Behind the Brand: How Sherman and a Journey of Healing Inspired Nermington’s
When you think about your furry companion, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s their wagging tail greeting you at the door, the comfort they provide during tough days, or the silly antics that make you laugh. At Nermington’s, this love for pets is at the heart of everything we do. Every product we create, every stitch we sew, begins with a story of love, resilience, and care—not just for pets but for the community they bring together.
Today, I want to take you behind the scenes, sharing the story of how Nermington's came to life and how love (and a dog named Sherman) became our guiding light.
The Journey of Healing That Started It All
Nermington’s began in a place I never imagined would lead to anything positive. It was November 2020, and I was navigating one of the most challenging periods of my life. After making the life-changing decision to stop drinking, I found myself in the midst of anxiety, depression, and a quest for something that could help me heal.
Enter Sherman.
I adopted Sherman, a bouncy, wide-eyed puppy, in January 2021. From the moment he entered my life, everything began to shift. Sherman became my rock, providing comfort, endless cuddles, and a sense of purpose when I needed it most.
Like so many in the rescue community will tell you, I thought I was saving him, but he was the one saving me.
This new chapter with Sherman gave me the courage to reimagine what I wanted out of life. I joined a women’s mastermind group and was asked a simple yet profound question: “If you could do anything, what would it be?”
Without hesitation, I shared my dream of supporting rescue dogs—in particular, pets considered “unadoptable” or at risk of euthanasia. I’ve carried this vision with me for years, and while I realized I might not be the one to open a sanctuary, I could still bring the cause to life in a meaningful way.
From Ideas to Action
By July 2022, Nermington's officially came to life. Inspired by Sherman and my love for shelter pets, I set out to create something that would not only celebrate our furry companions but also give back to the animals who need us most.
At its core, Nermington’s is about more than pet accessories. We create handmade bandanas and bows for pets, along with matching shirts for their humans. For every purchase, we donate 5% to our shelter partners, directly supporting animals who are still waiting for their forever homes. This mission is deeply personal to me, and my hope is that it resonates with other pet lovers, too.
Designing with Love and Purpose
When deciding what Nermington’s products would look and feel like, I had one clear goal in mind. Our items needed to reflect not only the joy and love of pets but also the resilience of the shelter animals we represent.
Through conversations with fellow rescue dog owners, I learned so much about the unique challenges that pets from difficult pasts often face. For example, many shelter dogs feel uncomfortable or anxious in certain materials. With that in mind, we designed our bandanas to feel comfortable, secure, and confidence-boosting for all pets who wear them.
Similarly, our bows are lightweight and easy to wear, celebrating the individuality of every pet without adding unnecessary bulk or discomfort. The designs are as practical as they are adorable, ensuring your furry friends love wearing them as much as you love seeing them in them!
Sustainability and Empowerment Are Non-Negotiable
Beyond aesthetics, it was equally important that our products align with values that matter to me deeply. I wanted Nermington's to represent a conscious choice—not just for pet owners but for the planet and the people behind the scenes.
That’s why we use ethically and sustainably sourced materials. The family-owned business we partner with provides digitally printed fabrics and highlights talented women designers.
Every piece you buy represents respect for our environment and contributes to empowering women in creative industries.
Love, Dedication, and a Community of Dog Lovers
The human-dog bond is unlike anything else, and at Nermington’s, we aim to celebrate that bond with every product. But more than that, we hope to create a community of like-minded pet lovers who believe in giving back and celebrating the joy that rescue animals bring.
Nermington’s isn’t just a brand. It’s a reflection of the love Sherman gave me, the joy I see in every wagging tail, and the difference we can all make when we come together to support shelter pets.
Join the Nermington’s Mission
If you’re ready to celebrate your pet while supporting animals in need, we’d love for you to explore our products. Whether it’s a bandana for your four-legged friend, a bow for those Instagram-worthy moments, or a matching shirt to show the world your love, every purchase helps make a difference.
And remember, sometimes we think we’re rescuing them, but they’re rescuing us just as much (if not more).
