Today we’d like to introduce you to Rochelle Lotko
Hi Rochelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
This Company exists for Dogs, because of Dogs, to give my Dogs the best life possible and to be able to help save as many Dogs lives as we can!
I rescued my first Dog when I was just 4 years old and have never looked back since. I’ve been rescuing, fostering and volunteering for the past almost 20 years of my life. Running a Dog Business with the ability to stay home with my Dogs and being able to GIVE BACK, is a truly a dream come true. As cheesy as that may sound!
After taking interest in fashion as a teenager and sketching my own designs, I attended Wayne State University for Fashion Design and Merchandising and instantly fell in love with the City of Detroit. Fast forward to 2020 and the Covid Crisis, I lost my job managing a night club in Downtown Detroit. At the same time, our epileptic German Shepherd, Casanova had taken a turn for the worse and his seizure activity increased significantly. I knew that I had to create a different path that allowed me to be home with the dogs, while still generating enough income to pay for their very expensive vet bills. And Detroit Dog Mom Company was born! It has been a pretty crazy, chaotic and stressful couple years, owning a small business is not for the faint of heart. And neither is owning 6 Dogs, lol.
What started as a Dog Mom Apparel Company has grown into so much more than clothing. Since our launch in 2021, we have been able to donate nearly $48k to local shelters and animal rescues! “Fulfilling”, really just doesn’t even begin to explain it. Being fortunate enough to make money doing something you love every day, while also supporting your passion is the greatest feeling in the world.
I also want to acknowledge my 4 legged coworkers, Athena, Mattie, Winifred, Casanova, Walter and Goldie. Some days I want to lock myself in the bathroom because they are driving me CRAZY, but they are my whole heart. I would be nothing, this company would be nothing, without them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
You don’t know what it’s like to start a business, until you start a business. There’s a learning curve that comes with quite a few things, and some of it can’t be taught. You think that you will have more work freedom because now you’re “your own boss”, but that’s laughable. I always joke that I traded my 9-5 to work 24/365, and that’s honestly pretty accurate. You have to have a very strong work ethic, be motivated, be disciplined, be able to set boundaries. I’m frequently asked what advice I would give to someone wanting to start a business and my only advice is to pick something you LOVE, because that is ALL you will be doing for years to come. It’s hard work, but I never expected it to be easy, I only hoped that it would be worth it, and it definitely is!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in one of a kind, hand dyed apparel! You see shirts that say “Dog Mom” in a lot of stores, I took that concept and elevated it!
I use several different dye techniques and design all of my own graphics. All of our apparel is unique, things you can’t find anywhere else! Aside from clothing, I also make custom and personalized items, a variety of accessories, hats, beanies, crossbody bags, tumblers, jewelry and more ALL for Dog Moms! For the Dogs, I created matching Pet Set Apparel for Humans & their Pets, as well as home dehydrated single ingredient organ treats, enrichment toys, novelty stuffies, collars and harnesses coming soon as well!
In my free time, when I’m not dyeing, designing, creating, wrangling my 6 dogs and constantly reminding myself to drink water, I do around 75 Pop Up Shop Events per year and even host a handful of events as well! A selection of our items are also sold in a handful of other local businesses, for those customers who prefer to shop in person as opposed to online!
I consider myself an “Uncensored Dog Mom”, so I’m probably best known for some of my snarkier sayings and honest humor.
I also work with and fundraise for a different Animal Rescue or Shelter every month to design and create one of a kind merch for their organization! Once the fundraiser is over, I donate 50% of my profit to that Animal Rescue. Being able to support Rescues and help save animals lives is definitely the thing that I’m most proud of!
What sets me apart from a lot of other businesses is my pure passion for the Small Business Community and respect for the hard work that we all do! I firmly believe in Collaboration Over Competition, and am constantly inspired by so many other Pet Small Business Owners! When we work together, learn together, support each other and lift each other up, we ALL win!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m more of an OCD planner than a risk taker. I don’t usually do or try something unless I can confidently predict the outcome. I think the term “Risk” has a negative connotation, or people associate it with being dangerous. Starting this business was a “risk”, but I believe if you have a positive attitude, a plan and can problem solve, you can turn just about any risk into something rewarding!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DetroitDogMomCompany.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/DetroitDogMomCompany
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/DetroitDogMomCompany
