I was already behind the sewing machine when I was 8

It was a morning in May 2014, the sun sneaked into my room through my curtains. I was right and rushed downstairs to tell them that I knew. I started to weave my passion into my work. Something has been missing from my days for a while now. And that morning I suddenly knew. Ever since I was about 8 years old, I have always made cushions on the sewing machine during the Monday evening craft club. When I was a little older I didn't put the sewing machine aside, because I made filled hearts and sold them to friends and family. It always made me feel so calm when I worked with my hands. And this is exactly what I have now woven into my work. The fact that I missed what I now make when we got our dog Moos (May 25, 2018) has also brought me to where I am now with my company.

That urge to do what really makes you happy did not just appear around the corner. When I was 17, I vomited a lot for six months, had a lot of headaches, had problems with my balance and had a loss of function on my right side. After many examinations in the hospital it was clear; I had a brain tumor, but the doctor told me straight away that it won't kill you. Okay, is this supposed to be a relief? Basically everything that was said afterward is still kind of a blur to me. After a month and a half in the hospital, the tumor was gone and I had a drain added. The latter is something that is now in my head and runs through my body with a wire so that the excess cerebral fluid that I produce is drained to my abdominal cavity.

You understand that this was really a turning point in my life. Now after 11 years I am still doing what makes me very happy, because that is what I took away from this event. I was mainly very positive at the time and thought everything would be fine, but afterwards it was a blow to me. The realization came later that things could have turned out differently. I have learned that I need to listen to my body better and actually take action on it.

What my customers say

During an event where I met many dogs and dog owners, I heard soooo often; "This is exactly what I've been looking for for so long." They talk about the fact that I make leather harnesses and also completely custom-made. Apparently these are not on the market. For example, if your dog only has 3 legs or is a guide dog, I can make a harness that fits the dog perfectly.

...I started Meola Leather Dogs because I was missing leather harnesses in the pet store's range when we got Moos
…my middle name is Meola and that is where Meola Leather Dogs comes from (my mother liked Tony Meola, an American goalkeeper when I was still in the womb, because of his long hair and somersaults when a goal was scored)
…I have a great love for my 2 Australian labradoodles, Moos (2018) and Nola (2019)
…creative is my middle name
…I love beautiful views and especially the beautiful colors during sunset
...I always read 4 books at the same time, well I usually listen because then I can do something else in between, something that I can't sit still very well
...I am originally an interior design consultant and subsequently studied entrepreneurship at HBO level
…entrepreneurship was something I was taught at a young age, my parents both also have a company
…my head explodes when I don't have structure
...I'm a workaholic, that's what you get when you turn your passion into your job

MY MISSION IS TO PROVIDE ALL FASHIONISTA DOGS WITH A WELL FITTING LEATHER HARNESS