Founded by East Coast creative problem solver Ben Lebowitz after he struggled to find a pet portrait suited to his modern design taste, West & Willow creates custom, digitally illustrated portraits from customers’ pet photos. Its artists hand-illustrate each piece without filters or apps, turning pets—from dogs and cats to birds and bunnies—into minimalist home art and keepsakes. The company also carries its portrait style into personalized gifts such as mugs and embroidered apparel.
Meister MadeMeister Made is a woman-owned and operated West Chester, Ohio small business that hand-pulls screen prints and laser-engraves custom items for individuals and small businesses. Started as a side hustle in 2017 and made full-time in 2019, the studio also creates dog-themed gifts for Cincinnati-area events and dog lovers beyond the region.WEST CHESTER, OH
Shoppe ShelbyCreated in memory of Shelby, a beloved dog who died in 2020, Shoppe Shelby makes handcrafted pet-themed apparel and personalized drinkware in Rochester, New York. Its made-to-order designs pair affectionate—and often irreverent—humor with custom artwork for pet parents, including gear that can feature any chosen pet. The shop also brings its locally made goods to festivals and pet-focused events.
Inspired BuffaloFounded by graphic designer Marinette Kozlow in 2010, Inspired Buffalo is a family-run Black Rock design and print shop creating custom apparel, Buffalo-themed art, and personalized gifts. The business grew from freelance design and Buffalo greeting cards into a family operation after Marinette’s husband Tim joined her and her mother’s former corner-store space became their shop. Inspired Buffalo is especially distinctive for turning customers’ handwriting, photographs, and recipes into keepsake towels and pillows.BUFFALO, NY
Creations by Lena, LLCBuffalo-born Creations by Lena, LLC turns images, drawings and handwriting into custom embroidered and screen-printed apparel and accessories. Owner Jess traces the work to sewing lessons at Buffalo’s CAO center and created the business to carry forward the creative legacy of her late mother, Evelina. The company also puts that legacy into action through its Love Mom collection, directing a portion of proceeds to local soup kitchens and shelters.TONAWANDA, NY