Today we’d like to introduce you to Kassandra Chapa.
Hi Kassandra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Gladly thank you for having me! I was inspired and motivated by my dad to pursue a business of my own at 18 just as he had done. I dabbled in the western jewelry business for a bit straight out of high school and realized it was not my true passion. At 20, the pandemic hit, and I like others spent a lot of time at home learning and creating.
I learned to sew through my grandmother and was often found making bandanas from old t-shirts for my dogs as a hobby. I then realized there was not enough representation for pets in Hispanic/Latino households. Therefore, I began to branch out to serape textiles and reach out to artisans. I deeply found myself emerging into my newfound hobby and thus Firulais Co. began.
I was inspired by my stray dog to name it “Firulais” as it’s a generic term used for rescues/strays in Mexico. It just felt right to name it Firulais as it embraces my Mexican culture and the Americanness of being a dog mom as I was born and raised in Laredo a city on the Mexican/Texas border.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road as not only am I a business owner but I am also a First Generation College Student majoring in Communication Design with a minor in Business Administration, I am a one-woman show: I am the designer, seamstress, social media manager, customer service person, packaging consultant, and artisan spoke person.
I’ve had a lot of late nights/early mornings and have even driven over an hour to events and returned with nothing in my pocket. All these sacrifices did not go unnoticed as I have come a long way, learned, and grown, I am very proud of myself and all I have accomplished with my small business none of this could have been possible without the immense support of my family and boyfriend.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I make handmade pet accessories and collaborate with artisans all over Mexico. I specialize in Mexican-inspired pet clothing, bandanas, and collars. We are known for our Jalisco-inspired dresses, guayaberas, and pan dulce (Mexican sweet bread) squeaky toys.
I am proud of how far my business has come as I started upcycling t-shirts and have now expanded into working with artisans. Our bright colors and traditions embedded into each piece are what sets us apart. As each piece is uniquely handmade for your pet almost no 2 are the same.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
A like, a follow and a share go a long way. No amount of support is too small!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FirulaisCo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firulaiscompany
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firulaiscompany
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@firulaiscompany
Image Credits
Firulais Co.
