From puppies to business success: How Maryna built Pawsome Tails in dog-friendly LA

This interview starts a series celebrating LA's vibrant small business community, where we sit down with entrepreneurs to ask about their life in Los Angeles and experience of running a business here. Today, we're featuring Maryna, founder of Pawsome Tails, who turned her love for her dog into a thriving pet accessories business.

With her dogs Harley & Honey as her furry business partners, Maryna has built more than just a brand—she's created a connection point for LA's passionate dog-loving community. We spoke with her about the challenges and rewards of building a business in the city of angels, and why LA's dog-friendly culture made it the perfect place to grow her dream.

📍 About You & Los Angeles

How long have you been living in LA? Do you like it?

I've been living in Los Angeles for 7 years now. While it definitely has its challenges—like traffic and rising rents—I love how dog-friendly the city is. There are so many amazing places to explore with my dogs and it's the perfect place to run a pet-focused small business.

🧵 Building & Running the Business

How did you find the courage to start your own business? Did Harley and Honey inspire you?

When we had just moved to LA, we got our puppy Harley—and he's the one who inspired me to try making dog accessories. I wanted to create something special for him and quickly fell in love with the process. Being part of the dog-loving community here gave me the motivation to keep going and grow the business. Later on, we decided to add a second pup to the family, and that's when Honey joined us. She became part of our journey too, and now both dogs play a big role in everything I do—from modeling to product testing.

Did you start on Etsy or a similar platform?

I actually explored a lot of different platforms and decided to go with Shopify from the start. I wanted to have full control over the look, feel, and functionality of my store, so I built my own website right away. It gave me the flexibility to grow the brand the way I envisioned.

How did you figure out how to organize the production workflow?

It was definitely a learning process. I started by doing everything myself—sourcing materials, sewing, packing, and shipping. Over time, I created a routine that helped me stay organized, especially during busy launch periods. As the business grew, I slowly started working with manufacturers and began ordering some products for the store. But I've kept custom handmade items too—they're a special part of the brand.

Do you have a team? Who helps you with social media, sewing, or selling offline?

For the most part, I run everything myself, but I've definitely had help along the way. At one point, I hired my parents to help me with handmade items when things got really busy. I also have an amazing team of dog models across the U.S. who help promote my products—they create beautiful content, share genuine experiences, and help bring the brand to life in such an authentic way.

✨ What Makes Pawsome Tails Special

Why do you think people choose your brand? What unique value do you offer your clients?

People choose Pawsome Tails because they can feel the authenticity behind the brand. I focus on creating high-quality, functional products that look great and are made to last. I care deeply about every single order and always try to go the extra mile with customer service—from sizing help to special custom requests. I think customers appreciate that personal connection. And it's not just about the products—we also give back by donating to rescues and helping dogs in need whenever we can.

🐾 Life in LA's Dog Community

Do you attend any events in LA related to your business or the dog community?

Yes! LA has a lot of amazing dog events, and that's one of the things I really love about living here. I always try to attend—sometimes just as a dog mom with Harley and Honey, and other times as a vendor to promote my brand. Some of my favorite events are hosted by Positive MGMT and Goldie Palooza. It's a great way to connect with other dog lovers and small businesses in the community.

Where do you usually spend time when you're not at home or working?

We love going on beach walks in Marina del Rey and exploring dog-friendly hikes. Playa Vista parks and Manhattan Village are some of our favorite places to relax and recharge.

🌴 About the City & Inspiration

What's your favorite place to eat in LA?

For brunch, I love Le Pain Quotidien in Marina del Rey or Reborn Coffee in Manhattan Village. I'm also a big fan of Ivory Sushi and Eataly. And I have to mention Lazy Dog Restaurant—they have a special menu for dogs, so of course it's one of our go-to spots!

Imagine someone has just one day in LA. Where would you tell them they need to go?

Start your day with a good brunch with the beach view, then head to Griffith Park for a scenic walk and city views. Stop by LACMA to explore the museum and maybe snap some pics by the Urban Light installation. If you have time, check out the Huntington Library and Gardens. Then finish your day with a beach sunset in Marina del Rey—it's the perfect LA ending.

Pawsome Tails represents exactly what we love about LA's small business community—authentic passion, quality craftsmanship, and genuine care for customers. Stories like Maryna's remind us why supporting local entrepreneurs matters.