To celebrate the brand’s first year, and its growing impact, we sat down with owner and local entrepreneur Ashley O'Bryan to talk inspiration, community, and the “pawesome” purpose behind Fluff & Boots.
What inspired you to start Fluff & Boots?
My first inspiration was the challenge of finding high-quality, cohesive lifestyle products for my own cats that were functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing in my home. Outside of premium cat furniture, most cat-centric products felt mismatched, hodgepodge, or overly quirky. I wanted to create beautiful products that were ethically made with premium, non-toxic materials to ensure durability, safety, and long-lasting comfort for both cats and their humans.
My second inspiration was the idea of building a double-bottom-line business that could not only sell products, but also drive real change in the feline welfare space. I wanted to make a meaningful impact by supporting stray and feral cats, combating animal cruelty, and providing education and resources. By building a community of cat parents who share these values and “give a fluff” about felines, I knew we could work together to do so. Combining beautiful, functional products with a purpose-driven business is what really inspired me to start Fluff & Boots.
How has your connection to Cyprus, the "island of cats," shaped the Fluff & Boots story?
My connection to Cyprus is woven into the heart of Fluff & Boots. It’s where the real Fluff and Boots came into my life, and where I first fell in love with the resilience and charm of community street cats. I became a first-time purr-parent in Cyprus, and without that experience, I never would have realized the need for better cat-centric products.
Cyprus reinforced a style that blends beautifully with harmonizing tones, clean lines, and an effortless sense of cozy luxury. There’s a natural warmth to Mediterranean spaces and a refined simplicity to broader European interiors that creates a feeling of balance, comfort, and calm while still playing with color. I wanted our products to reflect that same effortless, playful elegance with pieces that elevate a home without overwhelming it, and that feel as good to cats as they look to their humans.
On a deeper level, my time in Cyprus sparked a passion for feline welfare and the importance of caring for stray and feral cats. The island taught me that all cats deserve comfort, love, and beauty in their lives, and that philosophy continues to shape everything we create.
As a Nashville-founded, female-owned business, what does it mean to you to be part of this city’s creative and entrepreneurial community?
Being Nashville-founded means being part of a city that never stops hustling. For me, it’s a city where hustle meets heart in the sense that everyone is striving for their own success, yet still shows up for others with genuine support, sharing of resources and ideas, and a willingness to lift each other up along the way. The energy here is contagious, and it pushes me to innovate, collaborate, and grow Fluff & Boots alongside a kind-hearted community of creatives, entrepreneurs, and dreamers making bold ideas happen every day.
Your partnerships with organizations like the Nashville Humane Society and Nashville Cat Rescue are central to your mission. Why are these collaborations so important to you?
Fluff & Boots has always been about more than just products; it’s about making a meaningful impact for cats and the people who love them. Working with organizations that share our values lets us support cats in need, provide resources, and help build a community of cat parents who care just as much as we do.
Engaging locally is especially important because it allows us to see the direct impact of our efforts, strengthen connections within our community, and inspire others to get involved through first-hand events and experiences.
For me, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the tangible impact of these partnerships and to know that, together, we’re helping cats lead safer, happier lives in the Nashville area and beyond.
Fluff & Boots is celebrating one year! What have been some of the biggest challenges and proudest moments during this first year in business?
Being patient with slow, intentional growth has been a challenge. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of launching a brand and be tempted to make decisions that could lead to faster growth, but compromise our mission and business ethos. From day one, I’ve chosen to keep the business self-funded and influencer-independent, and to strive for authentic, meaningful connections with our community. We refuse to compromise on quality and ethics, or to put profit over purpose, and that commitment sometimes means progress takes a little longer.
At the same time, hearing how much customers value the thought and care behind everything we make, seeing so many cats enjoy the products, and knowing our rescue initiatives are making a real difference and literally saving lives, are incredibly proud moments.
What’s next for Fluff & Boots in year two?
In year two, we’re really focused on deepening the sense of community and the “we give a fluff” mantra that’s always been at the heart of Fluff & Boots. We’re planning more in-person events and experiences that bring cat parents together and celebrate the joy of living with cats. It’s important to create moments that help people connect, learn, and feel inspired.
We’re also continuing to grow our partnerships in the feline welfare space and explore thoughtful ways to expand our product offerings while staying true to our mission of quality, ethics, and purpose.
FluffAndBoots.com
"My time in Cyprus sparked a passion for feline welfare and the importance of caring for stray and feral cats."
A dedicated pet parent, accomplished businesswoman, and innovator, Ashley OBryan is on a mission to support cats in need from her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee to her new backyard in Limassol, Cyprus.