Meet Stefani McGee | Owner, Bark & Willow Dog Accessories

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

Hi Stefani, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey into entrepreneurship really began with a simple desire to find the perfect braided leather leash for my chocolate lab, Ollie. Despite extensive searching, I couldn’t quite find what I was envisioning. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and craft it myself.

As I walked Ollie with my handmade creation, I noticed how many people were drawn to its design and quality. When they learned I had made it myself, they expressed interest in having one too. That’s when the idea struck me: Why not share my passion for beautifully crafted dog accessories with others?

Taking the leap, I listed my unique leash on Etsy, and with surprise, people bought it! The positive response inspired me to expand my offerings, and thus, Bark & Willow was born.

Over the past six years, what started as a single braided leather leash has blossomed into a full-fledged collection of accessories for both dogs and their humans. It’s been an incredible journey, fueled by my love for dogs and dedication to providing quality products that enhance the bond between pets and their owners.

Starting my own business has been one of the most rewarding decisions ever, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion every day.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe what truly sets me apart is the fusion of functionality and style in every product I create. From the beginning, I’ve strived to craft pieces that not only serve a purpose but also reflect the unique personalities of the pets and their owners. What I’m most proud of is the fact that I personally handcraft every single piece. It’s a labor of love that ensures the utmost quality and attention to detail in each item.

What excites me the most is the opportunity to continually innovate and bring new ideas to life. Being able to use my creativity to design products that resonate with my customers and their fur babies is incredibly fulfilling.

As for the journey to where I am today, I wouldn’t exactly say it’s been easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve encountered numerous challenges along the way. Whether it was navigating the complexities of starting a business or overcoming setbacks, each obstacle presented an opportunity for growth. Maintaining a positive mindset has been key to overcoming these challenges.

Through it all, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to my passion. What I want the world to know about me and Bark & Willow is that we’re more than just a brand selling dog products. We’re a reflection of shared values, a love for entrepreneurship, and a deep appreciation for the bond between dogs and their owners.

As Bark & Willow continues to evolve, my commitment to delivering quality products to the pet community will always remain unwavering.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We live in Long Beach, which is such an awesome city with so many things to do! Since we’re dog people, we’d probably start off at Rosie’s Dog Beach for sunset. It’s one of our favorite spots to hang out! And you’re surrounded by dogs, so what’s not to love?

After the dog beach, we’d have dinner at BBC, grab a cocktail at Port City Tavern or go for a boat ride through Naples Canals. We’re ocean-lovers (Ollie included!) so the water is our happy place. In the summertime, we go for evening swims and soak up every last minute of sunshine we can get.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My chocolate lab, Ollie for inspiring me to create accessories for her.

My grandfather for fostering my entrepreneurial spirit.

My mom and grandmother for helping me cut, sew and pack orders in the early stages of my business.

My boyfriend, Dylan for always making sure I have the best tools and gadgets (even when I don’t know I need them!)

Website: www.barkandwillow.com

Instagram: @barkandwillow

Facebook: facebook.com/barkandwillow

Other: TikTok: @barkandwillow Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/barkandwillow