Meet Jiannuo Hu

We were lucky to catch up with Jiannuo Hu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jiannuo, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

My purpose found me, in a way, through my journey with my dog, Mece. When I first brought her home, I was captivated by her adorable appearance, but as time passed, I realized she was so much more than just cute—she was a personality. Mece had preferences, quirks, and moods that revealed her unique character. She could be feisty, opinionated, and affectionate all at once, teaching me that dogs, like people, have layers of individuality that deserve to be celebrated.

At the time, I was working as a Data Scientist in New York, solving complex analytics problems. While I enjoyed the intellectual challenge, I always knew I wanted to start my own business—something that combined creativity, passion, and impact. Inspired by Mece, I saw an opportunity to create something meaningful: a brand that recognizes and honors the individuality of dogs through thoughtful design.

That’s how Cave Canem was born. I wanted to create more than just clothing—I wanted to offer pieces that reflect each dog’s unique personality while providing comfort and style. Starting my business allowed me to channel my passion for dogs into something tangible and lasting, blending functionality with elegance in a way that resonates not just with pets but with the people who love them.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder of Cave Canem (https://cavecanempet.com/), a New York-based pet clothing brand that celebrates the unique personalities and spirits of dogs. After years of working as a Data Scientist in financial industry, I wanted to try something outside of corporate, see what else I’m also capable of.

At the same time, I wanted to build something personal—an elevated line of dog apparel that blends style, comfort, and durability. Our pieces are thoughtfully designed using premium materials to ensure they not only look great but also last, reducing fashion waste and promoting sustainability.

We launched just a few months ago with five products in two colors and three sizes, focusing on small to medium dogs for now, but we’re excited to expand to larger dogs next year. Beyond clothing, we’re also developing a new line of accessories, including leashes and collars, to complement our collection.

Right now, we’re growing through word of mouth and social media, and starting in 2025, we plan to partner with pet stores, influencers, and markets to reach more pet lovers. If you’re interested in collaborating, we’d love to connect and make new friends along the way!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three qualities have shaped my journey with Cave Canem.

1. Resiliency and Agility – Building a business requires the ability to face setbacks head-on and adapt quickly when things don’t go as planned. When my first product batch didn’t meet expectations, I flew to the factories, redesigned the collection with newly selected materials, and kept pushing forward until I had products I could be proud of. Challenges are inevitable – and be ready for them – but staying flexible and always having a backup plan allowed me to keep moving forward, even when obstacles popped up.

2. Decisiveness – Running your own business means there’s no manager to give you the green light. You have to trust your instincts, weigh the risks, and make decisions confidently—even without a safety net. Whether it was finalizing designs, choosing suppliers, or launching the brand, learning to make timely and informed decisions was essential to keeping momentum.

3. Resourcefulness – Finding the right people was critical to building the business – especially when you originally lack the appropriate skillset. I found my photographer through a friend, my copywriter through neighbors, my graphic designer and dog models through social media, and my factories through Alibaba—but not without exchanging with dozens of manufacturers and visiting many of them in person. It takes persistence, thorough vetting, and creative thinking to build a network of partners who align with your vision. My advice is to stay proactive, keep learning, and talk to as many people as you can until you find the right fit.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have two people who have played pivotal roles in helping me overcome challenges and develop the skills I needed to start my business, Cave Canem.

In the United States, where I live, my husband Nico has been my rock and biggest supporter. When I faced moments of doubt, he encouraged me to keep going. He’s also helped with practical aspects of the business, like managing social media—task that doesn’t excite me as much but is an area where he thrives.

In Asia, where I was born, my mom has been equally instrumental. During a three-month trip to China to visit factories and meet with manufacturers, she was by my side—driving me to meetings, helping with negotiations, and giving me mental support. Her help during that time was invaluable, and I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish what I did without her.

I’m deeply grateful to both of them for their support and belief in me throughout this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cavecanempet.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cavecanem.nyc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569291552178
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cave-canem-nyc/posts/?feedView=all

Image Credits

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