You’ve described dogs as “family, healers, and friends.” What is it about your connection with animals that continues to drive everything you do?

Dogs are just pure souls. They love you no matter what, they comfort you, and they read your emotions better than anyone. I’ve always felt this natural connection with animals. That’s why MISHKA exists – it’s my way to honor that bond and give back to them for all the joy they bring into our lives.

You launched a charity in your early twenties to help feed homeless dogs. What compelled you to take on that mission so young?

Honestly, I just couldn’t sit and do nothing when I saw animals suffering. Even when I was young, I felt compelled to do something. It wasn’t about waiting for the “right moment” – it was about doing what I could, right away. That’s just who I am.

Before founding MISHKA, you were already a successful entrepreneur. What were those early ventures, and how did they influence your current work?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I launched my first company at 21. It started as a side job while I was still attending university. It was a tiny logistics company: I was finding jobs online for independent truck drivers, mostly Russian men who owned trucks but didn’t know how to navigate online platforms.

I acted almost like a personal dispatcher for them, and I made a small commission from every load they delivered. Sounds simple, but it became a smart, fast-growing business. I took care of them, I earned their trust, and soon they were recommending me to their friends. The company grew much more than I expected and that taught me so much about building trust, taking care of clients, and running a business with heart but also with discipline. I’ve carried all those lessons to MISHKA.what became MISHKA.

You immigrated to the U.S. in 2017. What did that moment feel like, and how did it set the stage for what would become MISHKA?

I first came to the US to spend time in New York and learn English, because I arrived without speaking, reading and thinking in English. While I love learning, it definitely wasn’t easy. But starting from that place, where everything was unfamiliar, gave me a sense of freedom too. It pushed me to grow fast and figure things out on my own. That mindset, that determination, really set the stage for what became MISHKA.

What was the spark that made you realize there was a space for beautiful, health- conscious dogcakes in the pet world?

When I arrived here, I noticed so many dog treats were either boring or packed with ingredients I didn’t recognize. The nutrition facts list? Very, very long and complicated. I kept wondering, why doesn’t something simple and beautiful exist for dogs? That question stayed with me until I realized that I could be the one to create it. That’s really where the idea for MISHKA was born healthy, clean, beautiful cakes dogs would love and owners could feel good about.

Tell us about those early recipe experiments. Was there a breakthrough moment when you knew you had something truly special?

I’ve always loved cooking. I was always cooking for my dogs too, long before I started doing it professionally. I understood the principles of balanced nutrition well before MISHKA, so it truly came from both the heart and practice! But my real breakthrough moment was almost magical. I literally saw
in my dream exactly how MISHKA should look: a shiny, tiny vegetable glaze and gentle meat pâté inside. Of course, it wasn’t easy to get it right immediately. I spent long, fun hours in the kitchen testing and improving. But when it finally came together perfectly– and I remember that moment like it was yesterday!

The name MISHKA is deeply personal. What’s the story behind it, and how does it reflect your brand’s values?

The name Mishka comes from a funny little love story. When I first met my husband Geoff – tall, handsome, wearing this soft sweater – I said, “Wow, you look like a bear!” He asked me, “How do you say bear in Russian?” and I said, “Mishka.” He loved that word right away, and from that moment it became part of our story. Now, almost seven years later, we’re happily raising our little family: our two Brussels Griffons and our first-born daughter Nika, who’s almost nine months old. So Mishka is much more than a brand name – it’s about warmth, love, and family. That’s exactly what I want this brand to represent.

MISHKA is known for its strict ingredient standards. Can you walk us through the philosophy behind what goes into and stays out of your cakes?

It’s really quite simple: if I wouldn’t eat it myself, or feed it to my family or my own dog, I wouldn’t give it to any dog. We use natural, clean ingredients – no preservatives, no artificial colors – nothing fake. All our colors come from vegetable juices, and everything is made fresh, by hand, and with so much love and care.

Visually, MISHKA cakes are little works of art. How do you approach design, especially when your “client” is a four-legged friend?

Even though I design for dogs, its really a celebratory moment between people and their pets. I want each cake to feel like something special, something joyful and beautiful that reflects just how much that dog is loved.

As a woman entrepreneur and an immigrant, what were some of the unexpected obstacles you encountered building a business in a new country?

Oh, so many! Navigating rules I didn’t know, being underestimated because of my accent or my background. But honestly, I’m not the kind of person who gets discouraged easily. Those challenges made me stronger and more determined. And that spirit – being brave, figuring things out is very much part of MISHKA.

What’s been your proudest moment since launching MISHKA in 2018?

We’ve had so many milestones. Working with Hermès, The Ritz-Carlton, being named a Yelp Top 100 business nationwide but I have a few moments that really stand out. We just won Best of the Bay (twice actually) – by SF Gate and San Francisco Magazine. I’m that kind of person who’s always happy, excited, and deeply appreciative when people take the time to support us with their votes and energy. And there’s another moment that’s really close to my heart.

When I started MISHKA, I used to dream about being at the Ferry Building farmers market – but after some research, I realized it wasn’t even realistically possible. Then, just three years after I started, they invited me to have my own shop inside. That was such an epic moment! We’re still so happy and proud to be the first pet food company there.

How do you think MISHKA has redefined the way people think about treating and celebrating their dogs?

I think we’ve shown people that it’s not about “spoiling” your dog, but it’s an additional way to say “I love you.” Our relationships with dogs are magical and celebrating them with special food is beautiful.

Your community of dog lovers is incredibly loyal. What role has customer feedback and social media played in shaping your brand?

Social media has been such a big part of our journey. It allows us to really stay close to our customers. We listen carefully, we see what they love, and we learn from them all the time. Their feedback inspires us, and their loyalty is amazing: statistically, about 80% of our customers come back to us. That loyalty keeps us motivated to continue growing and evolving.

What’s your vision for MISHKA over the next 5 to 10 years and how do you see the brand evolving?

We have big dreams. I want to expand our nationwide shipping, open more boutique locations, develop new health-focused products and keep surprising people with how beautiful and thoughtful pet celebrations can be. But no matter how we grow, MISHKA will always stay true to our core: beauty, health, craftsmanship, and love.

When someone chooses a MISHKA cake for their dog’s celebration, what do you hope that moment represents for them and for you?

I hope it’s a moment of love and joy. A little ritual that says, “You matter to me, and I want to celebrate you.” MISHKA is not just for special occasions even if people first come to us for a birthday, it’s always wonderful when they come back again simply to spoil their pup. We’re really proud that so many customers return again and again.

For me, every cake we send out is an honor. It means we’re part of someone’s family moment. And that’s honestly the heart of why I do what I do.