Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Mohamed
Hi Joshua, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Paws & Peaks started as a way for my wife and me to create a second income during tough economic times. With our shared love for dogs and my wife’s experience in online businesses, launching an online dropshipping store felt like the perfect fit. Our goal was to design a brand that caters to adventure-loving dog owners with tough, stylish, and reliable gear for outdoor activities like hiking and beach trips.
Initially, we invested heavily in Shopify but faced challenges in driving sales. This prompted us to rethink our approach. To better align with our vision, we decided to pivot toward a print-on-demand (POD) model, focusing on seasonal and holiday-themed products with sarcastic, blunt, and relatable designs. Our spring-themed product line, launching in March 2025, will include 10 items inspired by dog personalities such as huskies, golden retrievers, German shepherds, rottweilers, and pit bulls.
While social media was a significant focus initially, we’ve decided to scale back and prioritize long-term content strategies like Pinterest, email marketing, and blogging. With no budget for paid ads or influencers, we’ve leaned into creative, organic growth methods.
Our journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but we’ve remained dedicated to building a brand that resonates with adventurous dog owners. By balancing creativity, humor, and practicality, we’re excited about where Paws & Peaks is headed.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road—far from it. The dog store market is highly competitive, with countless brands vying for the attention of pet owners. Standing out in such a saturated space has been one of our biggest challenges.
Early on, we invested over $5,000 into setting up our Shopify store, only to struggle with driving traffic and making sales. Without a budget for paid ads, influencers, or external promotional services, we had to rely solely on organic methods, which take time to build momentum.
On top of that, managing a dropshipping model brought its own set of challenges, from ensuring product quality to maintaining customer satisfaction without direct control over inventory. These hurdles led us to pivot toward a print-on-demand (POD) model, which allows us to create unique, relatable designs that reflect the personalities of both dogs and their owners.
We also faced tough decisions about where to focus our time and energy. Social media, while useful, wasn’t yielding the results we needed, so we decided to step back and concentrate on longer-term strategies like Pinterest, email marketing, and blogging. These platforms feel more aligned with our strengths and the brand’s vision.
Despite these challenges, every obstacle has taught us valuable lessons about resilience, creativity, and the importance of adapting to circumstances. It’s been a bumpy road, but we’re excited to keep moving forward and carving out our space in this competitive industry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Paws & Peaks is an online brand dedicated to adventure-loving dog owners and their four-legged companions. We specialize in creating tough, reliable, and stylish gear for outdoor activities like hiking, beach outings, and everyday adventures. Recently, we’ve expanded into print-on-demand (POD) products, offering sarcastic, blunt, and relatable designs tailored to the personalities of different dog breeds, including huskies, golden retrievers, German shepherds, rottweilers, and pit bulls.
What sets us apart is our focus on personality and humor. Many pet brands play it safe with generic designs and messaging, but we aim to bring a bold, sassy, and adventurous tone to everything we do. Our products are created to resonate with owners who see their dogs as not just pets but as adventure partners.
One of the things we’re most proud of is the community we’re building around our brand—people who love exploring the outdoors with their dogs and want products that reflect their lifestyle and sense of humor. Each product we design is made with this adventurous spirit in mind, helping our customers feel seen and connected.
We want readers to know that Paws & Peaks is more than just a store—it’s a celebration of the unique bond between humans and dogs. Whether you’re looking for durable gear or a spring-themed T-shirt that perfectly captures your dog’s sass, we’re here to bring a little extra fun and reliability to your adventures.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor or networking works best when you’re genuine and willing to learn. For us, joining online communities, being open about our challenges, and engaging with others in e-commerce and pet-related forums have been key. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out to people you admire—you’d be surprised how many are willing to help if you’re honest and specific about your needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pawsnpeaks.us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pawsnpeaks_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pawsNpeaks/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/pawsNpeaks25/
