Our Story
Hi, my name is Ash and I run Wren & Rye from my little home studio in Manchester. I am the founder, designer, maker and everything in between.
Why Wren & Rye…
It had always been a dream to run a creative business, my university course had put me on the path to do so, graduating with a First Class Honours in Contemporary Applied Arts (Printed Textiles/Embroidery) back in 2010. But upon graduating I hadn’t yet found my calling. I went on to work in textile production in a mill in Lancashire, as a Visual Merchandiser for Topshop and a creative assistant for numerous fashion businesses in London.
By 2017, my freelance work had basically turned me into a hermit, working from home had given me very little reason to venture outside and although I had managed to purchase my flat and could not have been happier with my partner, my life was at an impasse - ENTER Wren, our toy cockapoo and apple of my eye. Along with providing me with lots of love and entertainment, she was the inspiration and impetus to make a change… Wren & Rye was born, the perfect intersection of my passions; dogs, fashion, British production and innovation!
But Who is Rye? I hear you ask...
Rye is my parents’ pooch, she joined the family a couple of months before Wren and, despite being an absolute terror, made me realise how much I needed a dog in my life again. As the two names sat so well together and because without them I would not be running the business today, I simply had to name it after them both.
Our Ethos
Wren & Rye produces on-trend fashion accessories for dogs, big or small, dainty or rough and tumble. All of our products are designed and made in the UK, using materials sourced from within the UK! I strongly believe in British made products. Growing up in the mill towns of East Lancashire, I have always been around craftspeople and British produce, and unfortunately, I have seen our industries decline and the quality of the items in our homes reduce as a result. Equally important is keeping design, manufacture and sale as close together as possible extremely reduces our carbon footprint.
Why bow tie when you can BowDangle?
Our flagship original product, the BowDangle, was inspired by my Ma's dirty dog walks with Rye and customers at markets with their pups - all those dogs too rough and tumble for your average bow tie. The development process was a joy, made by all the doggy early adopters out there, donning their samples up and down the country. The result is an accessory meticulously designed and lovingly made in the UK to millimetre precision. Only a year on from being a mere sketch on scrap paper, BowDangles were awarded Highly Commended for Gift of the Year 2020... And I could not be more proud.
Want to find out more? Head over to our Instagram and please feel free to get in touch!
Wren & Rye, bringing you Pet Accessories made in the UK since 2018.
Ash