Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra (Alex) Lennon.
Hi Alexandra (Alex), so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My dog Sophie is my inspiration for creating Hello Little Paws. I got Sophie back in 2014 and she has changed my life for the better. When I was 14 years old, I became really sick and later learned that I had contracted Lyme Disease. Lyme disease is an infection transmitted from a tick to humans that can affect any organ in the body from the brain, nervous system, muscles, joints, etc. During my sickest times, my brain was not functioning correctly and I was trapped in a brain fog not being able to think clearly or communicate the way I wanted to. My body was in constant pain and getting out of bed in the morning was a challenge. Due to all of this, I was unable to attend school for many years and missed out on the many milestones that life has to offer. Sophie came into my life when I was 16 so that I could have a companion by my side throughout the day to help get me through the pain and tough times. Sophie has been the best emotional support animal a girl could wish for as she is always there to lick away the tears and give me cuddles when I need it.
Fast forward to present day and I am now 24 years old and Sophie is now 8 years old (56 in dog years). I still experience chronic pain, chronic fatigue and lasting symptoms, and doctors have said I will have to deal with it for the rest of my life. This has been a worry for me as I am unable to work in a typical job setting. This is why I have created Hello Little Paws, as it allows me to create custom products that I am passionate about while also being able to take care of myself with the ongoing effects that Lyme Disease has left me with.
Now at the end of 2022, I’m proud to say I have started to sell my products in local shops and offer worldwide shipping through my website. To a girl who never thought she could finish high school at one point, this business has shown me how much I have grown and can grow under hard circumstances! Though my goals are big, I just have to take them one day at a time, just like I have had to do with my Lyme Disease.
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?
Stopping school at the age of 14-18 due to my Lyme disease caused a big roadblock, I was able to finish at the age of 20, however I missed many major milestones growing up. Starting up my business I have had to learn skills that would have been taught in high school. Thanks to my awesome family they have helped and supported me and my business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I create custom apparel for pet parents. My products include hand-drawn images of customers’ pets and I print them onto clothing, and more. We have a new sweater line of cute designs with more to come! With tumblers, wine glasses, and digital images we have all the accessories a pet parents could want! We didn’t forget about your pets though! We also sell adorable reversible bandanas for extra flare!
What are your plans for the future?
For the future, I would hope that I would be able to live off of this business! I want to grow it to its full potential. A start-up business is a lot of work but I’m willing to put in the time and effort to be successful in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hellolittlepaws.ca
- Instagram: Hellolittlepaws
