THE BOHO PET
Why did you start your business?
The Boho Pet started out of a desire to use my hands in a creative craft and be able to incorporate this with my love of dogs.
When did you start your business?/ What made you want to open a pet business?
The Boho Pet is actually my second business and is still in its early stages having only officially launched late in 2019. I’ve been a professional photographer for many years and found my calling when I started specifically photographing pets 10 years ago which I love and have even won numerous awards for my pet photography (check out www.erinkingpetphotography.com.au @erinkingphotographer) so I’ve spent a lot of time working within the pet and creative industries.
Tell us more about your business
I design and create a product for pet owners which is not only handmade but also unique, on-trend and allows for your pets to be full of character and style. All of my products are uniquely and meticulously handcrafted by myself in Melbourne, Australia. Like any creative, I am not overly business minded which does make running a business rather difficult! I prefer to do the fun practical stuff of actually designing and making the products. I love the satisfaction and sense of pride I get from knowing I crafted and created something from scratch with my own two hands. Each of these little beauties are curated and created lovingly with a lot of thought, research and reflection having gone into the process, each being unique. I am passionate about the idea of being able to have and create something which is not mass manufactured and doesn’t use factories or cheap resources or labour. The Boho Pet aims to offer a quality handmade product that offers a sense of individuality in style which people can appreciate for their pets.
What do you sell/offer?
The Boho Pet aspires to adorn your precious pooch with glamorous, yet practical pet accessories for fellow animal lovers just like myself. The Boho Pet handmakes bespoke decorative textile dog collars, leads and bandanas. Hand crafted macramé pet accessories for the fashion forward dog. Constructed using macramé knotting techniques and patterns with a unique bohemian style. We have created our signature boho style using lush shimmer metallic cotton threads and elegant metal hardware resulting in a quality handmade product which we like to call “A little bit Boho and a lot Chic!”
https://www.thebohopet.com.au/shop/
What is your favourite part about running the business?
Creating items with that specific pet in mind and getting to see the pet wearing the products at the end of it. It's very humbling to know that people love and are getting joy out of the products I create. Receiving compliments about my items has been so encouraging and just reinforces my love for what I am creating.
Do you own any pets yourself? What are their names and what type of pet?
Of course! My dog, Peanut, is my whole world and my inspiration. A lot of what I create comes from my own experience in owning a dog and what I would like for her. She is an 11 year old Chichon (Chihuahua Bichon Frise cross) and the love of my life. I've had her since she was a puppy and we are very close. I think I am very lucky to have her as I've never seen another dog (apart from her siblings) similar to her breed. My whole life revolves around her, we even recently got her a puppy pram for long walks (yup I'm not at all ashamed to say that I'm totally that crazy dog lady) but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Who are some of your favourite Instagram Stars?
@sukiicat (blows my mind)
Do you run ambassador programs and if so how can a pupper reading this find out more?
Yes! I am currently on the look out for suitable ambassadogs to represent my brand and products. If you love my products and think your dog could be a good fit for our handmade boho style, please get in touch via instagram @bohopetaccessories
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
I actually don't like giving business advice as I often think "what do I know" but to be real you can never expect to know it all or be good at everything! These things take A LOT of time, discipline and hard work so be prepared to get back what you put in. Running a business is not easy, but I'd say don't let the little niggly things hold you back...just make a start. You have to start somewhere and we are all constantly learning as we go.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bohopetaccessories
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bohopetaccessories
Website: www.thebohopet.com.au
