Maker Crush: Chani Ronez of Merci Collective
In honor of Sir Dogwood's collab with Merci Collective, we caught up with founder and native Parisian Chani Ronez to chat about her early start in the fashion and tech industries, what inspired her to launch Merci Collective, her thoughts about the connection between crystals, health and wellness, and of course, her ridiculously floofy little muse Benzo.
Tell us all about Merci Collective and why you decided to launch it.
My love for animals has been a driving force in my life since I was a child. Born and raised in Paris, France, I was fortunate enough to grow up with both of my parents immersed in the fashion industry. This early exposure to the world of style and design ignited a passion within me to create beautiful, sustainable, and meaningful products.
I knew I wanted to channel my creativity into something that would celebrate the incredible bond we share with our furry companions. Combining my background in fashion, and technology and my deep affection for animals, I embarked on the journey to create Merci Collective.
Back then, the options for fashionable, high-quality, and environmentally-friendly products were very limited and I was inspired to fill this void with a brand that truly embodies love, companionship, and happiness.
After spending countless hours researching and experimenting with different materials, I finally came up with a full line of sustainable, high-quality pet accessories that not only look great but also contribute to the overall health and wellness of our beloved pets. And that's how Merci Collective came to life!
Do you consider Benzo your muse? How does he inspire what you do?
I still remember the day I sparked the idea for Merci Collective. I was sitting on my living room floor, surrounded by sketches and notes, with Benzo, my lovable and playful pup. Benzo has always been more than just my dog; he's definitely my muse, my best friend, and my inspiration for all things creative. He reminds me every day of the importance of love, connection, and joy in our lives, and I strive to infuse those elements into everything we create.
That's why when I decided to launch Merci Collective, I knew I wanted to create a brand that would embody the love, passion, and connection between us.
Watching Benzo interact with his environment and other dogs made me realize that there was a need for products that not only looked great and durable but also promoted their well-being. I truly believe that if it weren't for Benzo, Merci Collective would never have come to fruition.
As you see it, what is the connection between crystals and health & wellness when it comes to our dogs?
Crystals have long been used in various cultures for their potential healing and balancing properties. Many people believe that crystals emit certain vibrations that help balance the body's energy, promoting overall health and wellness.
My interest in crystals and their connection to health and wellness stems from a personal experience with Benzo. We were introduced to the world of healing crystals when searching for alternative ways to support his acute anxieties. And, as I dived deeper into this fascinating world, I discovered that these beautiful stones offer a positive impact on our dogs' lives as well. With this in mind and the positive impact on Benzo, we decided to incorporate them into most of our products, allowing pet owners to explore the benefits that these natural wonders offer.
That's why we've carefully selected specifically targetted crystals, like amethyst, black obsidian, and rose quartz. These crystals help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and create a sense of calm for our furry friends, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being which we wanted to bring into our products.
Explain how sustainability is at the heart of how you design your products.
Sustainability is at the heart of Merci Collective's design process. We believe that being responsible for our planet goes hand in hand with caring for our pets. From the very beginning, we've been committed to creating products that are both eco-friendly and ethically sourced.
To achieve this, we use sustainable materials like cactus leather, glass, and cotton canvas, which have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional materials. We also collaborate with local artisans and suppliers who share our values, ensuring that each product is created with care and respect for the environment. Our goal is to inspire pet parents to make conscious choices and contribute to a greener future for all. It's our way of ensuring that we leave a positive impact on the world we share with our pets.
Why did you decide to collaborate with Sir Dogwood on the Chouchou amethyst toy?
When we first came across Sir Dogwood, we were instantly drawn to their dedication to quality, design, and sustainability. We share a common vision of creating pet products that are not only stylish but also promote the well-being of our furry friends and have a positive impact on the environment.
The Chouchou is crafted with thick cotton canvas, and hypoallergenic stuffing made in the US out of recycled materials, it was a natural collaboration between our two brands. Combining Sir Dogwood's expertise in curating beautiful, high-quality dog products with our passion for designing durable and sustainable products, we created a unique, beautiful, and playful toy that will entertain for hours! We're incredibly proud of this collaboration and can't wait to see how your furry friends enjoy the Chouchou amethyst toy!
Shop Sir Dogwood x Merci Collective Amethyst Toy
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