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

Michael, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The inspiration for my business originated from my experiences as a designer in Beverly Hills, California. I began by volunteering my time to assist pet rescues with event design, providing support for every aspect of their gatherings. As word spread, more people reached out to me for event assistance, often alongside donating a piece of my artwork. I found immense satisfaction in aiding pet rescues, which led to a recurring theme in conversations with pet owners.

A common concern voiced by pet parents across different events revolved around their pets’ health. Many expressed dissatisfaction with conventional Western veterinary practices, opting instead for organic, holistic, or Eastern medicine approaches. They lamented that treatments like steroid shots merely masked issues without addressing the root cause. Eastern medicine, on the other hand, was praised for its multi-faceted approach, with each herb targeting various aspects of the problem.

Repeated encounters with these narratives sparked my quest for an innovative solution absent from the current market. This pursuit gave rise to what I term “The Next Generation of Pet Wellness” – a line of 100% herbal-based Eastern formulas meticulously compounded to address specific pet issues. Presently, we offer twelve standardized formulas alongside tailored options for individual needs.

For instance, our formula “No More Drama” is designed to alleviate pet anxiety, including separation and social anxiety. Comprising approximately twenty different herbs, each component works synergistically to support the nervous system, effectively reducing pet anxiety.

During an event, I met Dr. Kyle, an acupuncturist and Eastern medicine doctor, who shared his herbal formulas. Inspired by the desperation of pet owners and the potential to make a difference, I realized there was a gap in the market for 100% herbal-based Eastern formulas tailored to address various pet health issues. Thus, Healthy Paws Herbal Labs was born, offering unique solutions like “No More Drama” for anxiety and “Itchy Scratchy” for allergies.

The logic behind the venture stemmed from the countless stories of pet owners seeking effective and natural solutions for their pets’ ailments. By combining creativity with Dr. Kyle’s expertise, we could offer a revolutionary approach to pet wellness. The excitement came from creating not just a product but a wellness brand that genuinely improves the lives of pets and their owners.

Our unique approach sets us apart, as we focus on creating holistic solutions tailored to each pet’s needs. With Healthy Paws Herbal Labs, we’re not just addressing symptoms; we’re transforming the way pet owners care for their furry companions. I never expected to enter the pet industry, but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Welcome to “The Next Generation of Wellness,” where we work from the inside out to promote health and happiness for pets and their families. What excited me the most was being able to offer the healthiest option to take care of all our furry families.

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.

Here’s a more concise and polished version:

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For those unfamiliar with me, I’m a creative at heart. From an early age, I was labeled a “nuisance” in class, but when given an art project, my brilliance shone through. Growing up in Los Angeles, creativity became my lifeblood. I honed my eye for detail and design, working on everything from Christmas trees in Beverly Hills to homes in Hollywood and beyond.

One of my proudest achievements is a sculpture called “Universal Life,” a tribute to a dear friend’s late husband. Crafted from elements of the earth, it stands as a testament to the power of art and remembrance. My journey has been filled with unexpected twists, from rubbing shoulders with Andy Warhol to diving into the pet wellness industry.

At Healthy Paws Herbal Labs, we’re not just another pet wellness brand; we’re pioneers of “Organic Holistic Eastern Medicine.” Inspired by Eastern herbal formulas and my encounter with Dr. Kyle, we’ve created a range of products that revolutionize pet wellness. Each formula is meticulously crafted by hand in Los Angeles, infused with love and care.

What sets us apart is our commitment to holistic pet care. Our products aren’t just solutions; they’re part of a larger mission to improve the lives of pets and their owners. With our 1 for 1 rescue program, every order helps support pet rescues, providing essential care kits to new pet parents.

Our branding reflects our unique blend of creativity and compassion. Characters like Rodeo and Beverly come to life in our comic strip, embodying the spirit of HPHL. It’s not just about selling products; it’s about creating a community of pet lovers united by a shared passion for wellness.

In essence, I’ve lived a life filled with wonder and adventure. From art to activism, every endeavor has been guided by a belief in the power of creativity to inspire change. I invite you to join us on this journey, where magic and compassion intersect to create a better world for pets and their families.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

In 2015, Bravo TV approached me to design an event for Lisa Vanderpump on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” supporting “StopYulinForever.org”. This was another pivotal moment that inspired me to continue my search for holistic solutions for pet wellness. With my partner Serge by my side, we scoured pet events across Los Angeles in search of something new.

