Sandra and Luka didnât expect their quirky pet project to make them millionaires, but that’s exactly what happened when they created a special harness for Sandraâs chunky bulldog, Carlos.
Now, their business is booming, and theyâre living proof that big dreams can come from small ideas.
It All Started With Carlos
Sandra Abade was frustrated when she couldnât find a comfortable harness for her 35-kilo bulldog, Carlos.
âNothing fit him properly,â she explained. So, Sandra and her brother Luka Maric decided to make one themselves.
At first, it was just a fun experiment. Little did they know, it would change their lives.
Back in 2019, Sandra was working in airline operations, and Luka was in marketing.
With their combined skills, they were able to design and launch a dog harness that stood out from the crowd. Luka, always the go-getter, quit his job to dive into the business full-time.
Sandra wasnât so sure at first. âI was comfortable in my 9-to-5 job,â she admitted. âBut Luka believed we could do something bigger.â
The Name That Changed Everything
When testing their harness design, they added a little extra featureâa spot to display Carlosâs name.
It was a simple idea, but it caught peopleâs attention. âAt the dog park, everyone loved it.
People started calling Carlos by his name,â Sandra said.
It wasnât just about names, though. The harness could share helpful info, like if a dog was anxious or up for adoption.
Suddenly, their product wasnât just stylish; it was practical, too.
From Side Hustle to Superstar Brand
Sandra and Luka named their brand Dog Friendly Co. and started selling harnesses for all dog sizes, from tiny Pomeranians to giant Rottweilers.
Instead of shrinking designs for big dogs, they started with Carlos and worked backward, ensuring a perfect fit for every pup.
Their big break came when some famous furry friends started sporting their gear.
Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamiltonâs dog, Roscoe, and Aussie presenter Sophie Monkâs dog, Bluey, were seen wearing Dog Friendly Co. harnesses on social media.
The celebrity buzz skyrocketed their sales.
Learning Through Challenges
In 2020, the demand for their products became overwhelming. âWe sold out way faster than expected,â Sandra recalled. âIt was stressful apologizing to customers, but it taught us a huge lesson about planning.â
By 2024, the siblings had opened a warehouse in the U.S. to keep up with global orders.
Their business has been growing by 100% every year, and in just one month, they sold over 100,000 products.
Thinking Bigger and Loving Dogs
Their success didnât stop at harnesses. Inspired by Carlos, theyâve expanded their product line to include orthopaedic beds, lifejackets, and cooling mats.
âWeâre obsessed with making the best products for dogs,â Sandra said. âI never thought Iâd be doing this, but Iâm so grateful Luka pushed me to dream bigger.â
Opinion: Small Ideas Can Lead to Big Wins
Sandra and Lukaâs journey shows that you donât need a revolutionary idea to succeed.
Sometimes, solving a simple problem like finding the right harness for a chunky bulldog can lead to something extraordinary.
Itâs also a reminder to trust those who believe in you and take risks when the opportunity arises.
If they can turn a fun pet project into a multimillion-dollar business, whatâs stopping you?
So, if youâve got a dream or even just a quirky idea, go for it. Who knows? You might just create the next big thing.