What gave you the idea to set up Paws with Opulence?
Setting up a business has always been a dream of mine but something I could never imagine coming to fruition. However, after becoming unemployed after years within a corporate organisation, I decided to take the plunge and build something that I was truly passionate about. A few years prior to my unemployment my Chihuahua Charles became suddenly ill and passed away. He was a true Prince with a royal personality and his passing left a massive void amongst myself and my family. Paws with Opulence was born in memory of Charles, as I wanted to build something for him as well as creating products to satisfy other Kings and Queens of the canine world.
When did you set it up?
Paws with Opulence was set up in 2016.
Tell us all about the brand…
Paws with Opulence provides luxurious accessories for the ultra-pampered pooch. We specialise in accessories for extra small to medium breeds and pride ourselves on producing the highest quality products to satisfy both canine and their owner. Our brand is up and coming having only been launched for just over a year. Within that year, however, we have been able to provide pooches from all over the world with our luxury products, gained a portfolio of celebrity clientele, won a small business award and have our products in high street doggy boutique – which is more than I could ever imagine happening in my first year and am extremely pleased with what the business has achieved already.
What makes your accessories special?
As a previous dog mum, I know what its like to want that extra special unique something for your beloved fur baby. With this in mind, I wanted to ensure that all accessories within Paws with Opulence can be adapted in some way to suit the individual styles and personalities of both canine and human. This is where our bespoke service comes into play as it allows customers to completely customise or slightly adapt any product they wish. All of our luxury accessories are meticulously handmade by our British and Spanish craftsmen using only the finest materials, within our range customers can choose from Swarovski encrusted nubuck dog collars, crushed velvet boutique dog sofa’s or 9ct gold personalised dog tags.
How has the Prince’s Trust helped?
When starting out I didn’t know where to begin, I felt very lost knowing that I had this dream but no way in which to make it happen. My late uncle’s wife mentioned that the Prince’s Trust helps young individuals to explore their business ideas so I got in contact with them and joined their Enterprise programme. They were absolutely amazing and with the help of business mentors, key workshops with business professionals and a Dragons Den type launch panel they helped me to bring my business idea to life.
Who inspires you?
Being a female entrepreneur myself I am inspired daily by successful businesswomen, nothing warms my heart more than seeing a powerful confident woman who has set out on her own to build something from nothing into a roaring success.
Any special thoughts about pet welfare?
As we specialise in accessories for extra small to medium breeds we try to highlight the importance of pet welfare amongst all animals but in particular amongst dogs of a smaller breed. In an age where social media and celebrity influencers are making ‘designer breeds’ more desirable, it is so important to research all of the pros and con’s about the breed of dog that you desire before purchase. A lot of smaller dog breeds have extensive health problems and can become very costly. As well as this it is extremely important to research where and who you are getting your dog from as more and more inhumane puppy farms are circulating in the UK and abroad.
What are your future plans for the brand?
My future plans are to expand and grow the business with the introduction of new products, further international recognition and maybe even a retail store.
Spoil your VIP (Very Important Pet) with a new collar or two from the fabulous Paws With Opulence collection on PetsPyjamas now for an instant fashion pup-date!
