We had the good fortune of connecting with Jane Wagman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jane, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
We are all mad dog and pet lovers. Between us, we have 7 dogs and 2 cats. When we asked each other ‘what’s your go-to brand of grooming products?’, we realized there wasn’t a product line or even a single shampoo any of us loved or recommended. That was the “AHA moment” and we decided to create one ourselves. We spoke to over 200 dog parents, none of which had a brand that they were in love with. Almost every existing product either smelled of chemicals or something phony such as bubble gum or cotton candy, and the ingredients were not very good. So, we did tons of research and combined our diverse backgrounds – advertising, marketing and design, and set out to create the first clean beauty brand for dogs! The first thing we realized is different breeds (IE: hair vs fur, shedding vs non-shedding) have different needs. We sourced essential oils from all over the world creating a unique blend for our clean, amazing-smelling, coat-specific line of grooming products. We want to be the Frederick Fekkai of dog shampoo.

 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are the first company that really is a clean beauty line for dogs. Yes, there are lots of dog shampoo brands, some extensions of human brands (not focused on the dogs) and some that might do the job of washing. We clean, beautify and healthen our furry friends. After a bath with PRIDE+GROOM, our four-legged customers smell great, have moisturized skin and a soft, shiny coat, and the result lasts for many days and even weeks. Each of our products contain a carefully selected blend of essential oils. THE SHEDDER shampoo is very moisturizing and helps to release the undercoat of the dogs who shed. When fur is released during a bath, there will be less on your furniture!

THE NON SHEDDER shampoo contains Marshmallow Root, Avocado, Flax Seed, Coconut and Jojoba oils. This is a powerful combination that gives the dog’s coat and skin the best treatment possible.
THE SENSITIVE ONE shampoo is formulated with ingredients aimed to soothe and regulate the skin and follicles of these gentle souls.

THE FINAL COAT conditioner untangles any coat and locks in long-lasting shine and manageability.
In addition to our outstanding formula, we decided to use a cone-shaped, control-flow applicator (like the pro colorists) that allows for an easy one-handed wash. Bathing a dog can be stressful for some dogs and their owners. The ease of our bottles allows you to hold your dog with one hand while easily applying product directly into your dog’s fur and massaging (or styling) with the other.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a born and bred New York City gal. It’s changed so much since I was growing up. I live in the west village so I spend a lot of time in and around my hood. Some of my favorite places are –

The High Line – every time I walk it there is a new addition creating new views of the city with new site-specific sculptures and art.

The West Side Highway –
Little Island is little 🙂 but the mushroom looking risers and “mountains” are super cool.
All the different piers with ballroom dancing, various workouts, dogs running around, bars, going to the top of City Winery to look down on all of it. …. it’s so quintessential New York.

Via Carota and 4 Charles are probably my 2 favorite restaurants in NYC.

Anywhere you can grab a drink outside on a beautiful NYC day is where you want to be. I love the way the sun comes out in NYC and it’s like none of us have ever ben outside before. The streets are packed, the stores are packed….

Theater- Everyone knows NYC is knows for its theater and going to a show in one of the old Theaters in the Theater district is always a fun time. I am constantly amazed by how much talent exists in the world.

Brooklyn – OBSESSED
Williamsburg, Industry City, Fort Green, Dumbo, Domino park… pick a hood, go on Infatuation or Eater to find a cool place to eat and walk around

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Animal Haven, a shelter in NYC https://animalhaven.org

Website: https://prideandgroom.com

Instagram: pridegroomnyc

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pridegroomnyc

Twitter: pridegroomnyc

Facebook: prideplusgroomnyc

Youtube: @prideplusgroomnyc

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