Like many devoted dog parents, Chelsie-Jean Fernandez set out to find walk gear that fit her pup’s unique shape, never imagining it would spark a beloved brand. Originally from Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, the lifelong animal lover and proud dog mom to Isles, her spirited longhaired Dachshund, discovered a gap in the market for accessories that combined style, durability, and a perfect fit, especially for dogs with distinctive body types.

That search led to Boogs & Boop, a Brooklyn-based, woman- and AAPI-owned label designing fashion-forward, functional gear for pups of all shapes and sizes. Infused with Chelsie’s background in fashion and design, the brand reflects her playful bond with Isles (“Boogs” for short, and “Boop” for his first trick) while giving back to shelters nationwide. Today, Boogs & Boop is a rising favorite among style-savvy dog lovers, from New York pop-ups to social media feeds across the country.

Can you take us back to the moment when the idea for Boogs & Boop first sparked?

The idea for Boogs & Boop really took shape as my Dachshund, Isles, transitioned out of his puppy stage and started filling out. That’s when the fit challenges with harnesses became impossible to ignore—if the neck fit well, the torso was too loose; if the torso fit snugly, the neck felt too tight or restrictive. I tried countless brands and, when I finally found ones that fit, they often had uninspired or unattractive designs. I wanted Isles to have a harness that was not only safe and comfortable but also stylish enough to make him stand out. When I started connecting with other dog parents on Instagram, I realized I wasn’t alone—many people were struggling with the same issues. That shared experience was the spark that led to creating Boogs & Boop.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as a Dachshund owner looking for walk gear?

I went through countless harnesses from pet stores and Amazon, constantly ordering, trying, and returning them. I remember putting them on Isles and thinking, “If only this were an inch wider here” or “I wish the area near his armpit would cut in so his fur would stop matting.” And beyond just discomfort, there were real safety concerns. With his short legs and long frame, he actually slipped out of a few harnesses entirely. A couple of times on walks, he’d trip, try to “shake off” the discomfort, or start moving awkwardly because the harness was clearly bothering him. Watching him struggle like that made me realize this wasn’t just a gear issue—it was a quality of life issue. I knew there had to be a better way.

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How did your background in fashion and design influence the early development of your products?

My background in fashion and design shaped nearly every part of Boogs & Boop’s early product development. Having previously worked in the prom dress industry, I understood how critical proper sizing is for comfort and movement—and for dogs, it’s even more important because safety is involved. That insight inspired me to develop a unique size guide that adjusts to a dog’s proportions. I also drew from my knowledge of fabrics, choosing materials that are both soft and durable for everyday wear. With my digital design experience, I began creating bold, hand-drawn patterns and adding pops of color that give each piece its own personality—because functional gear should still be fun.

What were some unexpected hurdles you faced while launching your brand?

While we anticipated some revisions, the volume and complexity of corrections required during manufacturing extended the timeline more than expected. Managing sample adjustments, color calibrations, and ongoing communication added layers to the process that impacted shipment schedules—not only for quality assurance but also for delivering products to our models for content creation. This compression of the timeline made the final phases of packaging and launch more intense than planned. It reinforced the importance of proactive timeline management and flexibility to navigate the complexities inherent in product development.

How did your island roots and upbringing in Kauai influence your approach to business or creativity?

Growing up on Kauai, I was always surrounded by animals—my family raised dogs, horses, and chickens, and caring for them was part of everyday life. That early connection to animals only deepened when I began volunteering at the Kauai Humane Society as a teenager. It was there that I learned the impact compassion and community support can have, and it’s what inspired Boops for Good—our initiative to give back to shelters across the U.S., including those in Hawaii. Every purchase helps support animals in need in communities close to my heart and far beyond.

Island life also instilled in me a deep appreciation for small businesses and local artists—this value extends naturally into Boogs & Boop and is evident in our collaborations with independent creators who bring our unique, hand-drawn prints to life. For example, our Beloved Breeds collection was created in partnership with Hawaii-based artist Mizuwariko.

What sets Boogs & Boop apart from other pet accessory brands on the market?

