Outpaw Essentials: Bringing Thoughtful Design to Pet Products
Founder Jennifer McCarthy shares her journey from dog trainer to product innovator.
The Challenge
As a professional dog trainer and consultant for almost 3 decades, Jennifer McCarthy had spent countless hours testing and working with pet products. While she loved her work, she noticed a persistent gap: the market lacked durable, well-designed tools tailored for messy eaters and outdoor adventures. Jennifer realized that creating her own products could provide pet owners with solutions she had long wished existed.
“I’ve always looked at products and thought, ‘How can I make this better?’” says Jennifer. “Eventually, I saved up enough money and decided to make my vision a reality.”
But transitioning from identifying problems to creating solutions was daunting. Jennifer needed a partner who could guide her through product design, manufacturing, and bringing her ideas to life.
The Solution
Jennifer discovered Gembah through ChatGPT and was impressed by their reputation for helping entrepreneurs bring ideas to market. From their first interaction, Jennifer felt reassured by Gembah’s collaborative, family-like approach.
“Gembah has been amazing,” Jennifer shares. “They made me feel supported every step of the way. Even when I didn’t know what I was doing, I had people I could trust.”
Working with Gembah, Jennifer developed the Outpaw Pet Placemat, a heavy-duty, spill-resistant mat for messy drinkers, and complementary Outpaw Bowls. Starting with off-the-shelf products, the designs were refined to balance customization and manufacturability, speeding up the process and reducing risk.
“I had no idea how much goes into taking an idea to reality,” Jennifer explains. “Gembah guided me through everything, from design tweaks to manufacturing, without overwhelming me.”
The Outcome
Jennifer is now preparing for a soft launch of Outpaw Essentials, starting with the placemat and bowls. While still early in her journey, she’s thrilled with her progress and the invaluable knowledge she’s gained.
“Every step has been a huge learning curve,” Jennifer says. “But I know I’m in good hands with Gembah.”
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
“Never give up. The journey is full of challenges, but it’s worth it. Stick to your vision, and find partners who make you feel confident and supported.”
Why Gembah?
Jennifer highlights Gembah’s collaborative process, tailored approach, and trusted experts as the key to her success.
From her designer to the broader Gembah team, Jennifer experienced top-notch support at every stage.
“I’d highly recommend Gembah to anyone,” Jennifer concludes. “They’ve made this experience not just manageable, but enjoyable.”
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