You Can Shop For Yourself and Your Pet at This New Cute Boutique in Honolulu
New boutique The Public Pet’s cool product mix and stylish good looks have set tongues wagging.
Photos: Aaron Yoshino
“It’s where design meets dog,” says The Public Pet owner Matthew Guevara, describing the concept behind the freshly opened Kaimukī boutique. “And cat!” chimes in partner and co-owner Jordan Lee. And human, too, it turns out. Located on Wai‘alae between 7th and 8th avenues, the stylish little shop was intended as a creative, lifestyle space for both pet and owner. “We wanted it to be a place where you pick up cool stuff for your pet and for yourself, and also hang out,” says Lee.
Guevara, a flight attendant with Hawaiian Airlines, and Lee, a visual merchandiser whose résumé includes stints with Kate Spade New York and Louis Vuitton, had long wanted to open a business of their own. When it came time for the couple to decide on what type, the choice was obvious. “We thought about what we are passionate about—our dogs and great design,” says Guevara.
The Right Tree
“We searched for a year for the right home,” says Lee. Kaimukī’s accessibility, walk-ability and small-town charm put it at the top of their list, along with its pet-friendly vibe. “That was important,” says Guevara “we wanted to be in an area where dogs felt welcome.”
The shop is easy to spot thanks to a bold, black-and-white mural on its exterior featuring lettering by local artist Matthew Tapia. Inside, rustic floating wood shelves, galvanized piping and a large sawhorse table anchoring the front room offer a minimal-yet-warm feel. Potted succulents and handwritten chalk signs scattered throughout lend a cheerful touch.
Creature Comforts
Guevara (right) and Lee plan to hold workshops and host puppy meet-and-greets and pet adoptions.
When it came to which brands to stock, Lee and Guevara tapped social media, Etsy and blogs like Dog Milk for smaller specialty lines. They also turned to their in-house experts. “A lot of what we carry is our favorite products for Lola and Phiefer,” says Guevara.
The mix includes supplies, accessories, toys and food products for dogs and cats, all as high quality and sustainable as possible. You’ll find everything from pineapple-shaped treat jars and architectural, cardboard cat lounges to herbal paw balms.
Picks of the Litter
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Sourcing local products was also top of mind. The duo picked up snazzy collars and leashes from Honolulu-based Toby Adams and organic, raw dog food items from Raw Dog Hawai‘i.
The pair also teamed up with creative locals outside of the pet industry. Ceramist Dee Oliva whipped up hand-painted water and food bowls, and hand-crocheted pet beds. Amanda Watkins of jewelry brand a.wattz dezigns contributed I.D. tags adorned with her signature vibrant tassels.
The Public Pet, 3422 Wai‘alae Ave., 737-8887
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