PAWTALKS WITH MODU PET

What was the inspiration behind MODU PET?

MODU started with my dog, Leo. Every bath felt like a mess — towels that never dried him properly, dryers that were so loud they left him scared and anxious, and me left feeling frustrated and exhausted. I wanted bath time to be a moment we could enjoy and actually bon over, not just survive each struggle. When I couldn’t find tools that made it easier, I decided to create them myself.

For me, MODU is not just about grooming tools for your dog. Our brand is about building products that fit seamlessly into life with your dog — quiet, smart, and beautiful enough to keep on your counter. Every idea starts with a real struggle I’ve had as a dog mom. If it makes life better for Leo and me, I know it can help other pet parents too.

How does your brand differ from other industry brands in the same category? What gives you the competitive edge?

Most brands focus on just function — does the brush detangle, does the dryer work? At MODU, we think about the whole experience: how the product performs, how it feels to use, and how it fits into your space. Our dryer isn’t just powerful; it’s whisper-quiet. Our brushes aren’t just effective; they’re comfortable to hold. And everything we design looks clean and modern, so you actually want it on your counter instead of hidden in a closet.

The biggest edge we have is that we’re dog parents ourselves. We test everything with our own dogs and listen closely to our community. That authenticity and attention to detail is what keeps us different.

Describe the ingredients you look for in the products you use.

I look for ingredients that are simple, safe, and actually work. Things like aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber, and green tea — ingredients that soothe and protect without being harsh. I stay away from sulfates, synthetic fillers, or anything that doesn’t serve a real purpose. Dogs’ skin is more delicate than ours, so I’m extra intentional about what we use. For me, clean and purposeful always wins over trendy or complicated.

"At its core, MODU will always be about love, trust, and connection. My goal is to build something people are proud to be part of, and we’re only just getting started."

Walk us through your development process — from ideation to the product we see on the shelf.

Every product starts with a real problem I’ve run into as a pet parent or something I’ve heard directly from our community. I start by asking: how can we make this easier, safer, or more enjoyable? From there, we sketch, prototype, and test with Leo and dogs of all sizes and coat types.

I pay attention to everything — how it feels in your hand, whether you can use it one-handed, how it looks in your home. Once we have a prototype, we refine it again and again until it feels right. It’s not a quick process, but it matters to me that every MODU product feels effortless from start to finish.

What are some things you take into consideration during the creation of new products?

I think first about the experience for both the dog and the parent. Is it safe? Is it comfortable? Does it actually make life easier? From there, I think about design and how it fits into a routine. I want MODU products to be something you’re proud to own, not something you shove in a drawer. Community feedback is also huge — some of our best ideas come straight from the people using our products every day.

Other than MODU PET, what is something you are passionate about?

I’m passionate about building a life that feels good, not just one that looks successful. I love creating — whether it’s a new product, a business idea, or just figuring things out by trial and error. And of course, animals are a huge part of my life. Leo changed everything for me, and one of my dreams is to start a rescue or foundation one day to help rehome dogs in need.

I also love connecting with other people who are chasing big ideas. Hearing how others got started, what keeps them going, and what they’ve learned along the way always inspires me.

What is one major lesson you learned about running a business?

That nothing ever goes exactly as planned — and that’s okay. At first, I thought success meant having the perfect strategy. But I’ve learned it’s really about how you adapt when things don’t go the way you expected.

From delays in production to slow sales months, challenges are constant. What matters is your mindset: focusing on progress, staying flexible, and showing up even when it’s hard. That’s what keeps the business moving forward.

What are some challenges you have overcome with MODU PET?

One of the biggest challenges was figuring out product development without any prior experience. I had to learn everything from sourcing to manufacturing, often through trial and error. There were delays, missteps, and unexpected costs, but each one taught me something.

Another challenge has been standing out in a crowded market. There are so many pet products out there, but very few that truly consider both the dog and the human. Educating people on what makes MODU different has taken consistency, storytelling, and patience. It hasn’t always been easy, but persistence has made all the difference.

What would you say is your most effective marketing channel?

Social media, hands down. It’s where we connect directly with our audience and bring the brand to life in a real way. Instagram and TikTok let us share not just products, but the lifestyle behind MODU — from grooming tips to behind-the-scenes moments with Leo.

The best part has been seeing our community share their own routines and results. That kind of genuine word-of-mouth is powerful. It’s less about us telling the story and more about our customers showing what MODU means in their everyday lives.

"Our brand is about building products that fit seamlessly into life with your dog — quiet, smart, and beautiful enough to keep on your counter. Every idea starts with a real struggle I’ve had as a dog mom. If it makes life better for Leo and me, I know it can help other pet parents too."

Give us the backstory of your brand’s name.

MODU comes from “modern duo.” It’s about the bond between a dog and their human — moving through life side by side. The name felt clean, minimal, and meaningful, which is exactly what I wanted the brand to represent.

For me, MODU is a reminder of why I started: every product we’ve created came from moments with Leo. It’s not just a name, it’s the connection at the heart of everything we do.

What would you like to see for MODU PET's future?

I see MODU growing into a full lifestyle destination for modern pet care — everything from grooming tools to wellness products, all designed with intention. I also want to expand our community through ambassador programs, retail partnerships, and eventually a foundation to help re-home dogs and support families who need it.

At its core, MODU will always be about love, trust, and connection. My goal is to build something people are proud to be part of, and we’re only just getting started.

What do you think is the most prominent concern in the pet industry?

Transparency. Too many products on the market are made with low-quality materials or harsh ingredients, and pet parents assume they’re safe just because they’re sold in stores.

There’s also a tendency for brands to focus on trends instead of what pets actually need. 

But pets aren’t accessories — they’re family. I believe the industry needs more thoughtful innovation, ethical sourcing, and real education for pet parents. That’s what we’re committed to at MODU, and I hope more brands follow that lead.