Today we’d like to introduce you to Yarilis Leon.
Hi Yarilis, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story. From an early age, I have been an animal lover. I have had a variety of pets from dogs, birds, and even chickens but I have constantly felt a special affection towards dogs. At 8 years old I had my first dog, who became the mother and grandmother of my other two dogs. The last in her generation passed away 4 years ago. They were with me for most of my life and my inspiration to do what I do today.
I was always inclined to study Veterinary Technician. I loved visiting the vet and seeing all the dynamics. For various reasons, it was not possible for me to study that career, it was then that I decided to study Business Administration with the purpose of working for a company within the pet industry.
Along the way of my education in college, my interest in Digital Marketing was born and the idea to have my own online business. I enjoyed working with digital platforms like webs, social media, making content, etc. Searching for accessories that were modern, stylish, and different for my dog, I noticed that the big companies known at that time lacked those accessories. Hence my interest in creating an online pet boutique where I could offer this type of accessories and at the same time be part of the pet industry and of course being around pets.
Once I got my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Puerto Rico, my husband and I decided to move to the USA. I took the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and learn English as well. We moved in together with my dog, who was 12 years old at the time and suffered from diabetes. We had to give her insulin twice a day. I always carried her everywhere with me, and there was never the idea of leaving my dog behind. I decided to start working in Retail for a large tourism and entertainment company to practice and improve my English. That job gave me the exposure that I needed and the tools that I have been able to apply in my business today, such as working under pressure, time management, multitasking, customer service, and sales.
After three years my dog passed away (last generation) a month prior to her 15th birthday. But God had other plans, a month later I found out I was pregnant with my firstborn. My husband and I decided that it was better to take care of our son during the first years. Just a few weeks after my son’s first birthday, the pandemic hit, so I had to stay home much longer than planned. With the need to do something more than being a full-time stay-at-home mom, I thought that it was the best time to start the business that I had wanted to do. My husband was starting to work from home, and I thought that with his help in his spare time, I was going to be able to spend more time on my project.
Thinking of ideas to start the business, one day talking with my sister-in-law who is a fashion designer (for whom I am very grateful), the idea of making bandanas for dogs came up. They were on trend, nice looking, and it was an easy thing to do to get started. I consider myself a very creative person; I like challenges and learning new things. We agreed that she was going to help me with my first designs while I was learning to sew since I had no knowledge of sewing. She taught me basic sewing and helped me choose the materials that I would need to start, such as the sewing machine, threads, and needles, among other things. I spent several months practicing until I felt confident in making my own designs. And so, I started making my own bandanas and selling them in our Etsy shop. Months later we got our new member of the family, a female Australian Shepherd Red Merle who has stolen our hearts, her name is Nahla. She became the model and face of our boutique.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not been an easy road. Starting a business by myself from scratch, being a mother, and taking care of a house full time is a big challenge. There were many hours of research, planning, learning, and many late nights because in the beginning, I worked after my son went to bed.
One of the things that is most difficult for me, and I am still learning to handle the stress of doing everything in the business with limited time. I am the administrator, designer, photographer, salesperson, content creator, in short terms, everything. I wanted to do much more than my time as a full-time stay mom home allowed. My toddler is very energetic, and like any child his age requires a lot of attention. I have had to better organize my time, take everything more calmly and go at my own pace to not burnout; being present with my son is still my priority.
We both divide the housework and take turns taking care of our son. Since my husband works full time, I have to take care of most of the business. In his spare time, he helps with packing, shipping, events, and marketplaces as a Pop-Up vendor. I can say that he is an excellent salesman and we make a great team. Learning to maintain that balance of work and family time without it being overwhelming is the real challenge.
