Inspiring Conversations with Alicia Brandon of HBCU Pets

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Brandon. 

Alicia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m originally from Cincinnati, OH. I graduated from Winton Woods High School in 2001 and left to pursue my degree in Sales and Marketing at Tuskegee University. Upon graduation, I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where I worked for IBM in sales, marketing, and social impact for almost 14 years. I currently work for Dell Technologies as a Social Impact/ ESG Sales Enablement consultant. In my spare time, I love to mentor kids who have an interest in STEM careers, travel, attend concerts, try new restaurants (self-proclaimed foodie), spend time with my friends and family, and spoil my furbaby, Parker, rotten! 

In November 2012, while visiting my cousin on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we made a pit stop at the university bookstore to pick up some goodies for me and my dog (RIP MacKynzi). While I was there, I was overwhelmed by the many choices not only for humans but for pets too! It wasn’t just a single tabletop display that I was used to seeing at my beloved Alma Mater, Tuskegee University, but an entire room dedicated to your fur baby! My wheels began to churn, and admittedly a little jealousy set in too. I thought to myself, “Black people love our pets too! Why don’t we have pet pride apparel in our HBCU bookstores, online, pet stores, etc.?!?” So, this is when HBCU Pets was born. During the pandemic, I finally began the process to have my brand trademarked, built my website, and finally launched on Juneteenth of this year! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Lots of fear and imposture syndrome set in along the way. I birthed this business in 2012 and didn’t launch until 2022; that’s ten years where I allowed doubt, fear, and procrastination set in! My best friend, Domonique, lit a fire under me for my birthday in May 2020 and purchased a consultation for me with a business that helps entrepreneurs get “unstuck.” I booked the session that summer, and the rest is history! I began the process to have my business trademarked, domain name and LLC obtained, website built, and slowly began to procure inventory and materials necessary to bring my brand to life. All of my products are currently handmade by me with love from my basement. I know this isn’t sustainable as I continue to grow, so I’m always looking at ways to scale and grow. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
HBCU Pets is a luxury pet apparel brand for HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) graduates, students, family, and fans. HBCUs are widely celebrated, and their fanbase is full of pride, yet there is a lack of pride apparel in the marketplace for their furry family members. HBCUs should have the same opportunities for pet pride. As a proud HBCU graduate and proud Dog Mom, I am here to help fill that gap with HBCU gear for our pets. 

Can you share something surprising about your business?
All are welcomed to support HBCU Pets. It’s not just for HBCU graduates or students. If you support what Historically Black Colleges and Universities stand for, this brand is for you and your pets too! 

Pricing:

• Pet Apparel & Accessories – starting at $18
• Human T-shirts & Accessories coming soon
• Gift cards available – starting at $10

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hbcupets.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/hbcupets
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/hbcupets
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/hbcupets

Image Credits
Hair: Touched by Truu
Nails: The Lapis Circle
Makeup: Mobile Beauty Bar ATL
Photography: KRS Photography
Creative Director: Ollie Deleon Moore, Jr.
Models: Alicia Brandon & Parker MacKynzi