Maker‘s Pawsome side hustle turning pets into style icons

“My items are designed to fit cats and dogs however, I can make items to fit pets of all shapes and sizes – even a pet lizard.”

BEST BUDS: Owner of Theo and Co Emma Jones with her sweet-natured Rhodesian ridgeback and Red Cattle cross Theo.

WHETHER you have a pet dog, cat or even a lizard, a new start-up business selling handmade pet accessories is creating fashion statements for our animal pals.

Working as a legal administrator by day, Emma Jones decided to combine her creative talents and love of animals by starting her side hustle Theo and Co.

Selling handmade accessories for pets of all shapes and sizes, the new business owner sells her products at the Toowoomba Farmers Market every second Saturday, as well as online.

“It started out as a fun hobby and creative outlet, but within one month of starting the business I had created dozens of items, recruited pets from friends and family to model the bandannas and launched an Etsy page,” Ms Jones said.

BEST BUDS: Owner of Theo and Co Emma Jones with her sweet-natured Rhodesian ridgeback and Red Cattle cross Theo.

“I sell bandannas and bows for pets, matching scrunchies for humans, and I recently started making glass treat jars, key chains and memorial items – all customisable with your pet’s name and cute designs.

“My items are designed to fit cats and dogs. However, I can make items to fit pets of all shapes and sizes – even a pet lizard.”

PET STYLE: Since starting her side hustle only a few months ago, Emma Jones has made more than 300 items and said the business had continued to grow.

While Ms Jones said it had been a whirlwind since she first started the small business with more than 300 items made in three months, she’s loved every minute so far.

But the 23-year-old’s love for animals goes far beyond the side hustle.

When Ms Jones adopted her sweet-natured Rhodesian ridgeback and Red Cattle cross Theo from the Toowoomba RSPCA last year, the pair quickly developed a close bond.

“I adopted Theo when he was 10 months old … he had evidently not been treated very well,” Ms Jones said.

“Now 18 months old, he has grown into a clever, funny and loyal dog who follows me like a shadow.”

Products range from $5 to $30 and can be purchased online at etsy.com/shop/theoandcoapparel.

The Theo and Co market stall will also be at the Toowoomba Farmers Market every second Saturday.