The Sudbury Star:
The economy may stink, but Karyn Climans’ skunk is a big hit. In fact, she has an entire menagerie of animals in her basement, from wild to domestic, and they’re stampeding out the door in droves.
Climans has a terrifically successful tale about tails. Her all- Canadian company, Tail Wags, creates colourful character helmet covers with personality — from raccoons, skunks and monkeys to devils, cows and sharks — that make wearing a helmet cool for kids and adults.
“The response has been incredible,” says Climans, 48, who started up in her basement with an initial investment of $5,000. Armed with a few industrial sewing machines, fleece, faux fur and stuffing, labels and business cards, two years later she can barely keep up with demand. Sales doubled the second year and have so far tripled this year — and there’s still the Christmas season to go.
“I lie awake some nights wondering if I’ll be able to keep up with the volume,” adds Climans, who jumped into business headfirst after her own leopard helmet cover attracted so much attention on the ski hills.
“I’ve relied on my sheer determination, energy and smarts to carry me through the start-up of this business.”
Only the cutting and sewing is outsourced. She’s the alpha in design. “Creation of the animals is my favourite job so I maintain 100 per cent of that area of the business. I’m still very hands-on with all aspects of the business,” says Climans, adding that if the tails of the bunnies aren’t fluffy enough, it’s back to the fluffing department.
The animal covers, which retail for $40-$45, fit all makes and models of helmets: “Tail Wags celebrates the wagging motion of the animals’ tail while skiing, skating, snowboarding and biking” and even horseback riding.
Screenshot from Tail Wags.