About ‘Ilio & Co
The concept of using up-cycled, vintage materials came from browsing through a rack of aloha shirts at an antique store in Wailuku, Maui. The beautiful prints and colors on these shirts inspired me to create something equally cool, and authentic, for our pups. I’ve always felt guilty when I’ve visited the islands without my dog. It’s a place I know they would thoroughly enjoy. Our collars are a way to share a bit of aloha with your pup, whether they live in Hawaii, or are eagerly awaiting your return at home.
Another goal of mine was to design a lightweight collar, that didn’t feel bulky and stiff on a small dog. Our webbing and fabrics are 100% cotton, so they are soft, comfortable, and easy to wash. They are double reinforced with stitching on both sides. The materials we use are all “up-cycled”, which is the process of transforming existing or unwanted objects into new, and sometimes better, products. This is a significant step towards regenerative design culture where the end products are cleaner, healthier, and usually have a better value than the material inputs. Also, products made from natural fibers like cotton, can be put into your compost bin to biodegrade.
In the future, we plan to expand our line to include harnesses, beds, carrier bags, and other accessories. Stay tuned for our next endeavor!
* Rosa is wearing the Aqua Ho’okipa collar in size small
About Me
Aloha! I’m Leah. For as long as I can remember, dogs have been a big part of my life. From the black labs and golden retrievers of my childhood, to the two chihuahuas I’ve owned as an adult, I have loved them all. And always wanted to treat them well! Especially over the last 5 years, I have been impressed by the growth of the pet industry and how much the food quality, treats, and accessories have improved since I was a young dog owner. When I got Helen, my first chihuahua, I hand-knitted her sweaters to keep her warm in the Portland winters. When she started having health issues later in life, I made her home-cooked meals to fit her dietary needs. Helen was my best friend, from age 21 to 35, and having her by my side for all of those years, motivated me to seek out stylish and well-designed products. Dogs are so special to us, and I am so happy that there is a greater selection of high quality goods, to enhance the lives of our best friends.
It’s only recently that I’ve mastered the direct release program (without quarantine) to be able to bring my dog to Maui with me! My family lives here now, and I am so thankful that I brought Helen a couple of times. After all, dogs live for the beach! Whether it’s the Oregon or California coast, or the lucky ones that live in (or visit) Hawaii, the pure joy that they experience when they sprint onto the sand is infectious.
After a year of grieving the loss of Helen, I got Rosa (pictured). She has a very different personality than Helen. She’s an explorer and an adventurer, who also loves the beach (and to eat everything on it). She’ll even venture into the ocean on her own, which is rare for a chihuahua!
I hope that ‘Ilio and Co collars, leashes and accessories embody that spirit of pure joy, or “aloha”, which has a deeper cultural significance to native Hawaiians. It has many meanings, but my favorites are love, fellowship, and living in harmony with the people and land around you. These are some of the most valued and fantastic traits about dogs, that make them such an integral part of our lives. It brings me joy to create products that spread aloha, are good for the environment, and make dogs look even more beautiful than they already are!