At Boogs & Boop, we know one size doesn’t fit all—especially when it comes to dogs with unique bodies like Dachshunds, Corgis, or French Bulldogs. That’s why we created a custom sizing system that actually fits real dogs, not just generic shapes. Our gear isn’t just about function—it’s made to turn heads with bold, hand-drawn prints crafted by myself or other women artists we love supporting. We use small-batch manufacturing to reduce waste and keep our prints exclusive—rarely restocking unless it’s for wholesale partners—and prefer to introduce fresh new designs regularly. And because giving back is part of who we are, a slice of every sale helps rescue dogs find their forever homes through our Boops for Good program. Boogs & Boop is where thoughtful design meets heart—and your dog’s new favorite look.

How do you approach designing for “hard-to-fit” dogs?

When designing for hard-to-fit dogs, we start by creating overlapping size ranges to offer more flexibility and a better fit for a variety of unique body shapes. But sizing on paper isn’t enough — we put our accessories to the test by trying them on dogs in our own lives to see how it moves during walking and play. We also love connecting with customers in person at pop-ups, where we invite them to try on our gear and take a short walk before buying. This way, we can help pick the perfect size and show exactly how to adjust the straps for the best fit and comfort. It’s all about making sure every dog feels good and looks great.

Which product has been your best seller or customer favorite so far and why do you think it resonates?

Our Adjustable Corduroy Dog Harness - Rust Orange is the fan favorite. We chose the color because it’s both practical and unique—it hides dirt surprisingly well (a perk many customers mention in their reviews), and it’s a shade we hadn’t seen elsewhere in the pet space. The corduroy gives it a cozy, luxe feel that’s especially perfect for colder months and holiday strolls, without being too flashy. At pop-ups, it’s the one people walk up to and say, “Ooo, it’s so soft.” It strikes a nice balance between looking elevated and being everyday-wearable, which seems to really resonate with dog parents who love something a little different but still functional.

Have you heard any heartwarming stories from customers about how your products helped their pups?

We often hear from customers how our neon colors have brought peace of mind during evening walks, helping keep their pups safe and visible when it matters most. Many have also shared that our harnesses are the only ones that truly stop their dogs from pulling, making walks more enjoyable and relaxed for both pet and owner. We also receive thanks from those whose dogs have sensitive skin—our soft, breathable fabrics have made a real difference by preventing chafing and irritation. Hearing these stories really grounds me in our mission—it’s all about making everyday moments better for dogs and the people who love them.

What’s next for Boogs & Boop? Any upcoming launches, partnerships, or goals?

We’re excited to be growing our wholesale program to focus on placing our dog accessories in a variety of unique and carefully curated retail locations. A perfect example of this was when our Boho Botanical collar and leash set unexpectedly landed in a botanical garden gift shop, a spot that perfectly complements its lush, plant-inspired aesthetic. Each new partnership of this nature helps us further our mission by supporting more rescue shelters through our Boops for Good initiative.

If you could dream big, where would you like to see your brand in five years?

In five years, I’d love to see Boogs & Boop partnering with big-name brands like Disney or Universal for exclusive print collaborations that bring even more fun and personality to our gear. I also dream of our dog accessories being available in the shelters we support, so dogs waiting for their forever homes can experience comfort and style from day one. Ultimately, I want Boogs & Boop to become the brand people turn to when they want their dogs to feel good and look good, while doing good—whether they’re already in loving homes or still waiting to find theirs.

What’s one thing Isles (Boogs) does that never fails to make you laugh?

He boops me with his nose when he wants my attention—it’s like his own little way of “talking”. It always makes me giggle, wondering what’s going through his head. Is he asking for cuddles? A treat? Just checking in? Whatever it is, that little nudge never fails to make me smile and reminds me how lucky I am to share life with him and why I started Boogs & Boop in the first place.

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Yvon Lux is the editor of her Apple News channel covering lifestyle news and current events. Her “blogazine” celebrates sisterhood and empowers women by focusing on women’s health, travel, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial news while also sharing the most coveted beauty news and style stories.

When she’s not busy writing about impactful brands, standout products, and lifestyle news, she and her husband can usually be found snuggling with their emotionally needy, perpetually sleepy golden retriever, or she’s chipping away at her Juris Doctor. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her Apple News channel.