2024 has been nothing short of a whirlwind year for Cleo&Hooman. For the first time, I’m taking a moment to reflect on this incredible journey and share the story of how Cleo&Hooman began. Most people don’t know this, but our brand launched on January, 2024, born out of a very personal mission to solve a problem that started with my own dog, Cleo.
The Beginning: Love, Frustration, and a Frenchie Named Cleo
Cleo entered my life a week before the world shut down in 2020. I was navigating the chaos of a pandemic, working from my one-bedroom apartment, and adjusting to life as a new dog parent. It quickly became clear that Cleo struggled with severe allergies, leaving her constantly scratching and uncomfortable.
No matter how many vet visits, how much money I spent, or how many products I tried, nothing worked. Watching her suffer broke my heart. One day, out of sheer frustration, I thought: If someone can fix this, it might as well be me. That moment marked the beginning of Cleo&Hooman—a brand built on the belief that dogs deserve the same thoughtful care and love we give ourselves.
The Mission: Redefining Pet Care
From day one, I wanted Cleo&Hooman to do more than offer products. I wanted to solve real problems for dogs and their humans by creating a line of skincare for pets. Each product would be hypoallergenic, pH-balanced, and designed to bring comfort and joy to pups with sensitive skin.
2024: Highlights from Our First Full Year
This year has been nothing short of transformative. Here are a few milestones that make me so proud:
- Launched nationally and internationally: Our products are now available in markets like LA, Miami, Nashville, Austin, Boston, and NYC’s Pop-Up Grocer, as well as Paris, Australia, and more.
- Expanded our product line: We introduced fan favorites like Zoomie Wipes and Bark Butter, alongside our luxurious Shampoo & Conditioner Duos.
- Earned recognition: Cleo&Hooman was featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair, Forbes, NBC Select, and other major publications.
- Built incredible partnerships: Collaborated with Pop-Up Grocer and local dog communities to spread our mission.
- Engaged with a passionate community: Hearing testimonials from dog parents about how Cleo&Hooman has improved their pups’ lives has been the most rewarding part of this journey.
- Achieved a surreal milestone: Seeing Cleo&Hooman on a banner in Times Square—a moment that made me pause and reflect: This started with me trying to help Cleo, and now we’re redefining pet care on a global scale.
What This Year Taught Me
2024 has been filled with lessons that I’ll carry with me forever:
- Even the smallest ideas, when fueled by love and determination, can grow into something extraordinary.
- Struggles can pave the way for meaningful solutions that help others.
- It’s okay to pause and celebrate how far you’ve come.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
Reflecting on Cleo&Hooman’s growth has been deeply personal. It’s about more than products—it’s about solving real problems, bringing joy to pets and their humans, and building a community of dog parents who want the best for their furry family members.
In 2025, I’m excited to expand Cleo&Hooman’s reach, touch more hearts, and continue building a trusted name in pet care.
Explore More
To learn more about Cleo&Hooman or shop our products, visit cleoandhooman.com. For a deeper dive into our journey, check out the full story on our blog.
🐾 With love and gratitude,
Louie Marte, CEO & Founder