Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayley Grant.
Hi Hayley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The idea of my business started in college. I got my first dog Lilah Mae my freshman year of college and Zoe my last. My senior year I purchased a bandana from a local shop and thought to myself, “I could do something like this”. It wasn’t until after I graduated in Dec of 2019 that I decided to start making bandanas in the summer of 2020. Covid pushed back the start date to my full-time job in public accounting from the summer of 2020 to the beginning of 2021. I needed some way to make money – then the thought of making dog bandanas came back to mind. I learned how to sew back in 8th grade, why don’t I give it a try again? I started selling bandanas on Etsy and then moved over to selling dog bandanas and dog mom apparel on my own website. Once everything opened back up in 2021, I started to attend vendor markets around the Dallas Fort Worth area. I have now attended over 20+ market events and have sold over 1,000 bandanas worldwide.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
A lot of challenges I have faced had to do with not knowing how to run a business on my own. I also was the maker, designer, photographer, accountant, and mail lady all in one. You have to learn and teach yourself a lot when you own your own business, and that is something I underestimated. As I started attending more markets, my weekends got smaller; while also having to mail orders, make bandanas, and do my full-time job during the week. The hardest part is balancing my corporate career while my growing small business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about LiZo Bandana Co?
I am the owner and maker behind LiZo Bandana Co. LiZo Bandana Co is a modern, boho dog accessory brand that believes your pup should, like you, have the best wardrobe in town. All of our dog bandanas are handmade with your fur friend in mind. When designing our bandanas, we realized that not all dogs wear collars – so bandanas that attach to the collar won’t work, and it is pretty annoying to tie on a bandana – only for it to fall off when your dog is being active. That is why we make our bandanas to tie once and then snap around your pet’s neck – so they won’t fall off. We have also expanded into other dog accessory categories – collars, leashes, and dog seatbelts. Our dog seatbelts are the best way to keep your pet safe while on a ride in the car.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I find myself listening to the Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher and a few other marketing podcasts. I have also started to get into books on personal development. My goals over the next few years are to not only be the best I can be at my job and my business but also in life.
Pricing:
- Dog Bandanas $24
- Dog Bowties $16
- Dog Mom Apparel $32-$50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lizobandanaco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizobandanaco/
