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

Brenda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I conceived the idea of starting Studio Tails when I realized there were hardly any brands producing dog gear from recycled materials. I embarked on a search for “new” materials sourced from recycled fibers. After engaging with multiple vendors and evaluating dozens of test samples, I eventually discovered the perfect production company.

Leveraging my marketing background, setting up a website and crafting my brand story was a relatively straightforward process, ultimately saving me a substantial amount of money. For me, the most challenging aspect was battling through imposter syndrome. Usually, the hardest step is taking the first one. Thankfully, that wasn’t an issue for me. Even now, I occasionally wonder if I’ve achieved enough success, but deep down, I know I have.

From the outset, I envisioned Studio Tails having a compelling brand narrative. We’re here not only to offer our eco-friendly dog gear but also to educate about environmental issues and causes that impact us all. Our customers and partners stand as a testament to the fact that Studio Tails’ vision is aligned with a meaningful cause.

Brenda, 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?

Hello from Studio Tails! Our journey began from a deep love for our planet and our loyal four-legged companions. We share a common passion for dogs and a collective dream of leaving the world better than we found it. The question that drove us was, must we compromise quality for eco-friendliness? The answer, as we’ve proven, is a resounding no! It’s entirely possible to create exceptional dog gear that’s also a force for good in our environment.

Our dog gear is fashioned from top-tier rPET, a recycled form of PET (polyethylene terephthalate). This material originates from used plastic packaging like bottles and food containers. In an era where recycled materials define much of what we cherish, we labor tirelessly to ensure our dog gear meets not just our standards, but yours too. We firmly believe that quality need not be sacrificed for sustainability. Countless hours went into crafting gear that’s both top-notch and capable of keeping up with your energetic pup.

Imagine the collective impact if every fledgling company committed a fraction to a greater cause. We staunchly hold that even the smallest step leads in the right direction. Supporting ASPCA, The Ocean Cleanup Project, and local No Kill Shelters fills us with immense pride. Despite being a small pack, we harbor grand aspirations for our brand and the world at large.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I kickstarted Studio Tails through a combination of resources. I diligently saved up my unemployment funds, supplemented by a credit card and a loan from my mom as a fallback. The credit cards, which I viewed as a last resort, were only tapped into after I’d exhausted my unemployment funds, amounting to approximately $6,000.

Since then, I’ve been determined to steer clear of heavy reliance on credit cards. Thankfully, I’ve been fortunate enough to secure two invaluable business grants, which have made a significant impact. I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to explore business grant opportunities; they’re more accessible than you might think!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

If you’re a brand with packaged goods aiming to expand into retail stores, I highly recommend platforms like Faire and Bulletin. Studio Tails gained traction in boutiques across the nation thanks to these platforms. Each has its unique acceptance criteria, so select the one that aligns best with your business needs.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.studiotails.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio_tails/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiotails
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/studiotails/about/?viewAsMember=true
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/studio_tails
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@studiotails