During one of our outings at a pet event in West Hollywood, we met Dr. Kyle. He was selling custom herbal formulas rooted in Eastern medicine. Intrigued, we asked about his products and their effectiveness. Dr. Kyle shared a story about his brother’s dog Zoey, who suffered from severe allergies. Traditional treatments provided temporary relief but didn’t address the underlying issue. Dr. Kyle formulated a herbal remedy that not only relieved Zoey’s symptoms but also promoted healing from within.

Impressed by Dr. Kyle’s approach, we distributed his formulas to the rescues I worked with. The positive feedback we received confirmed our belief in holistic pet wellness. With Serge’s strategic insights, Dr. Kyle’s formulas, and my creative vision, we embarked on a journey to create Healthy Paws Herbal Labs.

Our goal wasn’t just to introduce another product to pet store shelves but to establish a holistic hub of formulas revolutionizing how pet parents care for their furry friends. Today, Healthy Paws Herbal Labs is recognized as “the next Generation of Pet Wellness,” available nationwide and online.

The joy of helping pets and receiving heartfelt messages from pet parents reaffirms the impact of our pivot. It’s a journey filled with unexpected twists, but one I wouldn’t change for anything. Our brand isn’t just about products; it’s about creating a family united by a commitment to holistic pet wellness. You can learn more about us and our characters, each with their unique backstory, on our website.

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

Certainly, here’s a story about a pivotal moment in my journey;

There was a time when I found myself deeply entrenched in the world of design, crafting Christmas trees in Beverly Hills, designing homes, and even rubbing shoulders with icons like Andy Warhol. However, it was during one of these seemingly routine days on a set in Hollywood that my life took an unexpected turn.

While volunteering for a pet rescue event “Paws For the Planet”, I struck up conversations with several of the pet parents there with their pets. We discussed their frustrations with having only one choice for pet wellness – Western Medicine. This opened my eyes to a new realm: pet wellness. This chance encounter sparked something within me, igniting a passion to explore a field I had never considered before.

Driven by curiosity and a desire to make a difference, I delved into the world of pet wellness with fervor. Inspired by Eastern medicine and guided by the expertise of a practitioner like Dr. Kyle, Together we began to develop herbal-based formulas tailored to address the unique health needs of pets,

This shift from designing for humans to creating solutions for our furry companions wasn’t just a career pivot; it was a fundamental change in perspective. I discovered a newfound purpose in improving the well-being of pets and their owners, a journey that has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Through this pivot, I’ve learned the importance of being open to new opportunities and embracing change. It’s taught me that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most fulfilling destinations. And while my journey may have taken an unexpected turn, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s proof that life’s greatest adventures often begin with a single moment of serendipity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.HealthyPawsHerbalLabs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthypawsherbals/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Healthypawsherbals?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-habicht-a8934610/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thepetsjourney?si=VWkgVIuLUq4qF25s

Image Credits
All images/Illustrations are designed by me and the credit should be Michael Habicht iii designs – (lower case on iii) designs – the six characters you see in activities are all on our packaging and named after LA Streets – Pink cat is Beverly, cat on Bird is Sunset. Grey Cat is pico, Doberman on surfboard is Melrose, Weight lifting Bull dog is Robertson and Redo is the Chihuahua. they all have back stories on our site – Here are the links incase you want to include them – they are super cute – Meet Beverly https://healthypawsherbals.com/blogs/blog/meet-beverly?_pos=4&_sid=f00f6a9d1&_ss=r Meet Sunset https://healthypawsherbals.com/blogs/blog/meet-sunset?_pos=2&_sid=f00f6a9d1&_ss=r Meet Pico https://healthypawsherbals.com/blogs/blog/meet-pico?_pos=6&_sid=f00f6a9d1&_ss=r Meet Melrose https://healthypawsherbals.com/blogs/blog/meet-melrose?_pos=3&_sid=f00f6a9d1&_ss=r Meet Robertson https://healthypawsherbals.com/blogs/blog/robertson?_pos=1&_sid=f00f6a9d1&_ss=r Meet Rodeo https://healthypawsherbals.com/blogs/blog/meet-rodeo?_pos=5&_sid=f00f6a9d1&_ss=r