Founder: Felicia Bradley
Industry: Pet Accessories
Flagship Product: Fashion-forward, functional dog walking bag with food-safe compartments
The Vision
Felicia Bradley’s journey with Cocoa & Onyx began with an everyday challenge faced by many dog owners: carrying everything necessary for a walk in a stylish, functional way. As a proud dog mom, Felicia envisioned a bag that seamlessly combined fashion and practicality—a solution for people who wanted to not sacrifice their personal style while keeping their furry friends safe and happy.
The inspiration for Cocoa & Onyx sparked during Felicia’s experience with her newly rescued Rottweiler puppy, who was unexpectedly brought home by her son. Initially hesitant due to her own fears and the challenges of managing two large dogs, Felicia soon found herself determined to ensure the puppy could be walked and trained safely. This commitment led her to enroll in a dog training class, “Train the Human,” where she juggled treats, poop bags, and other essentials in an old purse she affectionately called her “treat purse.” While stylish, it wasn’t practical for the demands of dog training or everyday walks.
Recognizing a gap in the market for pet accessories that combined functionality and luxury, Felicia decided to design a bag that addressed these issues while offering a sophisticated aesthetic. Her mission was clear: “I make pet accessories for people because pets don’t care what your accessories look like—but you do.”
The Turning Point
Like many entrepreneurs, Felicia initially wondered, “How hard can it be?” She quickly discovered the complexities of product development and manufacturing. While her initial prototype efforts showed promise, she realized she needed a partner to help navigate the intricate journey from concept to market.
Enter Gembah.
“I found Gembah through a Google search, and it became my one-stop shop for resources I didn’t have access to on my own,” Felicia explains. Gembah provided expertise in tech packs, branding, and manufacturing while offering invaluable project management.
The Process
Felicia worked with Gembah to refine her vision into a tangible product. The process included:
- Design Collaboration: Gembah’s design team translated Felicia’s ideas into professional-grade tech packs, ensuring that her product was both stylish and functional.
- Branding: Megan from Monster Pile Studios, Gembah’s branding expert, developed the Cocoa & Onyx logo, which Felicia describes as “obsessive-worthy.”
- Manufacturing: Through Gembah’s vetted network, Felicia partnered with a manufacturer in India that delivered high-quality results.
Gembah also offered hands-on project management, saving Felicia time and helping her avoid costly mistakes. “I moved pretty quickly because of Gembah,” she says. “Their guidance helped me make decisions faster and more confidently.”
The Result
Cocoa & Onyx launched its flagship product—a dog walking bag featuring:
- A food-safe compartment for treats,
- An integrated poop bag dispenser,
- A sleek, fashion-forward design that doubles as an everyday purse with a separate compartment for everyday essentials.
Felicia’s product stands out in the market, bridging the gap between luxury and utility. Her price point caters to customers seeking style without Gucci-level pricing, providing an accessible alternative for discerning pet owners.
The Challenges of a New Lane
While the product has been well-received—eliciting reactions like “This is brilliant!”—Felicia acknowledges that creating a new category has its challenges. “People love the product, but it’s a new concept for many. Combining fashion and function in the pet accessory space is unfamiliar to most.”
Felicia is also tackling brand awareness, leveraging celebrity endorsements and public relations to spread the word. “I’m looking for the right dog mom to champion my product,” she shares.
Why Gembah?
“Gembah was affirming from the start,” says Felicia. “They provided the project management and resources I needed to bring my vision to life. I would have made far more mistakes and taken much longer without their support.”
What’s Next for Cocoa & Onyx
Cocoa & Onyx is on a mission to redefine pet accessories, blending style with function. Felicia is determined to grow her “accessory empire” and continue educating the market on the value of her innovative products for the comfort of people and the safety of pets.
Through partnerships like Gembah, Cocoa & Onyx exemplifies how bold ideas and strategic collaboration can transform a concept into a game-changing brand.
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