We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cintia Saravia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cintia below.

Hi Cintia , thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for our business actually came from a personal experience that transformed into a bigger vision. It all started with my cats. I had always been passionate about pets, but I didn’t realize just how much they could become part of your family until I had one of my own. My cats, [Chiquis, Diego, Gordito], aren’t just a pet – they are family. And as we spent more time together, I started noticing something that frustrated me: there weren’t enough fun, exciting apparel and accessories for pets that were both stylish and practical.

At first, it seemed like a small issue, but as I spoke to other pet owners, I quickly realized this was a common sentiment. Pet owners wanted their animals to feel as comfortable as possible, but also wanted them to look good and express their personalities – just like we do with our own fashion. But the options on the market felt limited, and often the designs were either too plain or didn’t cater to different pet sizes, breeds, or even personalities.

That’s when it hit me. There was a gap in the market for pet apparel that was not only cute and fashionable but also functional and comfortable. I wanted to create something that wasn’t just about looking good, but also served a real purpose – whether it was warmth for colder months, or accessories that made daily life easier and more enjoyable for both the pet and their owner.

I felt like this idea would work because the pet industry had been growing rapidly, and there was a clear trend toward pets being treated more like family members. Pet owners were investing in their pets’ wellbeing, so why not give them a way to pamper their pets with quality, stylish accessories that reflected their love and care?

I didn’t want to just sell products – I wanted to offer a way for pet owners to show off their pets’ unique personalities through what they wore. The idea was simple but exciting – combining style, comfort, and practicality in a way that hadn’t been done on a wide scale.

Ultimately, it wasn’t just about solving a problem – it was about creating something that could bring joy to pets and their owners. I felt an emotional connection to the idea because it came from a place of truly understanding the bond between a pet and its owner. That’s when I knew this could be something worthwhile.

Cintia , 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! My name is Cintia, and I’m a first-generation immigrant Latina from Argentina, with a lifelong love for animals. Growing up, my house was always full of love and life from a variety of pets—goldfish, turtles, cats, dogs, and even parrots. I believe that animals bring so much joy into our lives, and that’s something I’ve always wanted to share with others.

For the past seven years, I’ve worked as a visual merchandiser in the fashion retail industry, where I’ve honed my eye for trends and developed a deep understanding of what makes the retail business tick. Along the way, I realized that my passion for fashion and my love of animals could come together in a unique way. That’s when I decided to start my own pet apparel and accessories business, Pretty Kitty.

At Pretty Kitty, we specialize in fun, quirky, and unique pet apparel and accessories. Our products reflect the sassiness and creativity that are at the heart of my brand. From stylish collars and cute costumes to cozy sweaters and one-of-a-kind accessories, we want pet parents to have as much fun dressing up their furry friends as they do themselves! Our mission is to bring joy and a sense of personality to every pet, helping to express their unique character.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to highlighting the beauty and love that all pets, especially those with darker-colored fur, deserve. Take my girl, Chiquis, for example—she’s the CEO of Pretty Kitty. Chiquis is a grey cat I rescued from a cardboard box on OfferUp. She was only 3 lbs when I brought her home, and now, she’s the face of my business. Chiquis is a reminder that even black and grey cats—who are often overlooked and face the sad reality of being on kill lists in shelters—are just as lovable and deserving of a forever home.

I wanted my brand to reflect that message: no matter the color, shape, or size, every pet is special and deserves to be celebrated. By featuring Chiquis and giving voice to pets who are often forgotten, I hope to inspire others to adopt and show love to the less-adopted animals.

What makes me proudest is not just creating a business, but building a community around it—a community of pet lovers who value creativity, fun, and love for their pets. I want my customers to feel that energy when they shop with us and to know that they’re supporting a brand that values quality, style, and the importance of adopting shelter animals.

So, what I want potential customers, followers, and fans to know is that Pretty Kitty is more than just a business; it’s a celebration of the joy that animals bring into our lives and a chance to give our furry friends the style and attention they deserve. We’re here to make life with your pet even more fabulous—one accessory at a time!

Thank you marido for being the backbone of our little small business and being an excellent cat dad to our 3 rascals.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Personalized Customer Experience: By engaging with customers about their pets, asking thoughtful questions about their personalities, and showing genuine interest in their stories, I create a meaningful connection. This personal touch helps customers feel valued, leading to loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

Focus on Fun and Memorable Experiences: The playful nature of Pretty Kitty — offering cute, funny apparel and accessories — creates a positive, joyful atmosphere. This contributes to a memorable shopping experience that keeps people coming back and recommending Pretty Kitty to others.

Engagement with Customers on a Deeper Level: By encouraging customers to share stories and photos of their pets shows that we care about their pets as much as they do. This builds trust and a sense of community around our brand.

User-Generated Content (Photos and Videos): Allowing your customers to be a part of the fun by sharing pictures or videos of their pets in Pretty Kitty is a fantastic way to build a reputation. Not only does it make customers feel proud to show off their pets, but it also creates authentic social proof of your products in use.

Positive Word-of-Mouth and Social Media Buzz: The “OMG how cute!” moments are exactly the type of reactions that lead to viral moments on social media. As customers share their experiences, it helps us reach more potential buyers who are excited by the fun, friendly vibe of our business.

In short, our reputation has likely been built on creating an engaging, personalized, and fun experience for your customers — one where they feel like they’re a part of a pet-loving community.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Our most effective strategy for growing our clientele is being personable with our customers and actively networking. At Pretty Kitty, we strive to be a brand where customers can shop and have fun while doing so. We offer a relaxed shopping experience by allowing customers to try on items, return products, and providing discounts at special events.

Additionally, we give back by donating 10% of all proceeds to Cali and Friends Cat Rescue, a cause that is especially meaningful to me because of my own cat, Diego. Our customers know that shopping at Pretty Kitty means shopping for a cause, which helps us build a loyal customer base.

We also make it a priority to be involved in animal shelters and rescue events. Whether it’s participating in events that are focused on animal adoption, fostering, or raising donations, we dedicate ourselves to causes that support animals in need. These types of events are a top priority for us, as we believe in giving back to the community in ways that align with our brand’s values.”

Networking has also been an essential part of our strategy. Through networking, I’ve learned which local events are beneficial for exposure and which ones might not be worth the time. Additionally, by connecting with other small businesses in the pet industry, we’ve been able to cross-promote and share support, leading to mutual growth. We have a strong network that includes business owners like Fresh Paws Mobile Spa and Leo’s Mobile Grooming, where my sister, Priscilla, and my mother, Julia, are our biggest cheerleaders and are both highly respected and passionate about the pet care industry.

Some other small businesses that have become part of our extended family are Fresh Paws Mobile Spa, which specializes in grooming power breeds and dedicates time to pro-bono work for homeless and abused pets, and La Pawnaderia, owned by Adriana, who makes Mexican-inspired pet pastries, custom cakes and fosters pets in her establishment. Kobe’s Barking Bakery is a full time Nurse, who makes organic treats for all pets, and DC_Darlie creates custom bandanas while focusing on helping pets in need. Supporting these businesses and their social media pages has helped strengthen our sense of community and spread the word about our services.

Through these combined strategies, we’ve built a loyal clientele and are continuing to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prettykittypetaccessories.com
• Instagram: prettykitty_petaccessories
• Other: Tik Tok: Prettykittypetaccessorie

Image Credits

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