Meet Penny Love, CEO and Rae Chen, COO | Co-founders of OPC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Penny Love and Rae Chen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Penny and Rae, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Omni Pet Club (OPC) was co-founded by Penny Love and Rae Chen in December 2022. We met at the University of Southern California (USC) during our Design@USC graduate program. We immediately bonded over our shared passion for pets. Both of us are avid pet owners, always looking for the best solutions for our fur babies. As pet parents, we struggled to find products that met our needs. We have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but this is our first time starting a business that aligns perfectly with our top passion.

We faced similar challenges, such as managing multiple pets and coping with the unexpected loss of our beloved family members. Rae often found that many products for her cats were designed only for dogs only. This frustration inspired us to create OPC to raise awareness and bridge the gaps between cats, dogs, and hopefully other types of pets in the future.

Did you know that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the second most common injury among adults treated in U.S. emergency rooms for injuries related to walking a leashed dog, according to research by Johns Hopkins University (2001-2020)? This alarming statistic inspired us to start our business. We realized that most pet leashes and products are not designed with both the pet owner and pet in mind, prioritizing safety and comfort. Many safety-focused pet products lack aesthetic appeal, while luxury-designed items are often impractical and overpriced.

Our product is different. We’ve designed it with safety and comfort as our top priorities without compromising on a luxurious look, all at an affordable price. Our leash is versatile and can accommodate all types of pets, including cats and dogs. It’s also multiway configurable, allowing you to walk your pet hands-free, handheld, or even walk two pets at a time tangle-free.

One of the benefits of our product’s design is its affordability. Instead of buying a whole new set of leashes, you can simply replace the parts as needed, making it a cost-effective choice for pet owners.

Our vision for OPC extends beyond just a brand; we aspire to become a top lifestyle brand in the pet industry, catering to the unique needs of all pet owners.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Penny Love’s story: My journey began unknowingly, rooted in a passion for art and design, the most enduring forms of self-expression—seeing things not as they are, but as they could be.

Although my career and education started in biological sciences, I quickly realized that my true calling lay in design and business. Over the past few years, I’ve immersed myself in various creative disciplines such as web and product design and development, media production, and creative mentoring. While I am proficient in these areas, I strongly believe in the power of collaboration. I thrive in environments where I can lead and collaborate, as my greatest joy comes from helping others succeed.

I’ve always taken pride in my projects because they allow others to experience success with me. Before starting OPC, I ran a streetwear line and a media production company. Both ventures provided invaluable experiences and introduced me to people I could never have imagined meeting elsewhere. They taught me skills that I continue to use in my business today. One of my proudest moments was when my 15-person media production team was hired to film and photograph both the 2016 City Gala Grammy’s after-party at the Playboy Mansion and the MLB 50th Anniversary Celebration in San Diego, CA. I truly believe that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. While success didn’t come easily, the journey was enjoyable because it was driven by passion.

One of my ongoing challenges is feeling the need to constantly prove myself in my profession, despite knowing my capabilities as a designer and business owner. Securing opportunities and gaining recognition for my work often feels like an uphill battle. Perhaps it’s because I’m an Asian woman, or perhaps it’s due to my age. Regardless, finding opportunities remains a struggle.

Through experience, I’ve learned that no matter how talented you are, you can’t do it all by yourself. It’s important to find and work with the right people who share your values and work ethic. Along the way, there will always be challenges and people who doubt you, but it’s important to stay focused on your dreams and goals. That’s why I’ve dedicated my time to OPC—I love my dogs and pets in general, and I want to make a difference in their world.

Looking ahead, my goal is to continue creating, whether it’s for people or animals, and whether it’s a simple graphic or a complex product. I aim for my work to positively impact individuals one at a time and ultimately make a meaningful impact on the world.

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Rae Chen’s story:

My background is in contemporary music composition, where I have created six original compositions, including an orchestra piece and four ensembles. While music was a significant part of my life, I felt compelled to pivot towards a career focused on helping others and making a meaningful impact on their lives. This ambition led me to the business world, where I have spent a decade in the publishing industry, successfully introducing numerous book series to Taiwan.

One of my proudest projects in publishing was rebranding classic literature books for young readers. This endeavor not only reintroduced these classics to children but also transformed them into educational pieces with bilingual text. This innovative approach allowed children to learn Chinese and English simultaneously, which was a new and impactful concept at the time. Drawing from my experiences as a second-generation immigrant and a music composer, I bring a unique perspective to problem-solving.

