When I got Teddy, I had a vision for what I wanted to accessorize him in. I originally wanted a very chic Palm Beach feel with lots of fun bowties. Since Teddy is so fluffy sometimes, you can hardly see the bowtie on him, so I started to look into modern, chic, fun bandanas. Alyssa’s line spoke to me because sometimes you find things for dogs that look like for babies. I wanted Teddy to look hip and within current trends. So I purchased a few of her bandanas and loved them. Teddy looks adorable wearing them. I love Bark House Co. is Alyssa sells excellent quality products and is very friendly and ships super quickly. I know many small businesses have a hard time shipping quick, but I don’t know Alyssa has that on lockdown on how to do it. When Teddy had his first giveaway for hitting 12,000 followers, Alyssa was more than generous to donate a giveaway prize.
I want you to get to know more about Alyssa and her small business Bark House Co. by asking her some questions.
How did Bark House Co. get started? Was it a hobby initially, and then you thought you could create a business?
When we got out second pup mid-pandemic, I decided to start an Instagram account for them. When I saw what a huge following there was for bandanas, I knew right away it was something I wanted to jump into. I have always wanted to start my own little Etsy shop, so I just dove in and did it! I already knew how to sew and had my Grandmother’s old sewing machine; all I needed was some fabric!
Who taught you how to sew?
My maternal Grandmother was a seamstress and would always make me dresses when I was little. She definitely got my interested in sewing. My paternal great Grandmother also sewed; she had a fabulous sewing room in her house. I would always sneak in there as a little girl whenever I got the chance. Her son used to own a fabric shop, so her studio was always packed with fabrics. I definitely learned a little bit from all of them, but I also took a few sewing class summer camps when I was young.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
I love picking out the fabric for my collections. I could honestly spend hours just going through fabric.
What is your favorite part of running your own business?
My favorite part and what I did not expect about running this business has been making connections with people! Everyone in the Instagram dog community had been so welcoming and helpful!
I know you grew up in Miami; where is your favorite place to eat & shop?
My favorite place to eat would have to be Bulla Gastrobar, and as far as shopping, I would say Merrick Park and The Colonnade at Sawgrass.
Where is your favorite pet-friendly spot?
We love taking our pups to Merrick Park, especially on Sundays, because they have a little farmers market! There are always lots of other dogs for them to interact with.
Any new products you think you will add to your store?
I have so many ideas, but I think the next product I want to add are t-shirts and sweatshirts with cute sayings on them!
Any words of wisdom for people reading this that might want to start their own business?
Just go for it! Stop doubting yourself, if it’s something you really want, just take the next step and start that business! I don’t have a background in business (I have a Masters in Mental Health Counseling), I had zero experience on how to run a small business until I started Bark House Co. Everything I have learned has been through YouTube + Google, so I don’t doubt that anyone would be able to figure it out as long as they make the commitment!
Below you can see photos of Alyssa and her two pups. Cosmo is a old Australian Shepard & Samson is a English Golden Retriever.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shopbarkhouseco
Website: www.barkhouseco.com
