02/23/2026
It is with pleasure, some reluctance, and a lot more relief, to announce that Cat Schmitz will be closing as a business so that Cat Schmitz the human can start a new chapter in life.
I started my business a few years ago with a combination of a relentless work ethic, the ambition to build a global empire, and endless joy in creating products that feel like you’ve just been hugged by a dear friend.
At the time, I didn’t realize that when you commodify joy and try to build a business off of it, the joy slowly fades and the regular routine business decisions start to take center stage. I suppose it makes sense that when you start a business that you need to start thinking like a business.
Over time, the joy faded for me. What started as a magnificent adventure became isolating, exhausting, and I stopped doing what I set out to do in the first place. I slowly came to realize that I never really started a business to be in the business of having a business.
My days went from making beautifully joyful work to making decisions centered around money, competition, the global supply chain, and distribution strategies. Which, again, makes sense when you’re trying to run a business.
I started Cat Schmitz to give myself an excuse (and perhaps a little extreme motivation) to be the designer that I always wanted to be. In the process, I taught myself textile design. I learned about (and successfully implemented) manufacturing in other countries. I designed everything from windbreakers to tote bags to lamp shades to dog beds and more. I had art exhibitions to promote my more experimental work. I did big fancy gallery talks at places like the National Arts Club. I drove my products all over the country to meet people in Farmer’s Markets and Craft Shows. I met so many interesting friends along the way and I had a beautiful Brooklyn studio filled with color where I could hide away for days and just focus on my work. Starting a business took me on a much bigger adventure than I could have ever imagined. For that, I am so thankful.
To all of you who have supported my work and advocated for me, thank you.
With love,
Cat
