Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ali Malmkar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Ali thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us 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.
The idea for 1 ear pUp started in the most unexpected, yet personal, way—through my dog. She’s got this adorable quirk: one ear sticks straight up, while the other flops down. It’s the kind of thing that makes her instantly recognizable and gives her so much personality. When we went looking for bandanas to match her unique vibe, we kept hitting a wall. The options at places like Hobby Lobby were… fine, but they were basic, generic, lower quality, and didn’t feel special enough for her.
That’s when it hit me. Why settle for something ordinary when I could create something that truly reflects her personality? I started hand-sewing bandanas, first just for her, experimenting with fun, original designs that felt like they told a story—her story. What started as a fun project quickly turned into something more. I realized there had to be other pet owners out there who wanted the same thing: high-quality, thoughtfully designed bandanas that celebrated their pets’ individuality.
I felt this mix of excitement and frustration—excited by the creative possibilities, but frustrated that this gap existed in the first place. The more I sewed, the more I realized: this wasn’t just about making bandanas; it was about giving people a way to express their pets’ unique charm. When I saw how friends and even strangers responded to my designs, I knew this could be more than just a hobby. It was a chance to offer something that no one else was—original, hand-sewn bandanas that feel as special as the pets who wear them.
Ali, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi! I’m the owner and creator behind 1 ear pUp, a small business where I hand-sew custom bandanas for dogs and pets. The inspiration came straight from home—my dog, who has one ear that stands up and one that flops down. That little quirk sparked not only the name of the business but the entire idea behind it.
I got into this because I saw a real gap in the market. When we first brought my dog home, we wanted to dress her up with cute bandanas that matched her fun, quirky personality. But everything we found at big-box stores like Hobby Lobby was just basic—plain patterns, thin materials, nothing that felt special. I realized if I wanted something unique and high-quality, I’d have to make it myself. So, I pulled out my sewing machine and started experimenting. Before I knew it, I was hooked. The more I sewed, the more I realized I wasn’t the only one looking for something better for their pets.
At 1 ear pUp, I focus on crafting high-quality, original bandanas that are as unique as the pets who wear them. Each piece is hand-sewn with care, using durable fabrics and creative designs that stand out. I want pet owners to feel like they’re getting something special—not just an accessory, but a little piece of art that showcases their pet’s personality. We have other small products as well, but bandanas are our main focus.
What sets 1 ear pUp apart is the attention to detail and the heart behind every design. I’m not mass-producing these; each bandana is made thoughtfully, with love and care, because I know how much our pets mean to us. I’m proud of the fact that this started as a passion project for my own dog and turned into something that resonates with other pet owners who want more than just the standard, off-the-shelf options.
For me, it’s not just about making bandanas—it’s about celebrating the bond we have with our pets and helping others do the same. Whether your dog’s got a goofy ear like mine or just a big personality to show off, 1 ear pUp is here to add that little extra flair to their everyday look. I want people to know they’re not just buying a product; they’re supporting a small business that’s built on love, creativity, and a whole lot of tail wags.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.
I sell 1 ear pUp bandanas on Etsy. Choosing Etsy felt like the right move because it’s a platform that already attracts people looking for handmade, unique, and custom items—exactly what my bandanas are all about. Plus, Etsy handles a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to things like payment processing, customer trust, and even some aspects of marketing, which made it easier to get started.
The biggest pro of selling on Etsy is the built-in audience. People come to Etsy specifically looking for handmade, quality products, so I knew I’d be reaching the right kind of customers from the start. It’s also super user-friendly, both for me as a seller and for customers who want an easy shopping experience.
On the flip side, one of the cons is the fees—between listing fees, transaction fees, and payment processing, it adds up. Plus, there’s a lot of competition, so standing out can be challenging unless you’re constantly updating your shop, promoting on social media, and really honing in on what makes your brand unique. Etsy also controls the platform, so any changes they make to their policies or algorithms can affect how visible my shop is.
That said, Etsy’s been a great launchpad. It’s allowed me to connect with pet owners who are looking for something special, and it’s given me a solid foundation to grow from. Down the road, I might consider adding my own website to have more control over branding and customer experience, but for now, just starting out, Etsy’s been a great fit for 1 ear pUp.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
For 1 ear pUp, I’ve found that the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a mix of authenticity, community engagement, and social media.
People love a good story, and 1 ear pUp has a personal one. Sharing the inspiration behind the brand—my dog with her one ear up and one down—has really resonated with fellow pet owners. It’s not just about selling bandanas; it’s about connecting with people who see their pets as part of the family and want something that reflects their unique personality. When people connect emotionally, they’re more likely to become loyal customers. Consistent quality and customer service is super important.
Platforms like Instagram have been a game changer; sharing pictures of happy pups wearing 1 ear pUp bandanas has been huge. Encouraging customers to tag the shop in their photos creates a ripple effect, spreading the word organically. It’s authentic, and it brings in people who trust real reviews.
While online sales are great, nothing beats face-to-face interaction. Setting up at local markets or pet events gives people a chance to see and feel the quality of the bandanas in person. Plus, connecting directly with other pet lovers builds a sense of community around the brand. Customers love to see my dog, Wavy, in person!
At the end of the day, it’s about staying true to the heart of 1 ear pUp: celebrating pets and their personalities with something special and handmade. That authenticity shines through, and people gravitate toward it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/1earpup
- Instagram: @1earpup
