We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natalie Kahn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Natalie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
I came up with the idea of Mina + Pup Pet Accessories when I was 14 years old. It came from heartbreak and loss, and turned into something very beautiful and impactful.
In July of 2020, my 34 years old uncle Michael passed away suddenly and my heart broke. He was my biggest supporter and we were incredibly close. Michael loved dogs, especially my French Bulldog Angus. I wanted to turn my pain into a way to honor Michael’s memory. I have loved animals ever since I can remember and loved dressing up my Frenchie Angus in order to create fun photos for his Instagram page, @angus_frenchbully. I noticed the pet accessories industry was lacking very vibrant and lifestyle-inspired prints, so I decided to launch my own company.
I combined the first two letters of the name Michael (MI) and the first two letters of the name Natalie (NA), and Mina + Pup was born.
Natalie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I pride myself on making accessories that are both super stylish and relevant, as well as durable and comfortable to use for both the pet and the owner. I am known for bright colors, lifestyle-inspired designs and excellent and timely customer service. I specialize in walking accessories like harnesses, leashes, poop bags, bandanas, bow ties, collars and more.
However, I am most proud of the fact that I can honor the memory of my beloved uncle. Additionally, as part of my company’s mission, I am donating a portion of all proceeds to nonprofits/charities. Sometimes that means a monetary donation, and other times I buy items off wish lists or donate my products. It is based on what the nonprofit needs at the time.
A discount code for your readers: Mina15.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The road to creating, planning and launching my own small business has not been a completely smooth one. It is difficult to start a brand new small business at any time. However, doing it as a newly turned 14 year old, and in the middle of a Global Pandemic, brought its own challenges. I have had to learn to be patient with shipping, with making and sticking to budgets, with running my social media accounts, all while still being a teen and a freshman in high school.
Recently, I really have had to take a step back and just take a deep breath because it can be overwhelming but SO worth it. I am still figuring out how to balance it all, running Mina + Pup, studying for my high school classes and having a social life outside of it all. I just try to remember and focus on why I started this brand, and to take things one day at a time even if things don’t go as I expected.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building a social media following has not been easy. People today are being pulled in so many directions and have so many choices. I believe in organic growths and all my followers are people I actually interact with. I view it as building a community. I enjoy reading their comments, answering DMs, and seeing photos of their fur babies in my gear or just around town.
I feel like my growth on social media has been slower compared to some other brands because it is completely organic. However, that also means a more loyal following in the long run. This is something I am definitely proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.minaandpup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minaandpup
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/minaandpup
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@minaandpup
Image Credits
@rubyslippers_minidoxie, @tank_the_pup19, @angus_frenchbully