Ditching The Lab Coat To Dress The Dog - The Story Of Pink Papyrus

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d trade in my lab coat and pharmacy life for a world of dog leashes, dog collars, and dog bow ties, I probably would’ve laughed. But here I am, leading a brand that celebrates style, quality, and a whole lot of love for dogs.

Let’s rewind a little.

I spent years building a successful career in pharmacy. I held multiple roles, took on challenges, and checked all the “success” boxes. From the outside, it looked perfect. But inside, there was a voice—quiet at first, then louder—telling me I was meant for something more creative, more personal… something different. I didn’t know what that “something” was until one day, during what felt like the most random moment, inspiration hit.

My husband and I were on an ordinary trip to Costco when, out the car window, I spotted a woman walking her dog. The leash she had was—well, let’s just say it was ugly. Really, really ugly. And that was it—the spark. That awkward, ugly, frumpy leash lit the fire that would eventually become Pink Papyrus.

Now, this wasn’t just about making dog leashes that looked good. This was about reimagining pet accessories with thought, intention, and heart. Parents everywhere don’t just throw their kids into potato sacks as outfits and call it a day. So why didn’t dog parents have the option to dress their pups up or style their dogs in ways that matched both their vibe and their dog’s personality?

No, I didn’t want to create just another dog brand—I wanted to create the dog brand. One that reflected the deep love pet parents have for their fur babies while offering premium quality, intentional design, maximalist pops of color, and that stylish flair that I didn't see anywhere else. 

I wasn’t in this alone. My husband, Kirollos, was in full-blown beast mode with me from day one. He’s not only my best friend and father to our children—he’s a well-respected veterinarian with years of experience and a deep connection to the pet community. His insight and dedication to animal wellness helped guide the soul of our brand. Because of him, we’re able to test products among real pet lovers, gain invaluable feedback, and constantly improve what we offer.

But let’s get to what really makes Pink Papyrus different.

Everything we create is personal. When I say I design each product myself, I mean everything. Every zipper, every clasp, every color combination, every thread—I choose it all. I pore over hundreds of samples (literally), often going through a dizzying number of iterations before I feel even remotely satisfied. Sometimes it takes upwards of a year to get something just right. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I know some people may call the way I work "obsessive," but I say the pursuit of product perfection and customer happiness is what I personally feel I owe to our pups and their people. I don’t care how obsessive it is.

Design is where my heart lives. It’s how I express my creativity and love for color. When people meet me, they often describe my personality as “colorful”—and it totally fits. People who know me personally can see bits of me in every piece of the brand. And when a customer sends us a photo of their dog wearing one of our pieces and they’re over-the-moon happy? That’s when I know it’s all worth it.

Quality is another non-negotiable for us. In a world where it’s so easy to cut corners and chase quick profits, we’ve always chosen to take the harder path. We've had opportunities to use cheaper materials, bump up prices, or compromise just a little on craftsmanship—and every single time, we’ve said no. Why? Because we believe that when someone chooses to spend their hard-earned money on us, we owe them the best. Not the most profitable option for the company—but the best product we can possibly deliver.

We’d rather take a hit ourselves than ever deliver something subpar to our community. Our customers are at the center of everything. We don’t just want to meet your expectations—we want to blow them out of the water.

And let’s talk about style, because… hello, have you seen our products? Pink Papyrus is bold, joyful, and fashion-forward. We make pieces that you’re proud to put on your pup. Pieces that make strangers stop you on the sidewalk and say, “Where did you get that?!” We don’t do boring. We do beautiful. We do fun. We do color and self-expression—but make it a fusion of function and fashion.

At the end of the day, Pink Papyrus isn’t just about pet accessories. Here, we’re about living with intention. It’s about trusting your instincts, following your passion, and believing that what you love can turn into something real and impactful.

This journey has been anything but traditional, but every twist and turn has led me right here. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

So, to all the dreamers, the doers, and the dog lovers out there—thank you for being part of this ride. Thank you for trusting us, for cheering us on, and for helping us grow a brand that’s built on passion, love, and purpose.

We’re just getting started.

XoXo,
Christine Abdelmalek
Founder & She-E-O of Pink Papyrus