Barking Nipsey: How a Pup Sparked a Pet Fashion Revolution

NATIONWIDE - NOVEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) It was a sunny afternoon in Los Angeles when Naj Wright, a mother of two, took her dog Nipsey for a walk. Little did she know that one simple stroll would be the spark for an entirely new business. As Nipsey trotted along, heads turned, smiles spread, and compliments flowed. "Where did you get his clothes?" people asked again and again. It wasn’t just a couple of people noticing Nipsey's charm, everywhere he went, he was the center of attention. Inspired by her dog’s undeniable presence, Naj's daughter, with a twinkle in her eye, suggested, "Mom, why don't we sell dog clothes?" And just like that, Barking Nipsey was born.

The Birth of Barking Nipsey: A Family Affair

Barking Nipsey, a Black and woman-owned pet apparel brand, was founded in 2022, but the idea took root long before that. It began with a family’s love for their pet. The company’s inspiration, Nipsey, is not just a dog, he’s a symbol of personality, joy, and the bond between a pet and their family. What started as a simple desire to dress up a beloved family pet transformed into a movement, one that embraces individuality, style, and comfort for pets everywhere.

For Naj, the journey wasn’t just about creating cute dog clothes; it was about representing the love she has for her pets and building something meaningful from that. "Our mission goes beyond clothing," Naj says. "We’re creating a community where pets are celebrated, where individuality is honored, and where every dog has the chance to shine."

This vision is reflected in every design Barking Nipsey produces, from streetwear-inspired outfits to luxe dress and formal  attire to functional harness sets and curated accessories. The clothes aren’t just for warmth or practicality, they’re statement pieces that allow pets to express themselves just like their owners do. Each piece is crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring that every dog who wears Barking Nipsey feels confident and stylish.

From Custom Creations to Growing Business

Like any new business, Barking Nipsey faced its share of challenges. The biggest hurdle? Turning the idea of selling dog clothes into a fully functioning business. Naj and her family quickly realized that the demand for Nipsey’s custom outfits was greater than they had anticipated. They had no retail experience, but their passion for their pet and the growing interest in Nipsey’s style pushed them forward.

One of the first breakthroughs came when they were featured on CBS, an experience that catapulted Barking Nipsey into the spotlight. Recognized as one of Los Angeles’ standout pet fashion brands, the exposure on such a prominent platform helped establish the brand’s credibility and visibility in a competitive market. “Being featured on CBS was an incredible honor,” says Naj. “It confirmed that we were onto something special. We weren’t just creating clothes for pets; we were building something that people truly connected with.”

But it wasn’t just the media recognition that set Barking Nipsey apart, it was their ability to create clothing that resonated with their community. The brand’s designs are more than just functional; they’re cultural statements that tap into the desires and emotions of pet owners. In a world filled with mass-produced, generic pet clothing, Barking Nipsey is a breath of fresh air, offering high-quality, unique apparel that lets pets express their personalities.

Beyond Clothing: A Lifestyle Brand

What started as a simple pet apparel brand has blossomed into a full-fledged lifestyle brand. In addition to their signature clothing lines, Barking Nipsey has expanded into accessories, including harnesses, leashes, and pet-friendly lifestyle products. Each new product is an extension of the brand’s core mission: to help pets live their best lives, in style.

And the impact of Barking Nipsey is only growing. From local festivals like the Taste of Soul to expanding their reach in online markets, the brand is steadily building a loyal customer base who share the same values of love, family, and individuality. With every sale, the community grows stronger, as pet owners from across the country connect with Barking Nipsey and share their own stories.

The community support has been overwhelming, and it’s no surprise why. Barking Nipsey has tapped into something special, something deeply emotional. People want to feel like they belong, and Barking Nipsey’s ability to make pets feel like part of a bigger story is what keeps customers coming back.

The Future of Barking Nipsey: A Growing Legacy

Looking ahead, Naj and the Barking Nipsey team are excited about the future. Their brand is already making waves, and they’re committed to continuing to create innovative, high-quality products for pet parents everywhere. With a growing presence in the pet fashion world and a loyal following, Barking Nipsey is well on its way to becoming a household name.

But for Naj, it’s not about just growing the brand, it’s about staying true to what Barking Nipsey was built on. “We’re not in this for the fame or the profits,” she says. “We’re in it because we love our pets, and we want to create something that brings people together. We want to make sure that every dog who wears our clothes feels like they belong to something bigger.”

As the Barking Nipsey brand continues to grow, so does its impact. From custom-made outfits to a full range of pet apparel and accessories, the company is redefining what it means to be a pet fashion brand. With authenticity, creativity, and love at the core of everything they do, Barking Nipsey is proving that there’s so much more to pet clothing than meets the eye.

Want to see what all the buzz is about? Explore Barking Nipsey’s latest collection and join the movement that’s changing the pet fashion industry. Follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for the latest updates, and check out their CBS feature for an inside look at the brand’s rise to fame.

Explore the stylish, soulful world of Barking Nipsey and discover why this family-owned brand is capturing hearts everywhere.

Stay Connected with Barking Nipsey

• Website: https://barkingnipsey.com/

• Featured on CBS: Watch the Barking Nipsey feature on CBS

• Instagram: @barkingnipsey

• TikTok: @barkingnipsey

• Facebook: @barkingnipsey