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

Lizzy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

One of the biggest ways Owa Owa diverges from the industry standard is that we don’t just focus on what’s practical—we focus on what’s meaningful. In an industry often dominated by faceless, mass-produced products, Owa Owa is all about heart, nostalgia, and creating memorable experiences for pets and their humans.

For example, our Pup Noodles weren’t born out of a corporate meeting or trend analysis—they came from my obsession with creating something joyful and unique for pet parents like me. I wanted to bridge the gap between human food and pet treats in a way that felt fun and magical. And it worked! Watching dogs slurp up noodles while their parents laugh and film them for Instagram brings me so much joy because it’s more than a treat—it’s a shared moment.

And then there’s the fact that Owa Owa is a true family business. My mom is my right hand in everything, from making treats to hand-sewing artisanal ponchos. That level of personal touch, where every product carries a piece of us, is something you just can’t replicate in a corporate setting.

Ultimately, Owa Owa is proof that you don’t have to choose between health and happiness for your pets—you can have both, wrapped up in a brand that feels like family. And I think that’s what sets us apart.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi! I’m Lizzy, the founder of Owa Owa, and I’m a Mexican American, certified canine nutritionist with a deep love for pets, culture, and creativity. My journey into the pet industry started with my first soul dog, Normi, who struggled with chronic ear infections and allergies. Determined to help him, I immersed myself in research, became certified in canine nutrition, and started making homemade food and treats. The transformation in his health was incredible, and I realized I could do the same for other pets while combining my love for food, art, and Latino heritage. That’s how Owa Owa was born!

Owa Owa offers healthy, innovative, and whimsical pet treats, crafted to make pets and their parents smile. Our flagship product, Pup Noodles, is the first all-meat ramen for pets and went viral for a reason—it’s not just cute, it’s packed with superfoods to support your pet’s health. We also offer treats like Fluffin Hot Cheewtos, Meatzapawn, and Gold Fishies, all inspired by nostalgic human snacks, as well as natural chews and artisanal jerky. On top of that, my mom—my ultimate partner in crime—handmakes our iconic doggie ponchos, blending her years of seamstress experience with our love for pets.

What sets Owa Owa apart is the heart behind everything we do. We’re not just a brand; we’re a family-driven movement to revolutionize pet nutrition while bringing joy to every treat. I grew up in a vibrant Latino household that celebrated love and togetherness, and I infuse that energy into every aspect of Owa Owa. Each treat is made with limited, human-grade ingredients, designed to address pet parents’ biggest concerns like food sensitivities, allergies, and finding treats they can trust.

I’m most proud of the community we’re building—our familia. Owa Owa is for the pet parents who see their furry companions as family and want to give them the very best. Whether it’s sharing Pup Noodles with their dog or dressing them up in an adorable poncho, I want every pet parent to feel the love, care, and joy we pour into everything we create.

At the end of the day, Owa Owa is more than a business—it’s a way to honor the unconditional love between pets and their humans while celebrating our shared values of trust, creativity, and health. I hope Owa Owa inspires others to create moments of connection with their pets, just like my furbabies have inspired me to build this dream.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining moments in my journey was battling a rare kidney disease that led to not one, but two kidney transplants. The first transplant was at just 21 years old, and my brother selflessly donated his kidney to save my life. That experience was both humbling and life-changing. Just as I was rebuilding my dreams, I faced even more health challenges and personal loss, including the passing of my sister to cancer.

There were times I felt like life was throwing too much at me, but my resilience came from my family, my upbringing, and my dogs. My dogs were my lifeline—they gave me purpose and unconditional love when I needed it most. I channeled that love into creating Owa Owa. The idea of building something meaningful, inspired by the bond I shared with my pets, gave me a reason to keep going.

One moment that stands out is when my flagship product, Pup Noodles, went viral. It was a culmination of all the years of struggle, love, and hard work, and it felt like the universe saying, ‘This is your time.’ Owa Owa became more than a business—it became a way to honor my journey and my family’s resilience, especially my mom, who’s my partner in crime in this adventure.

For me, resilience is about finding hope in the darkest moments and turning pain into purpose. Every treat I make and every poncho my mom sews carries that spirit of perseverance. Owa Owa isn’t just about pet treats—it’s about celebrating life, love, and the power of never giving up.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My journey has been full of pivots, and each one taught me something valuable that ultimately led me to Owa Owa. I’ve had over 16 different jobs in the past—everything from retail to an industrial engineering role. At one point, I even started a beauty business, but to be honest, it wasn’t my calling. It didn’t spark that fire in me.

I also spent years pursuing my education, earning my AA in economics and then a Bachelor of Science in business, which I absolutely loved. It gave me the tools to think strategically and problem-solve, but I always felt like something was missing. Deep down, I’m a creative at heart, and I wanted a career where I could combine my love for innovation with my passion for design.

Owa Owa is the perfect blend of everything I love and everything I’ve learned. It challenges me to constantly experiment with new recipes, which keeps my analytical side engaged, and I get to design all my own packaging, which lets my creativity shine. This isn’t just a business—it’s my dream job. It’s where I’ve found my purpose.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from all these pivots is that failure isn’t the end—it’s just a step on the path to finding what you’re truly meant to do. Every job, every degree, and even my failed beauty business gave me skills, experiences, and clarity that brought me to this moment. Owa Owa feels like home, and I wouldn’t trade the twists and turns for anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://OwaOwaCo.Com
• Instagram: @owaowaco
• Other: tiktok: @owaowaco