Lori & Ryan Pacchiano 32, 23, co-founders of High Maintenance Bitch in Seattle
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
Description: Stylish petaccessories
Start-Up: $30,000 in2002
Sales: 2003 projected salesof approximately $1 million
Pet Project: One day, LoriPacchiano asked herself what she really wanted to do in life."I realized it was something with my dog, Lola," sherecalls. Getting to work immediately on an idea she had longenvisioned, she showed her creation, Pet Feathers--a feather boafor dogs and cats--to a local pet store, which offered to carry theproduct.
The B-Word: Thank Lori'sco-founder and brother for the High MaintenanceBitch (HMB) name. Unsure of a synonym for "dog" thatwould fit, Lori asked Ryan for his thoughts and was highly amusedby the double entendre. Now the name is trademarked.
Hip Chicks: HMB's lineis where pet accessories meet Sex and the City, andcustomers are often professional, confident women. "[Otherpet-product companies] have marketed toward the pet," Ryanexplains. "We definitely market toward women." Theirproducts are sold in pet-related boutiques as well as boutiques forwomen, gift shops, bookstores, four-star hotels and airports. Itemsin HMB's Muttini Toy Collection ooze cool (think martini glasschew toy, olive, cherry and cigar). Their other lines include bone-and heart-shaped pillows and cushy mats.
On the Loose: With itsproducts in more than 400 stores nationwide, HMB is looking tofranchise by year's end.
