We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Roché recently and have shared our conversation below.

Courtney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The experience of losing our Boxer, Ruby, really ignited this movement for us. As an artist, the process of creating became an outlet for my grief, leading to the creation of the first Halo Frame & Collar Display. We couldn’t find a memorial piece that truly represented Ruby’s personality, so we designed one that encapsulated her photo within her own collar, the item closest to her in life. As friends and family saw the frame in our home, requests started pouring in, and we realized our frames could bring comfort and joy to others who had experienced loss. Beyond that, as we became involved in helping others memorialize their pets, we realized there was a huge opportunity for growth in pet bereavement and a real need for more support and services for people struggling to navigate the journey of loss. Soon, we were not only creating Halo Frames for pet parents around the country but also creating a network of resources to help them heal.

Courtney, 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?

Whisker & Fang is a female-owned, 100% made-in-the-USA business offering memorials and keepsakes for people whose pets ARE family. We have created the first Halo Frame & Collar Display, a one-of-a-kind circular picture frame specially designed to house a pet’s collar and photo, creating a beautiful and lasting tribute to furry friends, past or present. With a blend of thoughtful design and high-quality craftsmanship, our products stand out in the market, offering pet owners a unique way to cherish their memories. The Halo Frame comes in standardized sizes, making it easy to choose the right fit and order with confidence. You simply add your pet’s collar and photo for a perfect tribute.

As the founder of Whisker & Fang, as well as a nurse and artist, this blend of experience has made me uniquely suited to creating unique memorials and keepsakes for fellow pet parents as well as becoming a pet loss support advocate.

At Whisker & Fang, we provide more than just beautiful memorials. We are deeply committed to supporting pet parents through their journey of loss. Our products, such as the Halo Frame & Collar Display, are thoughtfully designed to offer a personal and meaningful way to remember beloved pets. Beyond our products, we have created a support group and a network of resources to help pet parents heal, recognizing the need for more support and services in pet bereavement.

What sets us apart is our dedication to quality and honoring the unique bond between people and their furry family members. We are proud of the impact our work has had on helping families find comfort in their memories and are continually inspired by the stories of love and loss shared by our community.

I am most proud of how Whisker & Fang has grown into a source of solace for pet parents across the country. Our mission is to provide beautiful, high-quality memorials while also offering support and understanding to those navigating the difficult journey of pet loss. We want potential clients and followers to know that we are here for them, offering products and services that honor their beloved pets and provide comfort during a challenging time.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Our approach to customer service is proactive and compassionate. We are truly dedicated to providing personalized support to match the needs of our pet parents. We regularly follow up with our clients to ensure they are satisfied with their purchases and offer any additional support they may need. We also foster brand loyalty by engaging with our community through personalized newsletters, social media interactions, and our support group meetings, where we share resources and offer a space for pet parents to connect and heal.

By making a difference in each and every life we touch, we build lasting relationships with our clients. Our goal is to provide not just a product, but a supportive experience that helps pet parents honor and remember their beloved companions. We are proud of the trust and loyalty we have earned from our community and are dedicated to continuing to provide the exceptional care and attention that sets us apart.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Initially, we crafted our Halo Frame out of wood, but as demand grew, we realized the need for a more scalable solution. We were committed to sourcing materials and manufacturing exclusively in the United States, supporting local businesses whenever possible.

We sought out a local manufacturer who shared our passion for the mission. We were fortunate to find a manufacturer interested in our idea and excited to support a new business. Their enthusiasm and support were instrumental in our growth.
With the help of Medal Technologies, we were able to turn our vision into a scalable reality. They assisted us with design advancements, tooling creation, and the manufacturing of a resin version of our frames. This allowed us to meet the needs of our nationwide pet parent clientele.

Throughout this journey, we have learned valuable lessons about manufacturing a product. One of the key takeaways is the importance of partnering with a manufacturer who not only understands your vision but is also willing to collaborate closely to achieve it. Additionally, maintaining a commitment to local sourcing and manufacturing can present challenges, but it also offers immense rewards in terms of quality and community support.

We are grateful for the support we’ve received and are proud to offer products that honor pets while supporting American craftsmanship and local businesses

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.whiskerandfang.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiskerandfang/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiskerandFang