Meet Laney Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laney Smith.

Hi Laney, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
Our story begins one sunny spring day; I was at work designing leggings with pigs on them when I said to myself, “Pigs are so cute! And I’ve always wanted a pet pig… where can I get one?” So, I went on a website where you could find just about anything at the time, and there he was. A cute little piglet cuddling a baby who was wearing an Eeyore onesie. As soon as Morty and I met, we knew it was meant to be; we just had to be together! A few loving months of Morty and I playing, exploring, and sunbathing together passed by, and before we knew it, the air outside started slowly getting colder. Until one day, Morty told me it was just too cold, and he was not going outside. That’s when the bright idea hit me – I was going to make my piggy a sweater! So, the next day after work, I went to the fabric store, and I sewed together a sweater for him out of a navy knitted material. I put the sweater on him, and he happily trotted outside and grazed for an hour! I was amazed and incredibly happy that he was happy to be going outside again! Morty gave me an excited oink, and I thought, “I wonder if there is another pig out there who needs a sweater?” So, I posted Morty and his sweater on Etsy, and now, we help piggies all around the world, be warm and fashionable every winter! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Our road has been different than most businesses, seeing as I did not intentionally set out to start a “business” but to potentially help a piggy or two in need of a sweater. Starting from scratch in a niche market, there have certainly been some hills and valleys we just had to roll with until we got the feel for how we could best fit in where our customers needed us! 

Our designs have consistently been improving throughout the years, based on our wonderful customers’ feedback (goodbye armholes, Hello Velcro)! And one of my proudest implementations has been the creation of our pig sizing chart, which thankfully worked out very well, for pigs of all sizes! Seeing as there were no references for pig clothing at the time, we created the sizing chart and our patterns solely using Morty’s measurements, combined with my knowledge of patternmaking. 

One of the hardest challenges I have ever faced head-on (a few years in a row!) is when I was working full-time at my employer and on top of that, running Morty’s Pig Clothes LLC, probably more than full-time. Communicating with customers, cutting out, sewing, and packaging each sweater myself, with lots of love. Love, that’s the only way I got through it. Knowing that I was fulfilling the purpose I truly cared about, with the most minimal amounts of food and sleep, living off the energy of my passion! 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I graduated from NCSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion and Textile Management. I have worked for multiple clothing brands in their Product Development and Technical Design departments since then. During my very first full-time job out of college is when Morty and I found each other, and we started our pig clothing company! 

We have been through a lot together running this business, but what I am most proud of is that I have found fulfillment through following my passions! Against what everybody said, I followed my heart to get a pig. My piglet needed a sweater, so I made him one, and now, we are providing warmth, comfort, and fashion for pigs all over the world! I love that I am able to be creative, work from home, and be with Morty all day! That is the meaning of success for me. 

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The best advice I have for this question is to follow your intuition. You know what is best for you. Seek out opportunities, stay open-minded to new ways of doing things, and take actions in the direction you want to go. All things unfold in divine timing. 

Contact Info:

• Website: mortyspigclothes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mortyspigclothes
• Facebook: facebook.com/mortyspigclothes
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/laney-smith-nc
• Youtube: youtube.com/@pigpurpose