Meet Blanca Osorio | Founder and Maker – Purrfashion

We had the good fortune of connecting with Blanca Osorio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Blanca, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It all started when we got a cat – Rupert! We wanted to give Rupert some outdoor time, but we wanted to do it safely. I had lost my childhood cat for letting her out on her own, so this time I wanted to walk my cat with a leash. I tried different harnesses, but he wasn’t walking comfortably in them, as most harnesses are made for dogs, not to mention they all looked pretty ordinary, made of nylon webbing and mesh. Watching Rupert walk funny in harnesses that didn’t fit right (and didn’t look good), I decided to design my own, using clothes I was going to get rid of. After some trial and error, I made a harness that not only he was comfortable in, but was also cute and sustainable! Then I thought, if I struggled so much to find the right harness for my cat, others who wanted to walk their cat probably had the same issues I encountered. I also thought it was a great way to salvage clothes and fabric scraps. As someone who has gone from their cat hating one harness to making one that became second skin and now enjoys hiking and camping with two cats, I wanted to share my experience with others. That’s why I founded Purrfashion, a brand made specifically for cats using upcycled fabrics. We not only make the best harnesses for cats, but are also committed to educating cat owners on how to successfully walk their cat. Our harnesses come with step-by-step instructions on getting cats accustomed to it, and we also offer virtual sessions where we help cat owners with harness training.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets Purrfashion apart is that our products are handmade from upcycled materials. We’re expanding our product line beyond cat harnesses, while staying true to our sustainability efforts. We’re proud to be zero-waste: our fabric scraps become stuffing for our cat toys! But beyond eco-friendly cat products, we’re on a mission to change the way people think about cat care. Harness training allows cats to explore safely while protecting them and wildlife. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned that people connect with stories, and our mission resonates with cat lovers who want the best for their pets and the planet.

Purrfashion is all about stylish, upcycled cat accessories from repurposed fabrics, reducing textile waste while keeping cats safe. Cats have nine lives, why should clothes have only one?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would explore San Diego! Other than the main attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park and Balboa Park, there are so many great neighborhoods in San Diego: North Park, Hillcrest, Little Italy, Liberty Station, just to name a few, and people are laid back and friendlier than other cities. Must shop a street festival or farmers market, spend time at San Diego’s beautiful beaches with a stop at the Historic Hotel del Coronado and have a picnic in Mission Bay. To connect with nature, we would go see the sea lions and other marine wildlife at La Jolla Cove, bird watching along the San Diego River and hiking Torrey Pines. There are so many cool places in San Diego, a week is barely enough!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A huge shoutout to Dr. Silvia Mah for her unwavering mentorship and guidance throughout the evolution of Purrfashion. Despite having a million things going on and tirelessly supporting other entrepreneurs, she always makes herself available to offer strategic insights, clarity, and motivation. Her vision and ability to strategize is unparalleled, and her support has been truly invaluable.

Website: https://www.purrfashion.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purrfashioncats/

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/blanca-osorio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purrfashioncats

Image Credits
Blanca Osorio