Celebrate over 30 years of stylish Greek accessories with Vanessa Lacewell, and check out her new pet gear line, Furry Fam, for proud pet owners.
Vanessa Lacewell, a seasoned entrepreneur from Fayetteville, North Carolina, has spent over three decades crafting accessories for Black college Greek letter organizations. Born to a military father and a teacher mother, Vanessa enjoyed an enriching childhood that set the stage for her entrepreneurial journey. Initially, she ventured into the corporate world but soon realized her passion for design. Vanessa’s understanding of the timeless appeal of Greek organizations led her to establish her brand, Worldwide Origins, in 1992, alongside V V Designs, named after her nickname “VV.” Her products have become a staple at trade shows and conferences, cherished by Greek communities for their cultural significance and quality.
Vanessa’s journey into Greek accessories stemmed from her desire to create lasting and meaningful designs. Her belief that “whoever is Greek is gonna be Greek forever” underscored her commitment to this niche market. Her dedication to her craft and her community is evident in her statement, “It’s amazing because every dollar I make comes from my people. I’m humbled by it. I’m not Greek, but I understand the culture. It’s indescribable. It’s refreshing.”
Recently, Vanessa has embarked on an exciting new venture: Furry Fam, a line of pet accessories that blend style with cultural homage. The idea, conceived over 20 years ago with her friend David Beckford II, finally came to fruition last year. After extensive research and planning, Vanessa launched Furry Fam, aiming to capture the essence of Greek pride and extend it to pet ownership. David’s inspiration for the name “Furry Fam” aptly reflects the brand’s mission: Pet Accessories With Style by Worldwide Origins.
Furry Fam targets individuals who have embraced the vibrant colors and symbols of their sororities and fraternities and wish to extend this expression to their pets. Vanessa explains, “We are banking on the way that the Greeks embrace their colors in their homes, on their cars, on their clothes, and on their children, that they put that same effort into purchasing those same colors and items for their pets.”
The product line includes dog harnesses, leashes, poop bags, and collars, all meticulously designed in the distinctive colors and symbols of various Greek organizations. These accessories are not only functional but also deeply rooted in the history and traditions of Black culture, making them a standout choice.
What sets Furry Fam apart is its commitment to quality and cultural representation. Vanessa emphasizes, “The quality is there. Ours is good if not better than other pet accessories, and you will be able to represent yourself and your organization by doing so.” Furry Fam will have a soft launch at a convention in Atlanta on the week of August 21st, with plans to expand online and at Greek shows and conventions.
When asked about her legacy, Vanessa hopes to be remembered as “a good person with a great smile who cared about people and made them smile.” Furry Fam embodies this spirit, bringing joy and cultural pride to pet owners everywhere.
#GreekAccessories #FurryFam #ProudGreekPets
