Security Officer Mrs. Carlson has a side gig.

Along with the ginormous responsibility of keeping the school’s faculty, staff and students safe, Carlson has designed, created and sold personalized dog collars, successfully, for the past 15 years. Her small business, ‘Libbyjanedesign‘, seems to be appropriate since she named it after one of her dogs.

Carlson initially began the idea through her personal Facebook page, where her friends and family were able to see her incredibly cuddly creations. Then, through the use of a variety of website designs and personalized puppy add ons, the collars became a success. And, as interest grew, so did the business.

“I love when clients send me pictures of their dogs wearing the collars I made. It makes me happy knowing I can make something that brightens everyone’s day,” Carlson said.

Libbyjanedesign collars were not always successful, however. When Carlson began her venture into entrepreneurship, her collar designs were nowhere near what they have become. Over the years, through trial and error and the testing of different materials and layouts, she was finally able to find the perfect fit for her success.

The collars are now created through the use of heavy waterproof webbing, welded hardware and sturdy reflective buckles to ensure safety and comfort for the animals.

According to Carlson, five star reviews of the collars have justified the sustainability of the innovative creations.

She also brings her collars to work and donates them to the school store for students and teachers to take home to their own furry friends and many of her collars have been donated to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).