In light of world events right now, I wanted to take this time to shine a spotlight on some amazing black-owned pet brands and small businesses. Some of these brands are already firm favourites here at Pretty Fluffy and some are fresh faces that I wish I’d known about earlier – or to be completely honest, made more of an effort to know about earlier.
If the recent weeks have shown us anything, the entire world is ripe for change. Change is messy. Change can bring fear, anger, and hostility. But it needs to happen and frankly, is long overdue. As an Australian, I can confirm the Black Lives Matter movement applies just as much here as it does in the US. We all need to be having more conversations about race, white privilege, bias, social injustice, diversity, and inclusivity. We all need to be voting, protesting and campaigning for true, deep change within our societies. And as with any social change, it’s starts with ourselves.
To our readers, I want you all to know that this post marks a refreshed commitment to showcase more diversity on Pretty Fluffy – from the brands featured, to imagery used, and voices heard. I’m sorry it’s taken such history making worldwide events for me to actively acknowledge this. I now realise (like many others) that being pro-actively anti-racist and intentionally inclusive needs to be the new normal, to try to counteract the inherent bias of white privilege faced by so many. To find out more how Pretty Fluffy wants to support black-owned pet brands and small businesses from people of colour, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
Today though, is all about these amazing black-owned pet brands. Each one has an innovative black woman or man behind the brand – from seriously stylish fashion, to delectable dog treats and more, these are some amazing brands I’m incredibly proud to share.
Danes & Divas
I have a secret. Every time I’m doing a gift guide or editorial feature I visit Danes & Divas because I just know CEO, Shalla, will have stunning new pet accessories my readers will love. Their collars, leads, bow ties and accessories are of exceptional quality, and their designs range from bespoke, timeless pieces to on trend collections. Head over there yourself and do yourself a favour.
Leela Ryan
Plant based healthy dog treats? Check.
Incredibly beautiful packaging? Check.
Oprah approved? Check.
Leela Ryan had us at hello and has been a Pretty Fluffy fav for a few years now. Their vegan, human grade ingredients are as healthy as they are tasty. Dog treats don’t get any better than this.
Bark and Tumble
CEO, Leah Betram uses her degree in Fashion Design to create tailored, luxe hoodies and sweatshirts for fashion forward pooches. As stylish as they are cozy, you’ll find it hard to stop at one.
Brixxy & Co.
Featuring the cutest pet bandanas, all of Brixxy & Co’s pieces are fully reversible and are custom made in Philly. Head to their insta to shop (and see some seriously cute pups rocking some seriously awesome bandanas.)
Brock n Bone
Not only can you get the cutest customised dog bandanas by Brock n Bone, but they offer headbands for humans and ‘Dog Mom’ Bundles too – it’s every dog mama’s matching dreams come true.
House Dogge
Prepare your jaw to hit the floor when you see the House Dogge’s collection of toys and doggie sweatshirts. With a glorious emphasis on natural textiles such as cotton, veg tanned leather and merino wool, the quality is second to none. Designer and owner, Angela, brings her extensive design experience (she was the design director for Nike) to create a modern, luxe, eco brand. Don’t forget to check out her latest release – a vintage inspired ‘Love Heals’ bandana inspired by the events of 2020.
Pet Plate
Personalised meals for your dog designed by vet nutritionists and delivered to your door? Yes please! MIT grad, Renaldo Webb, launched Pet Plate following consultant work with some of the large pet food companies. He wanted a fresher, healthier option for his (super cute) pup Winston that focused on human grade ingredients to provide a complete balanced diet. With every type and size of dog catered for, your dog could be chowing down on their new favourite meal in no time.
Sir Dogwood
Chic. Modern. Curated. Everything about Sir Dogwood screams style. Owner, Chaz, selects only the most luxe, unique pieces for her online boutique – from ready to wear fashion, limited edition collections with emerging brands, walk and home accessories. Chaz’s discerning eye sees her source pieces fro around the globe – I even spy some Australian made goodies in her boutique. Shut up and take my money.
Trill Paws
We’ve featured Trill Paws’ cooler than cool dog tags and accessories here before and we still love them just as much. These are not your boring pet ID Tags. Faves include the ‘Have your People Call My People’, ‘I Know I’m Extra’, ‘Sup’, and ‘Straight Outta Rescue’ tags…the hardest decision will be which one to pick.
Homescape Pets
Nana and Marcus, with help from their furry sidekicks, created Homescape Pets to provide holistic alternatives to common pet ailments. Anyone who has a senior dog would love their Mussel Mobility mix. And owners of anxious pups rave about their Restful Pet oil. A great brand for anyone focused on their dog’s health and wellbeing.
Little L’s Artisan Dog Treats
The Little L’s in this brands namesake refers to Lilly and Lulu – two pooches who inspired their fur-parents to make their very own brand of oven dehydrated treats called “Krak’ems”. Crunchy and packed with flavour, they’re a premium alternative to big brand jerkies. Their signature single ingredient brittle Krak’ems are all made from locally sourced chicken breast, turkey breast, beef steak, and pork loin.
Ava’s Pet Palace
Talk about saving the most inspired til last! Ava Dorsey is 12 years old. Ava created her dog treat company when she was just 8 years old, and all of her 100% organic and preservative free treats are made in small batches by herself. From ‘Minty Woof Poppers’ to ‘Peanutty Paw Cookies’ there’s something to entice every pooch.
Want to see more brands by people of colour? We’ll be featuring more favourites in our next post.
PRETTY FLUFFY’S COMMITMENT TO CHANGE
To support diversity and inclusivity here at Pretty Fluffy we will be implementing the following effective immediately:
- We will actively search to include pet brands that are owned by black women and men, indigenous persons and people of colour. This will be especially so for our popular holiday and seasonal gift guides that have the greatest reach of our readership. How you can help? Let us know if there’s a brand we need to know about!
- We will actively try to use more imagery featuring black, indigenous men and women, and people of colour. Not only for our own shoots, but we will advocate for more diversity in brand imagery provided from our partners.
- Each month for the rest of the year, I will be offering one ad placement on Pretty Fluffy free of charge for a small business owned by a person of colour – this includes black-owned businesses as well as indigenous Australians. To apply – send your brand info to serena@prettyfluffy.com
- Each month for the rest of the year, I will be offering a ‘Pick of the Week’ placement free of charge for a small business owned by a person of colour – this includes black-owned businesses as well as indigenous Australians.To apply – send your brand info to serena@prettyfluffy.com
- We will be here to LISTEN and LEARN. I wholeheartedly encourage brands and readers to reach out to me with suggestions for features, and ideas on how we can promote pet brands from people of colour AND promote a place of inclusivity here on the site.
– Serena Faber-Nelson, Founder.
IMAGE CREDITS: Title Image C/O Sir Dogwood
The post 12 Black-Owned Pet Brands You Can Support Today appeared first on Pretty Fluffy.
Poop4U Blog
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Serena Faber Nelson, Khareem Sudlow
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