Having a business and being a full-time mom means working long hours. I have had to learn to be very patient on days when profits are low after so much work. Although every effort has its reward, we also celebrate those days of the month that we meet our goals. Nevertheless, it has been a very rewarding journey. I have enjoyed and learned a lot doing things that I had never imagined getting to do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
FurDogue is a fashion-focused pet accessories boutique founded in 2020. It began to sell its products online on Etsy shop and social media. Currently working on having our website. It continues its development by participating in fairs and exhibitions as a pop-up vendor, which has allowed us to grow. FurDogue is a word made up of fashion and the beautiful, varied and unique fur that distinguishes each four-legged friend (Furry, Dog & Vogue). Our vision and mission are to design unique and quality accessories that accompany your beloved pet on every special occasion, promoting enjoyment with style and elegance.
We specialize in designing bandanas for dogs but can also be used on cats, birds, and all kinds of furry friends that want to use them. They are made by hand, using 100% premium cotton fabrics. FurDogue promotes well-being for pets and makes it a priority that the fabrics of each bandana are breathable and soft.
Our first designs were a traditional tie-on triangular bandana.
Then I designed a U-shaped tie-on bandana to enhance comfort for a perfect fit around the neck. Avoiding so much fabric and folding them in the neck area, preventing discomfort and the pet from removing them. All of our bandanas are reversible, allowing to wear two to four styles in one bandana. We have 5 sizes available (XS, S, M, L, XL) perfect for different sizes of each pet.
Our different collection of bandanas is, “Pup Elegant” line where we design and make more elegant and fashionable bandanas. Then follows colorful and fun bandana patterns ideal for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, among other themes and holidays. Also, bandanas with phrases that our customers love, such as “Adopted & Adore,” “Mama’s Boy” and others that we will be making. FurDogue already has the option to customize bandanas where you can place the name of your pet. This technique is done with HTV which allows to show off a unique and exclusive style.
We are considering adding bandanas for events or special occasions, such as; weddings, birthdays, and special announcements. We will also incorporate those details that highlight the beauty of your pet, such as ties, collars, leashes, and other items for pet parents.
In near future we have plans to collaborate with Mematita, is a boutique dedicated to offer succulent plants in beautiful and unique pods that our family enjoys. It will be a beautiful union between pet bandanas and pet-friendly plants. If you like fashion, we also have a collaboration with a fashion designer to create exclusive clothing pieces matching pets and parents. Both ideas are still in development. We support and are open to do more collaborations that can help and encourage the growth of small businesses.
Taking care of our pets and planet is important for us, and we do our best to make shipping materials eco-friendly.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The advice that I would give to all those people who want to start a business is to choose to do something that they really like. You will be dedicating most of your time to that project, and you must love what you are doing. Research everything on that market that you want to enter. It is very important to have a business plan to start, but it is not necessary for everything to be perfect, along the way you will learn and improve. Being motivated is very important, but in reality, we will not always be motivated. Discipline and organization are the keys beyond motivation. You have to be very persistent and patient; growing up takes time, so you must think long-term.
Delegating is very important; if you have the opportunity, accept to receive extra help, so you can focus on the tasks that need to have priority. Always know and listen to your customers, they are the key to every business. Do not compare; each business has its own time. Things are always changing; I believe that is very important to always improve yourself in everything you can and never stop learning. Seek to surround yourself with people who are in a similar situation as you. People that motivate and inspire you, also that you can learn from them.
I want to take this opportunity to thank my mom who has always been very attentive and supportive. Thanks to Liz from Mematita who has helped and supported me when I needed it, having someone who is in your same situation as mom and an entrepreneur is a lot of inspiration. To all those people who in one way or another have supported me throughout this process, thank you.
Pricing:
- Print/Pattern bandanas range from $14 – $16
- Phrases (HTV) bandanas range from $15 – $17
- Pup Elegant bandanas range from $17 – $22
- Adding HTV Pet name $3
Contact Info:
- Website: www.furdogueboutique.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/furdogue.boutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FurDogueBoutique
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@furdogue.boutique
Image Credits
Furdogue Boutique LLC
hannah.ferreira
kygoloveslucy
chalupo_cockatoo
