A passion for sustainability & stylish accessories
Photo: Pawness / Denise Crombag
About Denise, Pawness and her passions.
Who: “My name is Denise Crombag, 36 years old. I live in The Netherlands, in a small town near Maastricht with my boyfriend Thomas and dogs Bo and Trix. We moved here in 2020 after living in Haarlem for 13 years.”
What: “Before I started Pawness I was a designer for brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. I’m specialized in visual brand communication and store design. I have a great passion for sustainability, design and I love vegan food. When traveling, I try to find the best vegan places to eat. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, I fancy them all! Before I became vegan, I was already vegetarian for 15 years, back in the days this was quite challenging.”
Where: “I love long walks with Bo & Trix, I prefer the mountains over the ocean, and I think small acts of kindness can bring great changes.”
Tell us about your inspiration to start Pawness?
It all started with Bo. When I decided to work as a freelancer, I finally had the time for a dog! That is where the journey began. I always wanted a shelter dog who was really in need of a forever home. We checked lots of charities to find the perfect match for us. And by accident, I stumbled on Bo's profile. It was love at first, and his profile fitted perfectly with the life that we could offer him.
With Bo, the idea for PAWNESS was born. Before Bo came to The Netherlands, he lived alone on the streets in Portugal, abandoned by his owner. Luckily, Bo was discovered by the HomelessDogs Foundation, a charitable organisation that gives stray dogs a better future. And with the start of Bo's new life, a new search began for me. When Bo came to the Netherlands, I spotted a gap in the market for good quality, stylish and consciously produced dog products. Yet, these products had to meet three criteria: made with respect for people and animals, have a possible minor impact on the environment, and look stylish. Satisfying all three turned out to be a challenge. When I found a product that was made sustainably, little attention was paid to aesthetics. And vice versa. And that is how Pawness was born.
What was the biggest change from your previous career to becoming an entrepreneur?
Before I started Pawness, I was already working as a freelancer for two years. With a background in Fashion, I've worked for some big brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. It is interesting to be part of such a known brand, and I've learned a lot. But the thing I fancy most in life is freedom. That was the main reason for me to become a freelancer. And setting up Pawness gave me even more freedom. I initiate everything that happens with Pawness; I can make decisions on the spot and see how things turn out. But besides that, you also learn so much along the way. I think being an entrepreneur is great since you can learn so much. It challenges you to get out of your comfort zone to get your brand out there. Being an entrepreneur is not always easy, but it always gives me a satisfying feeling that I can do something I enjoy and contribute to something I find important for a better world.
You recently launched a Walk collection, tell us a bit about this collection?
We launched the walk collection in 2020 (which was quite challenging to get the production done with Covid-19). When we first launched the collection, we started with three colour combinations. This spring, we added a new colour to the collection: Mauve Mist. It is a purplish-blue in two shades - we love the colour! The walk collection is made from vegan, eco-friendly leather and handmade in Italy. The quality is great, and the products will last a dog's life! Customers can choose whether they go for the whole set or have one item of the collection for a pop of colour.
Any travel plans for the summer with your dogs?
After adopting Bo, we noticed that he is sensitive to change. Bo has a great need for a daily routine. As soon as we deviate from this, it takes him a lot of time to get used to this. That makes him insecure and anxious. We've tried taking him on a short trip with us in the past, but before he had adapted to the new situation, it was home time again. Therefore, we've decided to not take him on holiday with us. Trix would be easy to take with us, but we don't want to split the two up since they are very fond of each other.
So, we found a lovely pension for them where we bring them whenever we are going on a holiday. Bo and Trix love this place, and it is great for them. There are many other dogs to play with, and they are outside most of the day. This place is perfect for Bo, since the pension has a fixed routine, so he knows exactly what to expect.
Any tips when travelling with dogs?
Since we don't take them on holidays with us, we like to plan day trips with Bo and Trix. Going on a long hike in the forest is our favourite thing. Leave early in the morning, pack some nice snacks and water, and off we go. Bo and Trix both love walking, and Bo's condition is just sooooo good that it looks like he can walk forever. For this summer we are planning on going to the sea. Trix has never seen the ocean before, so I'm super curious if she likes it and if she will splash in for a swim.
Find all the amazing and stylish Pawness products right here.
Photo: Pawness/ Denise Crombag