We recently connected with Alexandra Bobbitt and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandra, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

When the idea for Pet Obsessed People first sparked in my mind, it began as a simple desire to see my pets—unique in every way—reflected in the products I used every day. The journey from that initial spark to launching a business was exhilarating, challenging, and incredibly educational.

I started with the tools I had at hand—an iPad and Procreate. My early days were spent drawing basic designs, primarily focusing on stickers and cards, which were straightforward and required minimal upfront investment. This allowed me to test the waters, see if there was a real interest in more personalized, artistic representations of people’s pets. As the response grew more positive, I knew I had to expand my skills and offerings. I taught myself how to create seamless designs—those repeating patterns you see on shirts, skirts, and bandanas. This step was crucial because it set the foundation for a diverse product line that I could expand on that was truly unique. Alongside this, I dusted off my remedial sewing skills and pushed myself to learn advanced techniques. My goal was to not only design but also produce high-quality products that I had envisioned in my dreams.

Running a business solo meant wearing many hats. Beyond the creative process, I had to quickly learn the ropes of marketing, bookkeeping, and overall business management. Every day was a lesson in resilience and adaptation. From setting up an online store to figuring out supply chains and establishing a brand identity, each task brought me closer to making Pet Obsessed People a reality.

The journey has been a whirlwind of learning and growth. Each new product launch, from conception to marketing and sales, is a moment of pride. I still look at each item I create and feel a rush of accomplishment, thinking, “Hey, I did that! I created that from start to finish. How cool.”

Launching Pet Obsessed People wasn’t just about bringing a business idea to life; it was about creating a space where every pet lover could find something that speaks to them and their pet’s personality. It’s been hard work but so rewarding and worth every moment of challenge for the joy it brings to me and the pet community.

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

My name is Alex, and I am the founder and CEO—or as I like to say, Chief Executive Obsessor—of Pet Obsessed People. My journey into this unique niche began from a simple frustration: as a pet lover with adorable mixed mutts, I found the market sorely lacking in products that truly captured the essence of my pets. Everything felt too generic, popular breeds only, and disconnected from the unique spirits of my furry family.

I began sketching my dogs just for fun. However, the real turning point came when I lost my beloved Vanity. Vanity had touched many lives, winning hearts over with her story. She had been a gentle soul, and as a pitbull mix she defied every stigma about her breed with her soft and gentle nature. So to channel my grief of losing her, I organized a fundraiser, creating and selling stickers of her and donating back to the rescue who saved her, The Sato Project. The response was overwhelming, and it made me realize that these drawings could bring joy to other pet owners as well and giveback.

Encouraged by the love for Vanity’s stickers, I expanded beyond just custom pet portraits and stickers. I started creating a variety of products that celebrated the unique bond pet owners have with pets all while giving back to good causes. I expanded into socks, shirts, cards, and now bandanas, poop bag pouches, pet friendly purses (which are hand purses with poop bag holders), matching headbands and scrunchies and more to come.

Pet Obsessed People has evolved into more than just a shop; it’s become the go-to destination for pet lovers who cherish fun, unique, and meaningful gifts that resonate with their personal values. Here, pets are family, and everything we offer is designed to reflect that bond, or shall we say obsession. Our mission isn’t just about selling products; it’s about fostering a community united by a love for pets and a desire to make a positive impact. I envision a community where every pet is celebrated like part of the family all while we strive for sustainability and to give back to great causes. Each product is crafted with a deep understanding of what pet lovers truly want: items that aren’t just functional but are also stylish, meaningful, and deeply personal.

What makes Pet Obsessed People even more of a unique endeavor is that it puts the power of design into the hands of pet lovers—literally. Our custom offerings range from hand-drawn custom pet portraits to innovative and unique custom pet patterns—a concept I am particularly proud of and is a service that I haven’t seen offered anywhere else. Our custom pet patterns are the cute repeat patterns you see on fabrics, bandanas, shirts, blankets, pajamas etc. But now you can design your own WITH your pet on it too! We’re gearing up to launch a user-friendly page that will allow customers to design and order these custom patterns in just a few clicks, though currently, you can reach out directly through [email protected] for a custom design. I’m here to help you design something truly special that can be printed on just about anything. This personal engagement and ability to personalize products to such a degree is what I believe sets us apart and why I’m most excited about the future of Pet Obsessed People.

