Meet Taryn Thibodeaux | Founder & Creative Director of The Taryn Project

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

Hi Taryn, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At The Taryn Project, I believe that the love we share for animals has the power to bring people closer together and create meaningful connections. My handmade bandanas and bow ties aren’t just accessories—they’re a celebration of the bond between humans and their furry companions. Whether it’s at a market, online, or through collaborations, it brings me so much joy to see people light up over their pets and connect with others who feel the same way.

I’m also deeply passionate about working with animal rescues to help style adoptable pets. I would love to partner with more rescues to give their adoptable babies a little extra flair that helps them stand out and find loving homes faster. Every adoption saves a life, and if a handmade bandana can help capture someone’s heart, it’s a small but impactful way I can make a difference.

Beyond creating cute and functional designs, I prioritize sourcing locally and repurposing vintage textiles. By doing this, The Taryn Project keeps beautiful, one-of-a-kind materials out of landfills while creating something special for pets and their humans. It’s a small step toward sustainability, but I hope it inspires others to think creatively about how we can all reduce waste.

Every product I create is rooted in love—for animals, the planet, and the community. I’m so excited to continue growing The Taryn Project, finding new ways to give back, and making a positive impact in the lives of both people and pets.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets The Taryn Project apart is the perfect blend of safety, style, and individuality that goes into every piece I create. Safety is a top priority, which is why my bandanas feature a hook-and-eye closure for a secure yet comfortable fit, and my bow ties are designed with elastic for easy attachment without compromising your pet’s comfort.

Beyond functionality, I take pride in sourcing unique and vintage textiles, giving new life to beautiful fabrics that might otherwise go to waste. Each design is truly one of a kind, created with care and love for pets and their humans.

And of course, there’s a little spark of me in every product! My fiery personality and bold design style shine through in everything I create. When you shop with The Taryn Project, you’re not just getting an accessory—you’re getting something special, sustainable, and made with passion.

The journey to where I am today with The Taryn Project has been nothing short of incredible, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and love from my friends, family, and amazing customers.

My friends and family have been my biggest cheerleaders, encouraging me through every step of this journey—whether it was brainstorming ideas, lending a hand at markets, or simply reminding me to believe in myself when things got tough.

To my customers, your repeat business and kind words mean the world to me. Seeing pets rock my designs and hearing how much joy they bring into your lives keeps me inspired and motivated. You’ve turned this little dream of mine into something so much bigger than I ever imagined.

There have been challenges, but I’ve learned the power of perseverance. Not giving up on my dream, even when it felt impossible, has brought me here—and I’m so grateful for every step of the journey. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Together, we’ve made The Taryn Project a reality, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here!

What I want the world to know about The Taryn Project is that at its core, it’s a brand built on love and passion—two of the most beautiful and powerful emotions we can experience.

Every piece I create is a reflection of my love for animals, creativity, and connection. It’s a joy to bring together people who share a deep bond with their pets, to celebrate the unique personalities of our furry companions, and to create something that brings happiness to both humans and animals alike.

My story is one of following a dream, fueled by the passion to do what I love and share it with the world. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to pour my heart into The Taryn Project and to connect with so many amazing people and pets along the way.

Through every stitch, every design, and every market day, I hope my brand not only brings a smile to your face but also reminds you of the love and joy that make life so special. Thank you for letting me share my passion with you—it truly means the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My cousin is coming to town soon, and I’m so excited to show her some of my favorite places in Atlanta. I’ve got a full itinerary planned, filled with all of my favorite spots and a mix of classic tourist stops, local gems, and outdoor adventures.

We’ll kick things off by exploring some of my favorite in-town spots, like the historic Oakland Cemetery and the street art-filled Krog Street Tunnel. We’ll wander through Cabbagetown and stop by 97 Estoria for a drink before strolling the Eastside BeltLine making sure we stop at the Old Fourth Ward Skate Park to gaze & enjoy the talent of local skaters. Dinner one evening in West Midtown at my favorite Bone Garden Cantina for amazing Mexican food and vibes is a must.

One day, we’ll embrace our inner tourists with a cheeky visit to the World of Coca-Cola and marveling at the sea life at the Georgia Aquarium.

Then, we’ll head OTP to explore North Georgia’s beautiful hiking trails and stunning scenery. I can’t wait to stop at every antique store we find along the way—treasure hunting and hiking make the perfect day trip combo.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge shoutout to my incredibly talented friend and fellow artist, Emily Yellow! Emily played such a big role in helping me reestablish my handmade doggy and kitty accessory business and encouraged me to dive into the vibrant Atlanta art community. Her support, creativity, and belief in my work have been absolutely priceless.

Thank you, Emily, for inspiring me, pushing me to grow, and reminding me of the joy that comes from sharing art and love for animals with others. I’m so grateful to have you in my corner and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you continue to create!

Website: https://www.thetarynproject.com

Instagram: @thetarynproject

Facebook: @thetarynproject