With South Africa's pet economy continuing to boom, entrepreneurs in the country have begun to take notice with many Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMES) are capatilising in the sector.
While the larger retailers operate at scale and mass production, a mother and daughter duo in 2021, who were looking for unique and well-made dog products for their beloved pet, realised that such products were few and far between.
Margie La Grange and her daughter Paula Karnasopoulos said on their search for products for their dog, that they kept finding similar items on the shelves of various pet stores.
La Grange said, "Most of the products we came across were filled with cheap imported products that felt mass-produced, overly commercial, and disconnected from the people who truly love dogs."
Badoodoo is a proudly South African pet wellness and lifestyle brand built around the belief that dog products can be thoughtful, beautiful, functional, and community-driven.
"From the beginning, the focus has been on creating products with heart, made by real people, using quality ingredients and materials without unnecessary chemicals, preservatives, or shortcuts," La Grange said.
With a large emphasis on buying local, the company has grown from its humble beginnings and recently opened their first physical store in the popular arts and culture precinct of Johannesburg, in Rosebank's Nine Yards in June 2026.
La Grange added, "We work closely with local tradesmen, artisans, bakers, seamstresses, makers, and small businesses. Whether it’s hand-finished accessories, wholesome treats, wellness products, cozy beds, or beautifully packaged lifestyle pieces, every product is designed with intention for dogs and the people who love them. What started as a small idea quickly grew into a community of dog lovers who connect deeply with what Badoodoo stands for: good design, good ingredients, good humour, and products that feel personal."
La Grange leads sales and product development, constantly dreaming up new ideas, products, and collaborations.
Paula is the creative and operational force behind the scenes, managing branding, design, the website, social media, and helping shape the visual world of Badoodoo.
Speaking on opening the first store, La Grange said, "Since the beginning, our vision has never been to create just another pet shop. We’ve always believed that life with dogs deserves to be celebrated through beautiful, well-made products that support health, comfort and the incredible bond we share with them."
"Every product on our shelves has been carefully chosen or developed with that philosophy in mind. Natural wellness, everyday essentials, thoughtful design and a touch of joy—because dogs are family, and the products we buy for them should feel every bit as special as the ones we choose for ourselves," she added.
"Opening our doors at Nine Yards feels like finding the perfect home for that vision. It’s a place where people slow down, connect, and bring their dogs along for the adventure. That sense of community is exactly what we’ve always hoped to be part of," La Grange said.
A business that gives back
Giving back is something that is also close to the owners' hearts. Badoodoo recently partnered with the popular coffee shop, Platō Coffee, to help raise much-needed funds for African Tails, a registered animal welfare organisation based in Cape Town.
The two companies came together to host 'The Platō Pup Walk' an initiative that saw them raise R17,500 for the organisation.
La Grange said, "Seeing the promenade in Cape Town filled with people wearing their Badoodoo caps was one of those wait… this is our little business?! moments. We are still not over it."
"To everyone who has supported Badoodoo from market stalls, online orders, pop-up events and word-of-mouth recommendations—thank you. Your encouragement has made this moment possible. And it’s the beginning of something really special," she added.
ashley.lechman@nationalmg.co.za