The Origin
How my cat Simon purred his way into my life and mission.
It all started on the gritty streets of Uruguay in 2015, where I stumbled upon Simon, a scrappy adult cat with a scarred nose, bad teeth, and a tough past. Despite his rough exterior and fear of humans, something clicked between us. Winning his trust wasn't easy, but as he gradually opened up to me, he began to reveal his true softy nature!
Fast forward to 2017, Simon and I moved to the UK, starting a new chapter together in London's mega-metropolis. Now at 14-ish years old, he's still my cuddle ball and the real inspo behind Akin.
He sparked my passion to create outfits that help pet parents and their furry pals live their best lives—stylishly and comfortably. Every piece I design carries a bit of Simon’s spirit, aiming to bring more snuggles into your world.
The Idea
A celebration of life together with your chosen furry fam.
Like any pet parent, I constantly wrestle with dirt, stains, and pet hair. But beyond the thousand lint rollers and laundry loads, there is this tiny being who, unknowingly, became my saviour.
During my darkest days with severe depression and suicidal thoughts, Simon was more than just a pet; he was my lifeline, and my daily reason to push through. But this deep emotional connection wasn't unique to us—every pet parent I met echoed this sentiment.
So that’s when it hit me: why not craft clothing that cuts down the daily hassle AND enhances this incredible bond? Akin's gear is being designed to keep you spotless and comfy, whether you're at home or out and about, all while fostering those priceless close moments with your BFF.
The Values
More than a clothing brand; Akin is a movement.
With Akin, I want to bring positivity into every thread of existence, responding to the world’s rough edges with soft, warm solutions.
Recognising the loneliness epidemic and the mental health crisis around us, I turn to our silent heroes—our pets. They offer us unconditional love and companionship when the human touch falls short or our institutions fail. Through Akin's clothing, I aim to enhance this incredible animal-human bond, making every interaction soul-healing.
But that’s not all. As a fighter against fast fashion, I'm committed to sustainability. Akin's pieces are being designed to be durable, resilient, and at the end of their life cycle, either biodegradable or recyclable.
And because comfort shouldn’t have any boundaries, Akin's designs will be inclusively crafted, welcoming every body type and gender under the sun.
The Dream
Planning big, living bigger.
Imagine a world where suffering is the exception and not the norm. A place where harmony flows between humans, animals, and nature. That's the future I'm striving to create through Akin. This ain't no hippie talk!
As I look to erase the scars left by past generations and shift away from destructive behaviours, my vision is clear: to build a world I'm proud to be part of, where comfort, love, and care aren't just ideals, but tangible truths.
With Akin, I dream of clothing that does more than just cover your body, it connects and heals. My ultimate goal is a planet where every living being can thrive in their truest form, supported by practices that respect our ecosystems and enhance all of our lives.
Join us in turning this dream into reality.