We have a new brand in our store and that brand’s name is Pawmiscuous.
Such a good name, right?! And it’s fitting! Mariko and her rescue doggo Penny are funny as heck and not afraid to share what they believe in. It is represented in the totally pawesome products that they make for our fur children (and some for us hoomans, too!).
From LGBT rights to Pro Roe messaging, they let everyone know where they stand on issues that compromise the well being of others. We at Pet Project LA agree with them and are incredibly proud to have Pawmiscuous represented in our store. They are truly a brand that is for the People and it is beyond cool that we are able to carry their amazeballs products.
Paco in the Pawmiscuous I Do Bad Things Raglan Shirt.
Check out this interview with Mariko, the hooman behind Pawmiscuous!
"I could totally do that, so I did."
Pet Project LA: How did you start Pawmiscuous?
Mariko: I was working in residential real estate for a few years and I just lost interest in the field and I wasn’t happy. I used to see dog walkers in our buildings I worked at and was like wow that’s a profession, I could totally do that, so I did. Pawmiscuous was originally a dog walking/sitting business and then it evolved into dog accessories/clothing and much more!
Angus modeling the Pawmiscuous Retro Neon Floral Raglan Shirt.
Pet Project LA: How did you find Penny, your gorgeous rescue pup?
Mariko: A girl I followed on Instagram that frequently fostered dogs through NYC rescue groups had posted a photo of Penny. Penny caught my eye and I immediately messaged asking about her. Her looks won me over and we set up a meet & greet and she came home with me. I wasn’t looking to get a dog because I had just started my business but it was fate ❤️
Pet Project LA: What inspires you to get up and make cool stuff for fur children?
Mariko: The designs have definitely evolved over the years and I was able to find my sweet spot and what is truly the “Pawmiscuous” style. I just love creating fun/sassy designs that you might not find at your traditional pet store. I also love that my customers appreciate and get my humor. They inspire me everyday!
Shakespeare modeling the Pawmiscuous Trans Rainbow Raglan Shirt.
Pet Project LA: What are some of the world events that are happening right now that have you excited and/or concerned?
Mariko: I probably wouldn’t really use the word excited to describe the state of the world because it’s pretty shit but I guess the one thing I love seeing are smart, brave and outspoken women taking a stand and fighting back. I’m all about female empowerment!
Paco modeling the Pawmiscuous I Do Bad Things Raglan Shirt.
"I would rather stand up for what I believe in than keep a customer that doesn’t share the same values as me. It’s not even political at this point, it’s just basic human rights."
Pet Project LA: You and Penny are very outspoken on your social media about where you stand on certain social/political issues. Why is taking a stance important to you and your brand?
Mariko: I never used to be this way. Old me probably wouldn’t have posted/shared about my stance on certain social/political issues. But everything changed after 2016 and I chose to use my platform and speak out. It’s always a fear that you will lose followers/customers, but not everybody has to be your customer. I would rather stand up for what I believe in than keep a customer that doesn’t share the same values as me. It’s not even political at this point, it’s just basic human rights. Being both a minority and a female, there’s just so much that effects me personally and I can’t just be silent.
Closeup of the Pawmiscuous Retro Neon Floral Raglan Shirt.
"My advice would be to always be authentic and yourself."
Pet Project LA: You are incredibly original and creative with your social media posts. Any words of wisdom for people/furiends/other small businesses to grow their following and engagement?
Mariko: Why thank you! Such a compliment when people take notice in your work :) My advice would be to always be authentic and yourself. When people can connect with you, they trust you and will want to follow your account. Don’t be afraid to show your face (you the human!) and just have fun with it. My goal is to make people laugh, to not feel alone in what they are going through and just bring weirdness into the world that is just so damn sad. Also if you are a small business, GET ON TIK TOK!
Paco likely thinking of the bad things he did modeling the Pawmiscuous I Do Bad Things Raglan Shirt.
Pet Project LA: This one for funsies … What is one of the craziest reactions you have gotten on social media about your content?
Mariko: When I made a video for Tiktok of me making a leash sleeve for Penny and it said “No Dogs! I don’t like them” and people thought it was me the human that didn’t like them and that video went kinda viral because peoples reaction were “am I on the wrong side of Tik Tok” I’m like I swear I love dogs!
Angus modeling the Pawmiscuous Retro Neon Floral Raglan Shirt.
Pet Project LA: Is there anything else you want our readers to know?
Mariko: I have plans to expand Pawmiscuous into coaching & helping other small businesses grow their social media. I’ve just learned so much over the past few years of running my business and want to use that knowledge to help others.
Shakespeare splootin' in the Pawmiscuous Trans Rainbow Raglan Shirt.
Well, that's all for this time folks! We hope you enjoyed getting to know a bit about the creative pawson behind Pawmiscuous! It was our pleasure to feature a brand that is not afraid to stand up for what is right! We are all about brands who are bettering the world in some way, and Pawmiscuous' messaging is all about promoting and protecting human rights!
Power to the People!
Thanks for tuning in! Until Next Time <3
Have a question or a comment? Let us know below!