Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth Decker Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Elizabeth, appreciate you joining 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 story of my journey into the world of small pet accessories is one that’s deeply rooted in my own personal experiences and passions. As a paralegal by day, I found myself yearning for a creative outlet during the long hours spent at home during COVID lockdowns. With some extra time on my hands, I decided to teach myself how to sew, starting with simple projects for my own two dogs.
What began as a hobby soon blossomed into something much more as I discovered the joy and satisfaction of creating unique and stylish accessories for pets. I started with collars for my pups, but soon found myself branching out into other items like bandanas, bowties, leashes, and the list goes on – all adorned with vibrant and eye-catching designs.
One of the driving forces behind my business was my deep love for my home state of Maryland. Like many Marylanders, I have a special affection for the iconic Maryland flag, and I wanted to incorporate that love into my brand. Thus, my business was born – a celebration of all things Maryland, from our rich history and vibrant culture to our passionate and welcoming community.
In 2020, I made the decision to move to Frederick, MD, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. From the moment I arrived, I was embraced with open arms by the small business and maker community. The support and encouragement I received from my fellow Fredericktonians have been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a vibrant and supportive community.
Frederick has proven to be the perfect home for my business, offering endless opportunities for growth and collaboration. I spend every weekend from April through December at markets around the area, meeting fellow pet lovers, and sharing stories about their beloved companions. The connections I’ve made and the relationships I’ve formed with customers and fellow business owners have been truly invaluable, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me next.
My journey into the world of small pet accessories has been a labor of love – fueled by passion, creativity, and a deep sense of community. I am confident that my business is not only a worthwhile endeavor but also a unique and valuable addition to the pet accessories market. With the support of the wonderful people of Frederick and the endless opportunities that lie ahead, I am excited to continue growing and evolving my business, one wagging tail at a time.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hello! I’m Elizabeth, the passionate creator behind The Maryland Dog Company, where my love for Maryland and dogs intertwine in every stitch. During the COVID era, I discovered my knack for sewing while doting on my two pups, Tucker and Marley. By day, I navigate the legal world as a paralegal, but my heart belongs to crafting exceptional dog accessories.
A transplant to Frederick from Southern Maryland, my educational journey led me through West Virginia University, where I studied Agribusiness and Natural Resource Management and then back home for a Master’s in Law from Carey Law.
Weekends are for meeting delightful pups at markets, where I indulge my love for animals. You can spot my booth and explore my products at local markets (check out the ‘Shop Local’ tab for my schedule). Always up for a challenge, I’m open to new ideas—so don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts!
While my products stretch across various Maryland stores (and expanding!), it’s a one-woman operation here. Each order is crafted with care, so I deeply appreciate my customers patience and support.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
For me, the best source of new clients has undoubtedly been the connections I make in person, particularly at local markets. Every weekend, you can find me setting up my booth, surrounded by an array of colorful pet accessories, eagerly waiting to meet new furry friends and their devoted humans.
What makes this experience truly special is the genuine passion and enthusiasm people have for their pets. It’s remarkable how quickly a simple “hello” can turn into an animated conversation about favorite dog parks, quirky habits, and, of course, the endless supply of adorable dog photos stored on everyone’s phones.
Meeting people and their dogs face-to-face makes my job feel less like work and more like a joyful exchange of shared interests and camaraderie. There’s something magical about witnessing the instant connection between a customer and a product that I’ve poured my heart and soul into creating.
It’s a surreal feeling to see a dog stroll by wearing one of my bandanas, or to have a customer excitedly exclaim, “I saw you at this other market!” These interactions not only validate the hard work I’ve put into my business but also reaffirm the sense of community and loyalty that exists among pet lovers.
The customers I meet at markets often become my most loyal supporters. They’re not just purchasing a product; they’re investing in a relationship built on trust, quality, and shared passion. And that’s what sets my small pet accessories business apart – the personal touch and genuine connection that comes from meeting face-to-face.
So, while digital marketing and social media certainly have their place, nothing beats the magic of forging genuine connections with fellow pet enthusiasts in person. It’s these authentic interactions that fuel my business and remind me why I love what I do.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Absolutely, I’d be happy to share a story that illustrates my resilience in balancing my small pet accessories business with the demands of my full-time job.
As with many other small business owners, I wear multiple hats and juggle various responsibilities on a daily basis. In addition to running my pet accessories business, I also work a full 40-hour week at my day job. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and we were all forced to stay home, I found myself with a bit more flexibility in managing both my business and work responsibilities. However, as life slowly returned to normal and I began commuting to the office part-time, I faced a new challenge in finding the balance between my day job and my passion for creating pet accessories.
The biggest hurdle I encountered was the two-hour commute to and from work each day. Not only did this eat up a significant portion of my time, but it also left me with fewer hours in the evenings to dedicate to my small business. I found myself feeling drained and overwhelmed, wondering how I would manage to keep up with the demands of both my job and my business.
But despite the challenges and the temptation to throw in the towel, I refused to give up on my passion. Instead, I dug deep and tapped into my resilience. I made the most of my commute time by brainstorming new ideas and sketching out designs for future products. I also became more disciplined with my time management, carving out small pockets of time throughout the day to work on orders and respond to customer inquiries.
It wasn’t easy, and there were definitely days when I felt like I was barely keeping my head above water. But through perseverance and determination, I found ways to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. And while the road hasn’t always been smooth, each obstacle has only served to strengthen my resolve and fuel my passion for my small business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mddogco.com
- Instagram: @mddogco
- Facebook: @mddogco