Interview with Kornelia Pytlak, Founder of Wet Dog and Co
By Kornelia Pytlak
Founder of Wet Dog and Co
Can you tell us about your start-up?
Sure! Wet Dog and Co was born from the love of the doggies and the environment. My dogs, especially Bunji, love the ocean, and he gets wet whenever we are at the beach. I spent hours drying him properly and thought there needed to be an easier way! The collars got stinky and mouldy, too, and you don't want to get a new one every few months.
So I did some research, and 2 years back, I found one poncho made from polyester, pretty bad quality and not sustainable! So I have decided to create something easy, fun and not so harmful to the planet. Wet Dog ponchos are matching for humans and dogs, and they are made from 100% recycled plastic, which prevents this plastic from landing in landfills. We also offer poncho repair up to 1 year after using the product!
According to collars and leads, there are many options made from rubber or PVC, which obviously it's not that great for the planet! So I found a material called TPU which our collars and leashes are made from. You can recycle them, and they are biodegradable between 3-5 years. They are waterproof and super durable, so they will last you a long time!
Wet Dog and Co is not just about selling products. Also, I don't want to say that it is 100% sustainable brand as it is not, but It's fun, durable and as much sustainable as possible. I am just super happy that I can decide to choose fabrics, suppliers, delivery or packaging, and if I can make it right, I will. It doesn't make it easier, but I believe that if every business owner thought that way, we would live on a healthier planet.
Besides that, I love the community aspect of the business. Before launching my products, I have started taking pictures of people and their dogs. I called it "Series behind the dog," focusing on the Surf Coast area. It is an ongoing project, and one day I would love to organise Wet Dog Wiggle and Mingle catch-ups so we all can share our passions for dos and nature! Some people told me they recognise other dogs on the beach from my stories, and it feels like they already know each other, but they don't, so why not make it real.
Can you tell us about your Founder journey?
Ha, I love the founder world, I still can't believe it is all happening!
So the " Founder "Journey is pretty tricky, fun, exciting and rewarding.
First, I needed to make a call asking myself if I wanted to make a career in marketing, have a secure job and potentially move to Melbourne or stay local, work part-time, freelance and have head space for Wet Dog. I have chosen the second bit, which doesn't mean it is easy, especially since I am just starting the founder's journey as I launched at the end of April 2022.
How I became a founder is a good question.
I guess I always have been surrounded by business owners like my parents, and there was ALWAYS a business talk at home. So over the years, I had many ideas for some kind of company, as my brain works like that, but I never really executed any initial thoughts, and I guess this one is just THE ONE I am extremely passionate about. It just combines everything that I love.
I have years of experience in marketing in Poland, and in Australia, which definitely helps as I built my website and I created all the content myself, so with limited resources, my background definitely helps I finance everything myself; I don't have family support as everyone is back in Europe, so it makes it hard but at the same time rewarding. My day never ends, although Wet Dog and Co doesn't really feel like a job, so hopefully, this passion will stay forever :) I am thrilled I came so far and would not do it without a supportive community and friends.
Can you tell us how you ended up living in a small coastal town in Victoria and what you like most about it?
I came to Australia over 5 years ago, and my first and last stop was Jan Juc.
I just got to the point in my life in Poland where I needed a change and wanted to explore the world. In the meantime, I met my ex-partner who is originally from AU, and I came down to Jan Juc to be with him.
In the start, it was a challenge, don't get me wrong, I love it here but I was used to living in a big town with more job opportunities. Although I have used that challenge, Wet Dog and Co came to live! If I moved to Melbourne, I might fall into the career rat race trap with no time to figure out my start-up.
Over time I unconditionally fall in love with living on the coast and can't imagine anything else!
I think Wet Dog and Co gives me a work-life balance, and living here is what you want.
I love surfing, coastal hikes with my pups, local cafes, and the community, and I also love yoga; I am all about balance in life, so try to juggle all of it!
Work hard but don't forget why you are working! I always keep it in my mind <3
What is your experience of building a start-up in a regional town? What are some of the challenges and/or benefits you have experienced being a regional founder?
Definitely, the best part is the community. You just need to put yourself out there.
I stock my collars and leads in 2 local cafes, which I am super grateful for! Big Thanks to @thesaltydogcafe in Torquay and @Swellcafe in Jan Juc!
I didn't experience any challenges coming from being part of the regional Vic, to be honest,
Can you tell us about your experience Pitching at and winning the Surf Coast Sustainable Pitch Party? Is there any advice you would give to other founders pitching for the first time?
It was a fantastic experience! The atmosphere was super cheerful, so it put me in an excellent mood!
My advice would be to practice it in front of friends/ family or record yourself and listen to how you pitch; it definitely helps. My friends were a bit over me hahha.
The other thing is that if you are a founder, you know your business inside out. Believe in it and share your passion for it; the audience will feel it too! It's contagious. Back it up with some stats, and you will kill it!
What advice or tips & tricks would you give to other regional founders?
My advice - trail, test, and learn from your mistakes. You can grow from them! Don't take it personally and keep moving forward. Also, put yourself out there and don't be shy! Depending on the business, there are a few business FB community groups you could join and ask questions! Ask - people will answer!
I would recommend these two :
I would also recommend listening to different start-up stories; an engaging, insightful and fun podcast run by awesome local dudes is called Funny Business Podcast, 100% give it a go!
Where can people find you/how can they support Wet Dog & Co? Do you have anything upcoming that we can share with our audience?
Please jump on my website wetdogandco.com.au and give us follow on IG or LI @wetdogandco.
We focus on extending our sizes and product adjustments so everyone can find something for themselves.
We will also have a new colour pattern this summer, and we are developing summer cooling bandanas made from recycled plastic, so a few things are coming up for sure!
We really appreciate any support; even comments, tags and likes mean heaps to us! We are also always looking for cute dog models, so reach out if you are interested!