Today we’d like to introduce you to Elly Butler
Hi Elly, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m originally from Sydney, Australia, and have a Turkish background. After graduating from high school, I moved to America. I spent a couple of years in beautiful Encino, California, before eventually settling in St. Louis, Missouri.
After losing my beloved Maltese dog, Lola, I turned to woodworking and put my web design work on hold. My first project was a TV stand in honor of Lola. Once I felt mentally stable again, I found my Yorkie, Dante, who has been a tremendous source of comfort and support on my path to recovery.
Wanting the best for Dante, I started creating raised dog bowls for him. I found that the options available didn’t meet my standards, so I decided my boy deserved the highest quality materials while still being eco friendly and conscious about sustainability.
Last year, Dante began befriending a stray cat during our walks. We named the cat Tulum and welcomed him to join us on our daily adventures. After a couple of weeks, Tulum started returning to our home regularly, and I knew this sweet boy had chosen us.
Eventually, we managed to bring Tulum and his feral companion, Nox, into our home. It took three months of behavioral modification with Nox before I felt confident that she was no longer feral.
Once again, I found myself frustrated with the available cat toys. Many are made with chemicals, dyes, and materials I wouldn’t use myself, let alone consider safe for cats. So, I went back to the drawing board and began creating eco-friendly, safe cat toys that meet my high standards.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Moving to a new country with nothing more than a backpack is no easy adventure. It’s a challenge to adapt and find your place in a new community and environment. Thankfully, I now have a wonderful support system that helps me navigate these struggles, and for that, I’m truly grateful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I grew up with a passion for art and creativity. At 16, I began exploring graphic design and got my first copy of Photoshop, which eventually led me to a career in web design after moving to America. I spent 10 years in the field, but the constant grind left me feeling burned out.
Inspired by my dog, I found a way to continue my design work in a way that felt true to myself. My creations prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility, using FSC-certified wood, recycled filaments, RWS-certified wool, and leather by-products. This ensures I work only with materials that are sustainable or have the least impact on our planet.
What matters most to you? Why?
The environment is my greatest concern. I believe we can continue to create beautiful and fun items, but we must also consider what happens to them when they are no longer useful. That’s why I invest a lot of time researching and selecting sustainable materials.
Sharing this commitment with my customers is incredibly rewarding. It shows that they care not just about the items themselves, but also about the impact they leave on the world. Knowing they share my passion for sustainability brings me so much joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://luxarcane.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxarcanedesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LuxArcaneDesigns
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LuxArcaneDesigns
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@luxarcanedesigns https://www.etsy.com/shop/LuxArcane
