Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Tate-Williams
Hi Dominique, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2023, the concept for Afrocentric Kitty took root shortly after Dominique Tate-Williams and her husband, Carlos Williams, adopted their two cats, Cali and Ozone. As new pet parents, they soon found that the typical pet supplies on the market lacked cultural diversity and left them feeling uninspired. Everywhere they looked, it was pretty much the same—endless bones and paw prints—or options that didn’t resonate with their cultural tastes and sensibilities.
The turning point came when Dominique was searching for soft recovery cones for their kittens post-surgery. The most exciting option she could find was Avocado and Toast soft cones. While Dominique has a true fondness for both avocados and toast, the designs didn’t resonate with her. The products were cute, yes, but they didn’t speak to her on a personal level. This experience sparked an idea: why not create pet products with a unique, culturally inspired twist? And so, Afrocentric Kitty was born—bringing pet supplies with EXTRA FLAVOR to the world!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has been anything but smooth, filled with both excitement and challenges as I’ve worked to bring my ideas to life. One of the first hurdles was figuring out how to translate my concepts into reality without having all the necessary skills or knowledge. For instance, when I envisioned snuffle mat designs, the most I could do was create basic mock-ups in Canva. I turned to my mother for initial guidance, as she’s an experienced seamstress, but she’s not a pet lover and had never even heard of a snuffle mat. Thankfully, “YouTube University” came to the rescue! With the help of DIY snuffle mat tutorials, I enlisted my mother to help me create a crude 3D mock-up of my first design. We literally just cut and pinned pieces of fabric together, but that initial model was enough for me to share with the manufacturer and kickstart the process.
Another major challenge has been finding manufacturers who can bring my designs to life with high-quality products at a reasonable cost. It’s crucial to locate suppliers with low minimum order quantities (MOQs) so that the pricing remains manageable. Again, YouTube proved invaluable, offering resources that guided me in my search for the right partners.
Now that we’ve officially launched (on the very day Hurricane Helene hit Atlanta, no less!), our biggest challenge will be connecting with our target customers. Social media and the internet won’t automatically draw people to us, so we’re focusing on building a strong online presence while also planning to vend at local events this fall. Plus, starting in November, some of our products will be available at Westside Market Midtown, which we hope will help us reach even more pet parents!
We’ve been impressed with Afrocentric Kitty LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Afrocentric Kitty is a Black-owned, woman-led, family business. We are really proud of that. While we’ve done our research and know of other Black-owned pet businesses, our approach offers something unique. Most pet companies tend to be heavily dog-centric, which makes sense, given that about 40% of American households have dogs, compared to 29% with cats. However, many families have both dogs and cats, so we aim to design products that appeal to both dog and cat lovers alike.
Our signature products include our Sicka Yo Sh!t Poop Bags and the Afrocentric Kitty Café line of snuffle mats and toys. These items are not only functional but also culturally resonant, tailored to the sensibilities of our target audience. For those who aren’t pet parents, our products make great gifts!
We’re also incredibly proud of our Afrocentric Kitty logo and brand identity, which was beautifully crafted by graphic designer Devin Hinson (@poetik_imagery). Through our platform, we hope to share our experiences as adoptive pet parents and inspire others to consider pet adoption over shopping. One way we plan to do this is by highlighting the fostering and adoption journeys of other Black pet parents.
Our goal is to offer products that provide practical solutions for your furry friend while resonating with the tastes and values of Black pet parents and anyone else that loves cool products for their pets.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned on this journey—and in other entrepreneurial pursuits—is to believe in yourself and your ideas, do your research, and keep pushing forward. You won’t know how to do everything (no one does!), so don’t be afraid to ask questions and leverage the resources available to you. YouTube University and ChatGPT will get you far!
Even though I had a launch timeline for the business, I often reminded myself to give myself grace. No one else knows your plans, so take the time you need to get things right!
As I shared bits and pieces of the journey with family and friends, their encouragement and feedback were invaluable, affirming that we were heading in the right direction. As an entrepreneur, a strong support system is essential, so surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.
Pricing:
- Pet Bandannas – $6.99
- Sicka Yo Sh!t Scented Poop Bags – start at $5.99
- Shrimp Po’Boy Snuffle Toy – $11.99
- Sunday Dinner Snuffle Mat – $34.99
- Catfish & Spaghetti Snuffle Mat – $34.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://afrocentrickitty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrocentrickitty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565717155352