If you’re as pet-obsessed as I am and want to showcase that love, Pet Obsessed People is your shop. From our general items to custom there is something for every pet obsessed hooman. We may be a small shop, but we promise big wags and even bigger smiles. It’s been a wild ride, and honestly, it feels like I am just getting started.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most pivotal moments in my business journey came when I realized the need to rebrand from Soul Feat to Pet Obsessed People. Originally, Soul Feat was a name born out of creativity and passion, but it proved too abstract for the market. It often left potential customers puzzled, requiring extensive explanation, and unfortunately, it didn’t resonate with our core audience of passionate pet owners. This disconnect became starkly apparent during events and fairs—as I watched countless pet owners pass by, they seldom stopped at my booth unless directly engaged. The name simply didn’t communicate what we were about.

Then, I started paying more attention to how I described our products to those who did stop by. I found myself repeatedly saying they were crafted for “people obsessed with their pets,” and this phrase piqued people’s interest instantly. It was like a lightbulb moment! Why not make that the name? So, Pet Obsessed People it became, and it instantly resonated with everyone.

The change was more than just cosmetic. It revitalized our entire operation and gave us a renewed focus. Suddenly, at events, pet owners were not just passing by; they were flocking to the booth. I love hearing them say, “Pet Obsessed People, that’s me!” and I ensure them as they enter that they’re in the right place! This change extended beyond physical interactions—our online presence began to grow as well. Now, the next significant challenge is enhancing our online visibility to mimic the success we see in person. I’ve begun focusing on organic digital marketing strategies to ensure that whenever pet lovers are online, Pet Obsessed People is there to meet them. Yet, it has been challenging to get in front of people in such a vast space like the internet. We’ve only scratched the surface, but it’s crucial; our experience shows that once potential customers see what we offer, they’re not just interested—they’re OBSESSED!

This rebranding has taught me the power of a name and a brand. It’s not just about the products but also about how you connect with those you aim to serve. The journey continues, but this pivot has undoubtedly set me on a more promising path. I was close to closing before the rebrand if something didn’t change soon, and while it’s still tough out there for small businesses, I now have new hope.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

At Pet Obsessed People I personally design and hand-draw every pattern and detail that goes into our products. I even hand sew most the items available too! It’s a process I hold dear because it ensures that everything we make has a touch of personal care and creativity.

When it came to production, I knew I wanted to keep things as local and eco-friendly as possible. That’s why I partnered with a local printer here in Texas, renowned for their commitment to sustainability. This partnership has been crucial. It lets me stick to my high standards of quality and sustainability without compromising on our values. Not every piece or product is at the standard I strive for, but I have made steps in the manufacturing and sourcing to get there!

As for the actual making of the products, that’s on me—I cut and sew each item currently. I learned the basics from family as a teen, believe it or not, and then polished my skills with a refresher course from a friend and lots of online tutorials and good old trial and error. This DIY approach isn’t just about keeping costs down; it’s about maintaining control over the quality and creation of every single product that goes out the door. Every item is checked and finished by me, and that’s something I’m really proud of.

Manufacturing these products myself has been both rewarding and challenging. There’s a huge learning curve, and I’m still climbing it. As we continue to grow, I’m hoping to bring more people on board to help expand our capacity but still keep the quality and personal touch that our customers love so much. I am now at the point where, for my tried and true products, I will start looking for help with sewing from local seamstresses. I always want to have a hand in the research and development of the initial products.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you need to be flexible and patient. Things don’t always go as planned, and sometimes you need to adapt on the fly, whether it’s tweaking a design or solving a last-minute supply issue. But every challenge is a learning opportunity, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.PetObsessedPeople.com
• Instagram: @PetObsessedPeople
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petobsessedpeople