Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Peed.
Hi Brandy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am the cat mom who created an Instagram account for my cat named Sly James. He is named after the former Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, Sly James. Three and a half years ago we started celebrating holidays every day. Most are out of the ordinary holidays, but we still do the traditional ones too. Sly was a kitten when we started. His first dress-up was when I adopted him in 2017 for Valentine’s Day. He had the cutest pair of doll wings on. January 1, 2018, I decided to start dressing him up every day after getting inspiration from a new planner I got that had fun unusual holidays in it. I had only planned on doing it for one year, but when 2018 was almost close to being over Sly had gained quite a little following, so I decided to continue. I make about 90% of his costumes. Either from felt or cardboard. I usually decide what he will be from a running list of daily holidays I research ahead of time and what supplies I have available. Sly is never forced to pose. If he does not like it, I let him go his way and just figure it out. Usually, he is really good and we get the shot we need. He knows it’s photoshoot time when I put up his blue backdrop. I also spend more time making the costumes and props than it takes to take the photo. On average it takes up less than 5 minutes to take the photo and he’s on his way after some of his favorite treats. Besides holidays we also support social causes. Sly has also gained quite a following due to his portrayal of Kansas City’s beloved Patrick Mahomes which Sly is called Catrick Mahomes. We try to do a post every football game day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Everyone always asks me who I get a cat to dress up and usually I say Magic and giggle. I honestly did not realize it what that getting a cat to dress up and pose was that out of the ordinary until people started mentioning that their cat would never let them do that. This biggest struggle is things on Sly’s head. He does fairly well with most hats and hair, but he can get annoyed with them or masks. So, if it does annoy him, I try to modify it and just remove it from the equation.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
So, I was a nanny of almost 20 years until a few months ago and now I’m a toddler teacher at a local school. None of it really impacts being a creator for Sly’s content. I do love working with kids and I feel like my creativity with being a maker does spill over to working with kids and vice versa. I do love crafting because I can just tune everything out and just let my creative juices flow. Painting, drawing, etc. it’s a great stress-relieving outlet. I think what sets me apart is that no one else is really doing what I’m doing with Sly on social media. Of course, people dress up their pets, but not in costumes they’ve created. Also, not every single day.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Sly has a brother named Bubblegum, Sly’s followers are always excited if Bubblegum makes an appearance in Sly’s photos. So, mom ended up making Bubblegum his own IG. Bubblegum is 10 years older than Sly.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: slyjamesthecat
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slyjamesthecat08
- Twitter: @slyjamesthecat