While my diverse background offers fresh insights, it can sometimes be a challenge as an entrepreneur. I frequently find myself needing to prove my capabilities to others. Despite this, I am driven by my passion for creating positive change.

I am proud to lead OPC, a brand dedicated to all pet owners and their beloved pets. As a cat owner, I understand the frustration of not finding suitable products in the market. Our mission is to create inclusive products suitable for a wide variety of pets. Our versatile leash system is designed to be used by dogs, cats, rabbits, and many other pets that wear collars or harnesses. We are committed to inclusivity so that every pet owner can find products that meet their needs and those of their pets.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re a pet-loving person like us who is traveling with your pet, here’s what we recommend when you visit LA for a week:

Day 1: Arrival and Downtown LA
– Morning: Arrive in LA and check into your pet-friendly hotel. Affordable: Double-Tree Hotel
– Lunch: Visit Grand Central Market, which allows leashed pets in the outdoor seating areas.
– Afternoon: Take a stroll through the Arts District and visit pet-friendly shops like Shinola or the Hauser & Wirth gallery.
– Evening: Dinner at Angel City Brewery, which has a dog-friendly outdoor patio.

Day 2: Beach Day in Santa Monica
– Morning: Breakfast at The OP Cafe, a pet-friendly spot with outdoor seating.
– Mid-morning: Visit the Santa Monica Pier and walk along the beach with your pet.
– Lunch: Grab a bite at Big Dean’s Ocean Front Cafe, which welcomes pets on their patio.
– Afternoon: Relax on Santa Monica Beach and let your pet play in the sand.
– Evening: Dinner at The Bungalow, a pet-friendly restaurant with a beachy vibe.

Day 3: Hollywood
– Morning: Breakfast at Hugo’s Restaurant, known for its pet-friendly patio.
– Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre with your leashed pet.
– Lunch: Dine at the dog-friendly Mel’s Drive-In for a retro experience.
– Afternoon: Explore the Hollywood Hills and hike to the Hollywood Sign with your pet.
– Evening: Dinner at Dog Haus Biergarten, a pet-friendly restaurant with gourmet hot dogs.

Day 4: Arts and Culture
– Morning: Breakfast at The Trails Cafe, located near Griffith Park and pet-friendly.
– Visit the Getty Center and enjoy the outdoor gardens with your leashed pet.
– Lunch: Picnic at Griffith Park with food from a pet-friendly restaurant like HomeState.
– Afternoon: Explore the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) with your pet.
– Evening: Dinner at a pet-friendly restaurant in the area, such as The Morrison.

Day 5: Day Trip to Malibu
– Morning: Drive along Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu with your pet.
– Mid-morning: Breakfast at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe, a pet-friendly spot with ocean views.
– Afternoon: Visit Leo Carrillo State Park, a pet-friendly beach where your pet can run off-leash.
– Evening: Dinner at The Sunset Restaurant, which has a pet-friendly patio.

Day 6: Shopping and Relaxation
– Morning: Breakfast at Blu Jam Cafe, a pet-friendly restaurant with outdoor seating.
– Shop on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills with your pet, many stores are pet-friendly. For more affordable shopping, go to The Grove.
– Lunch: Grab a bite at a pet-friendly restaurant like Urth Caffe.
– Afternoon: Relax at Griffith Park and hike to Griffith Observatory with your pet for city views.
– Evening: Dinner at The Stinking Rose, a pet-friendly Italian restaurant.

Day 7: Departure
– Morning: Breakfast at The Original Pantry Cafe, a pet-friendly spot with outdoor seating.
– Visit a local dog park for some playtime before departure.
– Afternoon: Departure from LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A special shoutout to our incredible team members in marketing, product, and engineering: Sarah Prom, Russell Kawaguchi, Niko Chiang, Harshil Desai, Victor Palencia, and Ameen Eetamadi. Without their tireless efforts and unwavering support, OPC would not be where it is today. These individuals are not only amazing professionals but also deeply empathetic towards animals.

Website: https://omnipetclub.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/omnipetclub

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/omnipetclub

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

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@omnipetclub

Image Credits
Credit to OPC INC. for all, professional, studio and product photos please credit Russell Kawaguchi.