Christina Calautti shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Christina, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Absolutely. Starting fresh in a new city has been both exciting and a little nerve wracking, you never really know how people will react to your products. Seeing such genuine, positive reactions, especially to the designs I’ve created myself, has made me so proud. It brings me back to my store days, watching customers light up as they walked in. That same joy and connection is what keeps me inspired every day. I’m really proud that Specks is now available online so pet parents everywhere can enjoy our animal wellness and enrichment products, and I’m excited to be expanding into wholesale partnerships so you’ll soon be able to find Specks at local pet boutiques and specialty shops near you.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Christina, founder and creative behind Specks & Pets. A modern pet lifestyle brand focused on fun, wellness, enrichment, and giving back to pets in need. What started as a small boutique in Los Angeles has grown into a design-driven pet brand creating playful enrichment toys, slow feeder bowls, and everyday accessories that make life easier (and cuter!) for pet parents and their pups.
Every product is thoughtfully designed, many by me, with a playful twist and a purpose. A portion of every order helps feed a shelter pet in need, so each purchase truly gives back. During our time in Los Angeles, we had the privilege of partnering with so many incredible rescues and local organizations, and that mission continues wherever we go. We love collaborating with shelters and small businesses to support the animal community, and we use our platform to highlight pets in need, especially the longest shelter residents, giving them the spotlight they truly deserve.
I recently brought the brand to Florida and have loved connecting with the pet community here through markets, rescue and shelter events, and local collaborations. Being part of such a supportive pet loving community and seeing how much joy our products bring is truly the heart of what keeps me inspired to create, grow, and continue building Specks for pets and their people.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My father. He raised me with strength and a strong work ethic, and while he could be tough on me growing up, I now see how much it shaped who I am. When I was too young to work a job yet, I used to help my mom at her shop to make a little extra money so I could buy new shoes or something fun (clearly the fashion bug bit early.)
By the time I was 16, I had my first job, and after high school I jumped straight into both college and work, doing ten hour school days three times a week so I could graduate early while juggling an internship, a part time job in New York City, and creating my first business, a small fashion brand where I reworked vintage pieces. I’ve always wanted more: more experience, more growth, more connections, and to become the best version of myself. I didn’t realize how strong or determined I was back then, but my dad always did. That foundation has helped me push through some of the hardest moments in life and business, and every time, I’ve come out stronger because of it.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
A few years ago, I went through an experience that completely changed my life. Everything I had built was suddenly under attack: my business, my reputation, and even my peace of mind. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced, not understanding how or why a person could do something so destructive. It reached a point where I had to leave the city I thought I’d never leave, relocating for my own safety and peace of mind. That transition was incredibly difficult, but it also gave me a new beginning. A chance to rebuild with clarity, strength, and purpose. Taking back control of my story became a turning point. This season of healing has helped me reconnect with my purpose and begin using my experience to encourage others who may be facing similar challenges in their personal or business life.
I’ve learned that resilience is what transforms pain into power, and once you find that strength, no one can ever take it from you again. When a woman has endured something that intense for many years, she becomes unshakable. I truly believe, and have seen firsthand in my experience, that those who act with ill intent eventually collapse under the weight of their own actions, while those who lead with integrity always rise.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about the pet industry is that it’s all fun and cute all the time. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a wonderful space to be part of, but behind every adorable product or photo is a lot of grit, long hours, and constant problem solving. You have to be ready to pivot quickly when something doesn’t work the way you planned and to keep learning as trends and customer needs evolve. Those “aha” moments that people see from the outside only happen because of the work you put in behind the scenes. When those moments come, you can absolutely enjoy the fun and cute side of it, but you also know there’s always something new to improve, adjust, or make better. Honestly, that chaos is part of the fun for me, because I want my products to keep evolving and never become stagnant.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve definitely been born to create. I’ve always loved fashion, even as a child, and for the longest time I thought I’d become a veterinarian because of my love for animals. Working in the fashion industry for many years gave me partial fulfillment, but it wasn’t until I combined my creative side with my passion for animals that everything truly clicked. The day I mixed my love for fashion with my heart for animals was the day it stopped feeling like work, I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://specksandpets.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specksandpets/
Image Credits
Photographer: Pawz Photo Studio
Photographer: Pixzee Dust
