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THE MAD MADDIE FAMILY
Mad Maddie is truly a family business. From our inspiration that is one of our own beloved animals, to Mom and Dad who make up the sales team and barkery, we lovingly work together. Together we sew, together we tag... together we are building another small business to help strengthen the American economy.
A very special thanks to all of our tireless family helpers -- Debby, Mike, Doug and Erika. Mad Maddie is also born of a larger family of entrepreneurs in design and retail and we thank all of our aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters who have given their advice and encouragement.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Christine Battista is a true
Florida “cracker”. She was born and raised in Port
Richey,
Florida, and was a graduate of
River
Ridge
High School. Growing up with a Dad who worked in the fashion industry and a Mom that taught and encouraged her to sew at an early age, fashion was natural career choice. Christine made her prom dress as well as custom garments for other students while still in high school. She chose to attend
Florida
State
University and double-majored in Merchandising and Apparel Design & Technology. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with several scholarships which included Florida Bright Futures, Macy’s Merchandising Scholarship, and the Seminole Torchbearers Leadership Award. While at
Florida
State, Christine also directed a fashion show and participated in a fashion study abroad program in
Paris and
London. She also completed internships at Adidas and Federated Merchandising Group (Macy's) in
New York.
After obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree, Christine continued her education at
Auburn
University in
Auburn,
Alabama. Within the Department of Consumer Affairs, she completed a Master of Science degree, with a focus on Apparel and Interiors. While at AU, Christine assisted in teaching undergraduate students in Apparel Product Development courses from freshman to senior levels. She was also a participant and winner in the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) design competition. In her spare time, Christine also freelanced, creating custom wedding dresses and garments for clients.
In August of 2005, Christine created “Mad Maddie”, a pet accessories business. Her dog
Madison, a Boston terrier, is the inspiration behind the company as she is just plain crazy! Mad Maddie is focused on creating a line of funky and unique collars, leashes and other pet accessories. Christine believes that pets have very individual personalities and they should be able to express it with fun accessories! The current product line includes collars, harnesses, leashes, bandanas, leash pouches and treats for pets. Collars, harnesses and leashes are adorned with beautiful woven ribbons, some with just plain cute motifs and others with ornate brocade designs. All items are high quality, machine washable, durable, and hand-crafted with the utmost care by sewing machine. The collars come in 5 adjustable sizes from XS-XL, and matching leashes that are 5 feet long. Mad Maddie also offers small, large and XL bandanas that slide over your pets’ collar, eliminating the need to tie and re-tie them on. The “barkery” includes yummy items like banana biscotti, carrot cakes and “cinnabones” that pets are sure to beg for. Mad Maddie also offers festive collars and bandanas for various holidays and can accommodate requests for custom designs.
Christine now resides in the
Tampa
Bay area with her loving husband, Doug Spiker DVM, and their two “kids”, Billy (a boxer) and Madison. Christine enjoys many hobbies which include biking, swimming, gardening, home improvement projects, ballroom dancing, and teaching dance classes at her local YMCA. To give back to her community, Christine is proud to be an active member of the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin, serving on committees such as Art Harvest (annual juried art show), The Scot Shop (thrift store) and ANGELS/Community (focused on foster children). Christine and Doug also serve together as mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
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