Spotlight On: Polecat’s Customs and Creations

Spotlight On: Polecat’s Customs & Creations

As part of our ongoing series, we are interviewing people of interest in the area who are having a positive impact on our community.

This time, we reached out to Stevie Pole from Polecat’s Customs & Creations!

What inspired you to start Polecat’s Customs & Creations, and how did you decide to focus on both laser engraving and leatherworking?

The inspiration for Polecat’s Customs & Creations came from many directions. For years I’ve had a love for crafting and a dream to someday incorporate that into fashion of some kind. Seeing so many Native American artists on the rise has been part of that inspiration. Another inspiration is that I am raising some up-and-coming cowboys that are involved in rodeo. My second oldest (knowing that mom likes to sew and craft) asked me when I was browsing online for leather chaps that would fit him if I could make him some and I thought to myself, “I probably can make them.” It just kind of sparked something in me, so that is where my idea of doing leatherwork came about. When looking at different tools and things that could assist me in making custom chaps/rodeo pants for bull or bronc riding, I decided to invest in a laser cutting and engraving machine. Shortly after the arrival of my machine I realized that the machine could do so much more than expected, including engraving metal and cutting wood. Being a stay-at-home mom with minimal time restraints I decided it was time to take the steps to starting a small business, then from there it just kind of seemed like the possibilities were virtually endless.

Can you share more about the process behind your custom laser engraving? How do you work with clients to ensure their vision comes to life on items like tumblers, cutting boards, and other product?

My machine is pretty user friendly, and I can work with a fairly wide variety of materials including wood, leather, slate, and other materials like some fabrics and certain dark opaque acrylics. I haven’t tried everything yet but so far my favorite materials to work with are stainless steel and wood. I’m getting the hang of using my laser on leather testing different settings, finding what I like to call “the sweet spot” so I’m not burning too deep in the leather but just enough to make permanent markings to last through regular use wear and tear. I find it very rewarding when I can find those really great settings knowing that it will make the quality of my work that much better for my customers. All in all, I have no preference, I just like using my machine! It’s rather addicting!

The process of ensuring a client’s visions come true is a somewhat simple process depending on the item(s) and the intricacy of the design. For example, one would pick a knife or tumbler and then let me know what design or phrase they want, choose a font if applicable or send me a specific file or photo to use, and then I would begin to process the order. Of course, things are a bit different depending on if the order is being made virtually (social media) or in person, but in both instances, I do my best to stay in touch with the client during the process to ensure I am meeting their expectations to the best of my abilities including promptly providing shipping information and confirmation.

You mentioned offering personalized products, including memorial items. How do you approach creating something so meaningful for customers during difficult times?

Personalized products such as memorial items are something I offer with the upmost care, compassion, and respect. I had my first memorial item order recently and it turned out beautifully. A customer whose beloved cat had passed away put in an order for two matching rings with a simple quirky but heartfelt phrase that honored their fur baby. One of my favorite projects so far. I plan to offer a variety of items for such purposes at a discount for families when an order for multiple memorial keepsakes is put in with me. I have some mementos that I plan to make for my own loved ones who have passed and plan on sharing my work on the Facebook page just kind of letting it be known that it is a service I offer.

As an indigenous woman-owned business, how do you incorporate elements of your heritage and culture into your creations?

Being an indigenous woman-owned business there are many ways that culture can be incorporated into my work. I like to find patterns and designs I can relate to, kind of a tribal modern-day swag, and engrave it onto small items like rings and knives or belts. Another way I like to incorporate my culture is by using my tribal language on everyday items like salt and pepper shakers or on a clock. (I can use other tribal languages as well as long as I am provided the necessary information.)

In time I plan to expand, get different machines and tools that will assist me in personalized leatherwork making rodeo chaps and other customization jobs. Eventually along with my chaps I want to offer custom western/rodeo dress shirts with ribbon work and embroidered tribal designs. Those are just some of the things I like to do and have envisioned, but certainly not limited to. Open and looking forward to working with folks of all kinds hoping that I can help someone’s visions come true.

Lastly, where can people find you?

I can be found on my Facebook business page Polecat’s Customs & Creations. The page is a bit vague at the moment, mostly just posting some test products so far but I will be having a giveaway soon to promote my business so make sure to give it a like and be on the lookout. I am working on building an Etsy page and a website, and business cards are in the making as well.

Thank you to Stevie Pole for answering our questions!

TM Rush