Meet Kristen Smith

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

Hi Kristen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Lucky Lany started as a passion project. As a dog mom, I wanted high-quality, stylish accessories that reflected the love we have for our pets, but I couldn’t find anything that really hit the mark. I decided to create it myself. The name reflects how lucky we are to have our dogs and how lucky they are to be loved. From there, it grew into a small business focused on thoughtful designs, quality materials, and building a community of pet lovers.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Lucky Lany began as a passion project fueled by my love for dogs and a desire to create stylish, high-quality accessories that truly stand out. What makes us unique is our commitment to thoughtful design paired with durability because dogs deserve gear that not only looks great but can keep up with their adventurous lives.

I’m incredibly proud to have built a brand that resonates with pet parents seeking more than just a cute bandana. They want something meaningful that celebrates the special bond they share with their dogs.
The journey hasn’t always been easy. Like many small business owners, I faced challenges with sourcing quality materials, balancing my time between work and growing the business, and connecting with the right audience. But through persistence, learning from setbacks, and staying true to my vision, I’ve been able to overcome those obstacles.

Along the way, I’ve discovered how vital community is. The support from friends, family, and customers has been a constant source of strength. I’ve also learned that staying adaptable and welcoming feedback are key ingredients for growth.

Above all, Lucky Lany is about more than pet accessories. It’s a celebration of the joy, personality, and unconditional love dogs bring into our lives, one stylish bandana at a time.

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.
If you’re staying in Atlanta for the week, I’d want to show my friend the city’s best mix of food, culture, outdoor fun, and sports. For coffee and breakfast, I’d take them to local favorites like Little Tart, Flying Biscuit, Rev Coffee, and Brash Coffee. For lunch or casual bites, spots like Hattie B’s for hot chicken, Little Rey for tacos, and Grindhouse for burgers are essentials.

For dinner, I’d recommend Grana for authentic Italian and Eclipse di Luna for delicious tapas in a lively atmosphere.

We’d explore vibrant areas like the Beltline, Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and the Chattahoochee River. Stone Mountain is perfect for a hike and stunning views. And of course, the Georgia Aquarium is a must-see attraction.

Atlanta also has amazing sports teams including the Braves and Atlanta United, so catching a game is a great way to experience the city’s energy and community spirit.

Finally, I’d make sure to visit the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, especially if you’re there on the weekend. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy fresh local produce, baked goods, and soak in a true sense of Atlanta’s community.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my family and close friends who have always believed in me and encouraged me to chase my dreams, especially when starting Lucky Lany felt uncertain. Their support kept me motivated through every challenge. I’m also grateful to the amazing Atlanta small business community and local makers who inspire me every day with their creativity and hustle. Lastly, the customers and dog parents who trust Lucky Lany to be part of their pups’ lives. You’re truly the heart of this journey.

Website: https://Luckylany.com

Instagram: @ShopLuckyLany