All things alpaca
Mustang couple turning hobby into business
By Van Mitchell
Contributing Writer
Shopping habits have changed over the years, and that impacted the way Kathy and Mike Fleming with Mustang Creek Alpacas run their business.
Earlier this year the couple closed down their Oklahoma City Stockyards store, and now operate their business online, as well with products available through space in Showplace Market, 2001 S. Broadway in Moore.
Mustang Creek Alpaca sells a variety of alpaca products online both online at local shows. (Provided photo)
They also will have products available at the following locations: Bethany Handmade Market, 7001 NW 23rd in Bethany, Nov. 30 from noon to 3 p.m., Dec. 7 at the Minco Honey Festival; Scissortail Park Sugar Plum Promenade, Oklahoma City’s Scissortail Park, Dec. 13 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“We opened a retail store in Yukon in 2013, and in 2016 we moved it to the Stockyards,” Kathy Fleming said. We closed it earlier this year. Shopping habits have just changed.”
A trip to Oregon and a dog named Charlie led the Flemings into the world of alpaca farming. Charlie was a guard dog for a herd of alpacas located at the base of Mt. Hood.
Fleming said the farm’s yarn advertisement grabbed her attention but Charlie and his herd of alpacas stole her heart.
She said over the next 4 to 5 years they researched alpacas, visited farms from Ohio to Oregon and asked tons of questions. Finally, in 2010 they purchased their first alpacas.
Fleming said products in their Alpaca section were crafted with fleece from their own alpaca herd, purchased from fair trade organizations or ordered from reputable importers.
“We wear, wash and “test drive” each and every product we sell,” she said.
Fleming said Mustang Creek Alpacas sells a variety of items ranging from Alpaca fleece shoe inserts, socks, dryer balls, yarn, barn vests, gloves, hats, etc. They are also a Bluebonnet Feeds dealer.
“Our yarn and socks are some of our most popular items,” she said. “We also sell a lot of dryer balls. Those are popular items because they are a green item.”
Fleming said caring for these animals and educating the public has become their passion.
“We have “talked alpacas” with thousands at the Oklahoma State Fair, welcomed visitors to our farm, attended school agricultural events and participated in county fairs,” she wrote on their company website. “Our alpacas have been guests at birthday parties, retirement ceremonies and corporate fund raisers. They have put smiles on the faces of nursing home residents and brought joy to handicapped children. They have rode elevators, walked through stately homes and posed for numerous pictures. They are some of the easiest livestock to own. They don’t take a lot of care or a lot of time.”
Fleming said the demand for Alpaca products continues to grow.
“What began as a hobby has evolved into a business with growing online sales,” she said. “The demand has grown.”
For more information call (405)-642-8614 or visit www.MustangCreekAlpacas.com.
