In the 608: Local woman creates business that focuses on spoiling our pets
MADISON, Wis. – We’ve been reporting about how more and more families are adopting dogs during the pandemic, and it turns out, many dog owners are also spoiling their pups more than they ever have.
That’s part of why Grace Wang started “Petphoria.” Well, that and her puppy, Beni, who helped inspire her!
Wang says Petphoria is a brand that focuses on luxury dog treats with a “furpose.” Wang launched Petphoria in December 2020 after raising more than $3,500 through Kickstarter. The company was also recently featured on Project Pitch It in Wisconsin and won the grand prize of $10,000.
“This is just an idea that I rolled with, but just getting the support from the community, especially everybody here in Madison, it’s been insane,” Wang said. “People reaching out telling me how inspired they are.”
Grace says she’s proud to be Madison-based and also an Asian-American and women-owned local business. She wants to work with Madison-area dog boutiques and then expand outside the city. Her goal is to be available in shops around the U.S. in the next five years.
Petphoria is also helping provide jobs to people living with disabilities in Wisconsin. Wang outsources the production of her treats to a Milwaukee nonprofit that employs adults with disabilities.
“You know being an AAPI member, women-owned, a small business supporting other small businesses, has just been a real dream come true for me,” Wang added.
Wang’s homemade, organic treats come in four different flavors. She says the containers are cute enough to keep even after the treats are gone. She’s also creating more of a lifestyle brand that includes dog toys and apparel for the humans.
Wang tells News 3 Now she hopes to open a pop-up store in Madison soon. She’s also doing a special 15% off sale for those watching her story “in the 608.” That sale runs through the weekend. Click here to learn more.
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