A place to shop, share and contribute. SHOP our online store. SHARE your photos of your animal on our fan site. CONTRIBUTE! We donate to sheltered animals
It all began in 2003 when I received a black baby Chihuahua for Christmas. It was the best gift that was ever given to me (other than my Pac-Man watch for my 9th birthday.) He was a sneaky little dominant feller that had so much spunk and quirkiness. I named him Beanzie from the HBO TV series, The Sopranos.
A few months later I stumbled upon a family that had little chihuahuas that needed homes. I spotted a teensy, long haired, brown chihuahua all alone in the corner. She was mine. She was so tiny and fluffy she looked like a little guinea pig. She has a loving need for attention from people yet hoity-toity, playing hard to get attitude around male dogs. Franchesca is what I named her. Frankie for short. FRANK! when she’s in trouble.
I always wanted to be a fashion designer. I’m an 80’s, Hello Kitty, bright colors, mis-matched Punky Brewster fashionable kind of girl. Discouraged to come out with my own clothing line, I talked amongst my friends to get insights while every one of them had on Abercrombie tees with Gap skinny jeans. As I looked out the window, there was a woman getting her mail while holding a little dog wearing a shirt that said “80’s Rock!” Was that a sign? I love dogs, and I love fashion… why not merge the best of both worlds! But what do I name my dog clothes? Because my dogs have such funny characters, it had to be their names. Franchesca loves Beanzie? Beanzie and Chesca? Frankie and Beanzie? And in May 2007, Frank and Beanz Doggie Apparel was born.
I started designing dog clothes out of my tiny apartment (which by the way had a great panoramic view of the Vegas skyline.) The clothes became such a smashing hit, that we were asked to be featured in Lucky Dog Magazine.
Throughout my time in the dog clothes business, I was fortunate to meet many dog lovers who had a twinkle in their eyes when they would talk about their dogs. Every animal I met brought so much warmth and joy to the hearts of many. Bright and loyal German Shepherds, helpful Golden Retriever service dogs, affectionate and 100 licks a minute Pugs to pocket size Chihuahuas with little bodies, but big hearts. I realized how much animals – whether it’s a dog, cat, bird or a pig – can offer so many benefits to a persons’ life such as stress relief, social support and other health advantages — perhaps more than people can! To give back to these loving animals, Frank and Beanz supports shelters and rescue teams by donating a portion of what we earn from our apparel. We also volunteer at centers such as The Animal Foundation by helping abandoned animals find loving homes, medical care, food and other necessities.
We thank you for your business. Together we can help the millions of dogs out there have a chance at life.
Love, Frank and Bean
