My Journey to Alpaca Fiber Designs

My history

• I have always enjoyed working with animals– Riding horses since age 6, compete in horse shows– Volunteered at Military dog kennel “ Canine

Corps”– Currently volunteer at the Animal House. (3 years)

• My second passion– Knitting , I am been seen walking and knitting at

the same time.– Latch hook– Art work– Crafts (OK , computer and video games too)

CV School

• My high school teacher Mrs. Harrison was thinking outside the box when she found the Alpaca farm for me to volunteer. This opportunity started me on my career and business.

• Art classes with Mrs. Schungel were my favorite classes.

• Bent Pine Alpaca Farm Owners: Darwin and Doris Kell

Mrs. Harrison

• One day Darwin said to my parents “ you know Dana needs a job when she graduates.”

• Then he showed us the Wet Felting Wizard on line made by Wade Gease in WI.

• We bought the Wet Felting Wizard and it came in January.

• The Foundation for Enhancing Communities and UCP assisted in getting Alpaca Fiber Designs started.

Wet Felting Wizard

• I had my first day of competitive employment on Feb 28th.

• We had the Grand Opening on April 28th.• Wade Gease the inventor of the felting

machine was in attendance and we made a felt sheet together to demonstrate the machine.

Phone call to Mrs. Harrison on my first day of employment

Making the first alpaca blanket on the new machine

First day hugs with Mr. Kell

Inventor of the Wet Felting WizardWade Gease at Grand Opening

• I have participated in several shows recently– State Alpaca show– Monroe Township Community Day

• Participating in National ARC Entrepreneur Alley in New Orleans.

• Alpaca Fiber Designs is on the internet and etsy.com website is our store front.

Future Plans

• We are working on obtaining grants/ money so I can work more than 1 day a week at the business. ( I work at CIT 2 days a week)

• Would like to expand so others who have the same interests can work at Alpaca Fiber Designs.

• Increase marketing to the public.

What this job means to me

• Meeting new people• Have a nice job coach• Working in a field that I enjoy, animals and arts• Love making products • Making more money• More independence• Improved attitude and behavior• Having fun• Learning new skills

• Please visit my website!!• Thank you for your time and interest in my

new wonderful job!!!!• I hope it continues until I am 70. • Then I will pass it on….