This conversation was originally recorded as Episode 27 of the Wear Wag Repeat Podcast. Maitri’s insights about building a stylish pet brand with Honey I Dressed the Pug are still valuable for petpreneurs and pupfluencers today. Her journey from the fashion industry to successful pet content creator and now interior designer shows how following your passion can lead to amazing opportunities.
Hey There, I’m Tori!
Before we dive into this episode, let me introduce myself. I’ve spent over a decade collaborating on influencer campaigns with major brands like Stella & Chewy’s, Swiffer, and BarkBox. I’ve worked on over $100,000 in partnerships!
I like to use my influence to share helpful resources for pet parents. So, not only am I an influencer marketing expert, I’m also certified in Canine Enrichment and Pet First Aid. This unique mix helps me interview a wide range of pet industry experts on my podcast.
Inside My Conversation with Maitri Mody
Maitri Moody brings something special to the pet industry. With a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a decade of fashion experience across Mumbai, London, and New York, she’s created a uniquely pet-obsessed space in the pet world.
As the founder of Honey I Dressed the Pug @honeyidressedthepug, she pioneered the concept of “twinning” with your dog. That’s helped her create a dedicated fan base to support the launch of her own line of dog accessories.
Today, she’s still inspiring pet parents while expanding into interior design in NYC.
HIGHLIGHTS: Pug Style, Building a Brand + Starting as a Dog Influencer
I loved chatting with Maitri about her journey from fashion to pets and entrepreneurship. Here are some of the highlights from our conversation on the podcast:
On Finding Her Niche with the Twinning Movement: “When I got started on Instagram, I saw so many cute dog accounts and the stylish in me thought there was a great opportunity to do styled photos with my dog Ari. Our very first photo was a matching Christmas coordinated look. A couple other times we randomly matched perfectly and my followers loved it! That concept really excited us and eventually #twinningiswinning became the theme of our account.”
On Building a Brand: “The packaging and marketing are what makes a brand a brand. It differentiates a product made in your house from an actual brand. All these details build your brand.”
On Starting as an Influencer: “When I started as an influencer I didn’t have any collaborations – I bought all our matching gear for me and my pug Ari and paid for photographers. Don’t be shy about approaching someone who you think would benefit from your audience. I have a niche group of dog moms who follow me – so if a brand wants to reach that audience then I can help them.
How Maitri met her pug, Ari
Maitri shared, “Growing up in Mumbai, there was an ad for a phone brand and the mascot was a pug. I was probably 13 or 14 when I saw that ad, and even though I was afraid of dogs growing up, I always wanted a pug because of that ad!”
When we moved to the States we found a pug breeder in Long Island and went there to see the puppies. My husband is actually the one who picked Ari! He was kind of the bully of the litter!
Ari is quite the character and he has such an awesome personality. He was 1 year old when we moved to London and he’s about 5 years old now. One of his favorite things to do is zoomies in Central Park!
Quick Tips for Building Your Pet Brand
Want to follow in Maitri’s footsteps? Here’s what works:
- Find your unique angle – for Maitri, it was combining fashion with pet content
- Invest in quality visuals from day one
- Think about your brand details, from packaging to social media presence
- Build genuine connections with your audience
- Don’t wait for opportunities – create them yourself
Pro Tips from Your Host
After years of working with successful pet brands, I can tell you Maitri’s to find a specific niche and lean into it really works. Focus on what makes your brand unique. Also, don’t be afraid to start before everything is perfect!
Remember, some of today’s biggest pet brands started just like you – with a passion and a vision.
Where is Maitri Now?
Today, Maitri continues to inspire through her work as a content creator in NYC. As of 2025, she helps urban dwellers maximize small spaces while maintaining style through fun and colorful interior design.
Her Instagram account @honeyidressedthepug is still a great place to see the beautiful bond between Maitri and her pug, Ari – plus their very cool and colorful apartment!
I also got the chance to meet Maitri and Ari in New York City when I was there for the 2020 Westminister Dog Show. They are just as sweet and fabulous in person!
Ready for More Pet Industry Insights?
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More Stylish Petpreneur Episodes You’ll Enjoy:
The Anti-Fast Fashion of Dog Gear: Jane Lee of Wildebeest
From Fashion to Pets: Finding Your Niche in the Pet Industry with Ann Greenberg
JUST FRED is a Cruelty-Free Pet Brand that Loves Senior Dogs
Pet Accessories that Save Fabric from the Landfill: Nicole Wilson of Hudson Houndstooth
Finding Joy and Delight with E-Commerce Dog Shop Sir Dogwood with Chaz Olajide
I love these two, our favourites.
Always a dream to be on your podcast xx
Love From Steph, Sev & Lily
Let’s make it happen!! I’ll send you an email. xx