We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kim Opdyke a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kim thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Ever since I can remember, dogs have been part of my life story. My first dog, Kandy, started what would become a lifelong love affair. I’ve traveled with my dogs, moved with them, shopped with them, and even dined with them. They weren’t pets — they were family, companions, and in many ways, teachers.

In February 2015, everything shifted.

Grover, my youngest Airedale at the time, was diagnosed with canine lymphoma. The diagnosis was devastating. I remember sitting in the vet’s office trying to process what felt impossible. But even in that moment, I knew one thing: however long we had, it was going to matter.

Grover and I decided — and yes, I say that intentionally — that we would create something positive from the experience. That decision led to writing about our journey. That writing became the seed that would eventually grow into Happy Aire.

After the book was finished, I wasn’t entirely sure what was next. I just knew the story wasn’t over. Over time, I began to see something bigger. Dogs bring joy, humor, resilience, and connection into our lives — but the lifestyle space around dog ownership felt either overly utilitarian or overly cutesy. It didn’t reflect the depth of the relationship.

In 2020, I had the idea to evolve our story into products — apparel, travel-inspired items, and lifestyle pieces — and to give back to canine cancer research. The logic made sense to me: people love their dogs deeply. They want to express that bond. And they want to feel connected to something meaningful.

Happy Aire became a lifestyle brand rooted in relationship — not just pets, but partnership.

All of my dogs — Grover and those who came after him — have brought joy, inspiration, and a sense of kinship that define the personality behind the brand. Happy Aire isn’t just about products. It’s about celebrating the life you build with your dog and creating tails to tell along the way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a lifelong dog lover and a marketing strategist by profession. I’ve spent decades helping brands clarify who they are, how they connect with people and go to market. Happy Aire is an extension of that same work — just more personal.

Happy Aire is a dog-centric lifestyle brand inspired by my Airedales. Currently, I have 5…. I have to give a shout out Hudson, Erwitt, Prayerie, Fleetwood and Daisy.

We’re rooted in the belief that dogs aren’t just pets — they’re partners in how we live, travel, train, and grow.

We create thoughtfully designed apparel and lifestyle products, but just as important, we share the real stories of multi-dog life — the discipline, the humor, the lessons, and the joy.

I didn’t set out to start a pet brand. I set out to honor the relationship and share our story in hopes of helping others.

What I felt was missing in the market was a brand that reflected the depth of that bond — not just cute moments, but commitment, leadership, and shared experience.

What I’m most proud of is that Happy Aire grew from lived experience and gives back to canine cancer research. At its core, it’s about creating “tails to tell” — and building a life where your dog is fully part of the story.

And if you’ve ever structured your schedule around a dog show, obedience class, or just a really great walk — you’re already part of the story.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Entrepreneurship isn’t a job — at least not for me. It’s deeply personal. And it doesn’t always happen the way you expect.

After Grover lost his battle with cancer, I finished writing our story. It took me about 6 months. I thought that would bring clarity about what to do next. It didn’t.

I had ideas, but none felt right. Nothing felt right enough to honor what we had been through.

So I put it on a shelf.

Not because I had given up — but because I wasn’t ready. I knew there would be a day when I was ready.

I kept everything – the manuscript and all my notes sat in a carton. Every so often I would think about it, but I couldn’t force it into something it wasn’t meant to be.

Then in 2020, while unpacking after a move, I found that box again. It didn’t feel like coincidence. It felt like a nudge.

That was the moment I mentally took the story off the shelf and decided to bring it to life — not just as a book, but as something that could celebrate the joy dogs bring while still honoring where it all began.

Resilience, for me, wasn’t about pushing harder. It was about waiting until it felt right — and then having the courage to begin again.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I don’t think the story of building my social audience is finished — social media is constantly evolving. Just when you think you understand it, the algorithms change.

When I was growing up social media didn’t exist and embracing it has not been easy for me. I’m a pretty private person so sharing my life doesn’t come naturally for me.

I really had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

However, I do understand building a community, a brand, making connections. and creating raving fans.

Sharing and connecting dog stories comes very naturally to me …. Maybe it’s the subject matter!

What I have learned about social media is that you need to be authentic, provide value even if it’s to brighten someone’s day and be consistent.

The whole idea of “80% of success is showing up” totally applies in the social space.

As far as advise…I hired a social media coach. I really needed to understand how to integrate and leverage social media within my brand. It’s expertise that I don’t have and I’m all about surrounding myself with people smarter than me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.happyaire.com
• Linkedin: Kim Opdyke