Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Pugh.
Salvador Kitti was founded in the spring of 2011 by Atlanta artist Amy. The real Salvador was born in her art studio. Salvador crawled in her lap as she worked and put his paws in the paint. Amy and Salvador’s love of painting inspired her to start a line of animal-friendly gifts, accessories, jewelry, and clothing. Amy uses images of her original works in a dynamic range of products. Their tagline is “Wearable Art with a Purpose”. That is what they do best. They also care deeply about the environment and their surroundings. They are a green company that is family-owned and operated. They only print on recycled paper. They have three passions in life: art, animals, and the environment.
Salvador’s Story:
Amy found a pregnant stray cat at work one evening and brought her home. Because of her colorful spots, she named her Pinta, meaning to paint in Spanish. It would prove to be a well-chosen name. Pinta gave birth to five kittens in Amy’s art studio with Amy by her side the whole nine hours. Kitten number two was special from the beginning. She named him Salvador. He was the first of the litter to walk, eat, open his eyes, and notice all of Amy’s paintings. He would walk over to them and sit and stare like he was studying them. Soon Salvador became a painter. He put his paws into the paint and walked on the canvas. Salvador and mama Pinta live with Amy’s family in Atlanta.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Our biggest obstacles have been working capital and getting in touch with the right buyers. It is challenging when you are a small business with a limited advertising and marketing budget.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a fashion line for all who love animals: Wearable Art With A Purpose. We have a range of unique items for everyone. All of the images are from my original paintings and many of the animals I paint reside at Zoo Atlanta.
I have painted animals since I was a little girl. I strive to capture the intellect and emotional intelligence of them. I want to show them as more than a picture. We are changing animal print! For centuries, people have used just the cheetah spots or tiger strips in fashion. We are showing the beauty of the animal as a whole being. We are using state of the art technology to show all the detail in the painting. We are a unique water-resistant microfiber that is animal-friendly.
I am most proud of our giving back program. A portion of every purchase goes to support Wildlife Conservation Projects.
Giving Back Program:
Here at Salvador Kitti, you can be confident that your purchase has a positive impact. A portion of all of our proceeds is donated to wildlife conservation projects. These include The Loggerhead Marine Life Center, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, White Oak Conservation Center, Save the Manatees, and Zoo Atlanta. In addition to our giving back program, we donate products and some of Amy’s original paintings for fundraising events, these include Angels Amount US Pet Rescue, Zoo Atlanta, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Ching Farm Rescue and Sanctuary, Animal Defense League, and many more. We also donate products to be sold at these locations: Gentle Barn, Wildlife Weigh Station and The Cat House.
What were you like growing up?
I was a shy, quiet child for the most part. I’m sure it is not surprising that I loved art and animals. My parents were supportive of my art and let me explore with paints and summer art classes. I was very curious, especially about animals and nature. I was always asking questions and wondering what they were thinking and feeling. When I was around five my parents took me to the circus. I saw a lion in a cage and started crying.
To make a long story short, we had to leave because I was so upset. I was also guilty of bringing home strays… my parents thought I was trying to start my own rescue. I will say that I am still guilty of that often and volunteer with the local rescue.
Pricing:
- Earrings $12.95
- Viscose Scaves $16.50
- Purrfect Tote $36.50
- Change Purse $9.50
- Wristlets – 12.95 to $16.50
- Backpacks $37.50
- Lunch Totes $19.95
- Bag Charms $7.95
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.salvadorkitti.com
- Email: info@salvadorkitti.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salvador_kitti/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salvadorkittipage/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SalvadorKitti
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
