In 2022, I was getting ready to go on a date with a guy I really liked. The plan was for us to have dinner and later meet with his friends at a bar. I wanted my makeup to look sharp and flawless all night long. Okay, maybe I took this too seriously, but I really liked the guy. I needed a makeup brush for quick touch-up on the go, but none of my brushes were convenient or compact enough to carry. Can you imagine a beautiful, compact, and retractable makeup brush that effortlessly fits into any bag, keeping it clean and protected? Well, I could not find it anywhere - except in my mind. That was the first time I envisioned hallie.

Now, I must admit: As someone who devoted the majority of their career to being a speech and language pathologist, the idea of inventing a product and building my own brand seemed far-fetched. You may be wondering how I felt inspired and empowered to overcome my fears and build my company. It may feel as if dots aren’t connecting but I promise they do. Just keep reading.

In April 2023, I found a tiny scab underneath my dog Oli's fur. Her appetite, playfulness, and behavior were normal, but I felt somehow intrigued. That tiny scab turned out to be a mast cell tumor. Hearing the word "Oli" and "cancer" in the same sentence was devastating. If you have a pet, you will understand when I say that in that moment, a wave of powerlessness flooded over my body. I vividly remember that it felt like my world just stopped. I thought I had been heartbroken before, but no heartbreak could ever compare to this one.

A new journey began for me. I learned that cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs in the United States. Unfortunately, the more I tried understanding about cancer in dogs, the more I realized that there aren't sufficient data or research on this topic. I couldn't shake the thought that Oli was not alone in this struggle. Along the way, I met countless dogs, with their own cancer diagnosis, all deserving a fighting chance and the prospect of healing. Oli went through surgery, 15 rounds of radiotherapy, and countless doctor’s visits. Oli started eating a high protein diet and taking a variety of supplements. She faced her challenges and fears with the kindest and bravest heart. And with every step towards Oli's healing, I also felt a slow transformation within me.

In one of the darkest chapters of my life, I discovered that even amidst the shadows, beauty can be born. As Oli's treatment approached its end and towards remission, my sense of belonging and purpose underwent a profound shift. I felt empowered, more grounded, and in alignment with my true-self. Perhaps, it marked not only the beginning of Oli's rebirth, but mine as well.

It was only at that point that I felt courageous to bring my design and idea to life. Everything that followed fell into place seamlessly, almost as if everything happened for a reason. It felt as though every twist of fate had a hidden lesson. I firmly believe in our ability to craft our own purpose, and at that moment, hallie became mine.

Hallie, a name that means Praise the Lord in British, embodies the deep sense of gratitude I have for life and every chapter of it. With my product, I aim to echo this sentiment, reminding you of your innate beauty, uniqueness, and inner strength. May it inspire you to uncover joy in your resilience, no matter the hurdles life throws your way. May it reaffirm your worthiness of pursuing your dreams. Hallie, your beauty companion on the go, and source of hope.

While I believe in the value of empowering one another, my commitment also extends to a greater purpose. I'm proud to dedicate hallie to all dogs, especially my beloved Oli and Sophia. My company's primary mission is to make recurrent donations of part of our profits to advance canine cancer research. May we enhance the chances of dogs healing from cancer with every hallie.

With gratitude,
Ana Lúcia Valentini