Of SwiftPaws® – a health & wellness lifestyle brand for pets. We believe pets deserve to live their very best lives & we make beautifully playful products that help them do just that! We are a team of passionate pet-people from across the USA with headquarters on the east coast of Central Florida.
Tell us about your invention/product. What problem does it solve?
At SwiftPaws, we are dedicated to enhancing the health and wellness of pets through our innovative enrichment products. Our core lineup—CHASE!, Home Original, and Home Plus— are designed to create the ultimate game of chase in your own backyard. These products provide both mental and physical enrichment for pets, helping them stay active and engaged and providing a healthy outlet for their natural instincts. This is especially beneficial for busy pet owners who may not have enough time to exercise their pets as much as they’d like, ensuring pets get the exercise and stimulation they need to live their best lives.
What was the inspiration for your invention/product?
The inspiration for SwiftPaws came from my late pup, Pretzel. As a recent college graduate in 2011, I was looking for activities to do with my dog and discovered the sport of lure coursing. However, there were no local options, and the equipment was prohibitively expensive. With the help of my dad, I created a homemade version of a lure coursing machine, and Pretzel loved it. This sparked the idea to develop a more accessible and affordable version for pet owners everywhere.
What is the number one goal you have with regard to your invention/product?
Our primary goal is to enhance the mental and physical well-being of pets. We envision a world where pet mental wellness is as prioritized as their nutrition and medical care. By providing stimulating and novel enrichment, we aim to improve the overall health and happiness of pets.
Who is your product for (target market)?
SwiftPaws is designed for pet owners who want to provide their pets with engaging and healthy exercise. Our target market includes busy pet owners, pet enthusiasts, and anyone looking to strengthen their bond with their pets through interactive play.
How long did your invention/product take to get to this point (from the time you conceived of the idea to now)?
From the initial idea in 2011 to the launch of SwiftPaws in 2012, and the subsequent development of our consumer model in 2018, it has been a journey of over a decade. We’ve continuously refined and improved our products based on customer feedback and market demands.
When you had your idea, what was the first thing you did?
There was never a “lightbulb” moment for me. First, I just wanted to try the sport of lure coursing with Pretzel. My dad helped me make our first machine. Pretzel loved it! That led to hosting a fun event where I invited my friends and their dogs out to try it, which led to running these “fun run” style events on a monthly basis in my hometown, which led to the eventual realization that there was significant interest and potential for this as a product.
What has been the greatest challenge of getting your idea from your head to something tangible?
One of the greatest challenges has been navigating the supply chain turmoil, especially with some component lead times exceeding a year. Additionally, transitioning from a hobby to a professional business required significant adjustments and overcoming financial hurdles. It’s a constant work in progress!
How did or are you funding the development of your invention/product?
Initially, we funded the development through personal savings and reinvested every bit of income that the company brought in. As the business grew, we sought additional funding through various channels, including investors and by participating in “Shark Tank” in 2022.
How do you currently market your invention/product?
We market SwiftPaws through various channels including social media, our website, word-of-mouth from satisfied customers, and partnerships with pet industry professionals. We also engage with the pet community through events, collaborations with pet professionals, and by listening to and incorporating customer feedback.
Tell us about your background.
I have always been passionate about animals, dedicating my time to providing the best care and enrichment for my pets. My background includes working with dog behaviorists, trainers, and collaborating with zoos on animal enrichment. SwiftPaws combines my love for animals with my desire to innovate and improve pet care.
Who are your favorite female creators and why?
I recently had an opportunity to contribute a chapter to Edith Tolchin’s book, “Secrets of Successful Women Inventors”. I’ve read it cover to cover and personally know a few of the women included. Their stories of perseverance and innovation inspire me to continue pushing forward with SwiftPaws.
What’s been the most surprising part of your creative journey so far?
The most surprising part has been the overwhelming positive reception and community support. From the first fun run event to our appearance on Shark Tank, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how much joy and enrichment our products bring to pets and their owners.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day involves a mix of product development, customer support, and strategic planning. I also spend time engaging with our community and ensuring that we stay true to our core values and mission.
Who have been your role models, mentors, etc?
My role models include my parents, who have always supported and encouraged me. I also draw inspiration from other entrepreneurs who have navigated similar challenges and built impactful businesses. Mentors in the pet care and entrepreneurial communities have provided invaluable guidance along the way.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
I want to emphasize the importance of mental and physical enrichment for pets. Our pets give us so much joy and companionship; it’s our responsibility to ensure they live fulfilling lives. At SwiftPaws, we’re dedicated to making this possible through innovative and engaging products.
What’s the best way for the readers/audience of Inventing Women to connect with you?
Readers can connect with us through our website [SwiftPaws](https://www.swiftpaws.com) and follow us on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook @SwiftPaws.
What is the cost and how can we learn more, and purchase your product?
SwiftPaws products range in price depending on the version and purpose, ranging from under $50 to over $2,500. Readers can learn more and purchase our products directly from our website at SwiftPaws.
Have a pawesome day!