of my pieces are original designs and exclusive to cfo. We will be adding more pieces to our line in the next few weeks. Be sure to check out "peaceful puppy". Pamela, I am thrilled you liked our bone! Thanks!
 written by Lynette Forsythe, August 17, 2011
Dog-themed jewelry. Aha! Probably would make a great gift for a pet owner.
written by Robert Heimrich, September 06, 2011
Its good to see this business supporting non profit organizations. The Humane Society of Jacksonville, Fl does a great job for the animal community.
written by Patty Ball, September 16, 2011
Dido that. Other businesses should support nonprofits
Patty Ball
 written by Gretchen Hardley, October 02, 2011
I glad Chief Furry Officer manufacturers their products in the U.S. It takes smart people in the pet business to right the wrongs of American capitalism
 written by Barbara Milton, October 12, 2011
Diamond paw earrings would look great on dog loving ladies
written by Rosalyn , October 25, 2011
Chief furry officer and chief financial officer. i get it that's cute
 written by Atoiya, November 02, 2011
Dog owners will break the bank for their babies. They are certainly worth it. They give so much and ask so little.
 written by ollie, December 02, 2011
V-Pee that's cute.....hey dogs can be business owners too!
 written by Maxine Bening, December 18, 2011
The diamond dog bone piece would be perfect for a Christmas gift for me.....win wink. I hope my husband reads this, he knows how much I love cute jewelry. Im also have 2 adorable Pugs
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Are there any outstanding accomplishments or memorable experiences from those who have used your products?
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