From Struggles to Strength: The Journey Behind Nermington’s
Thanks to my journey with anxiety and depression, I found the inspiration to start a business—and adopt a dog.
Hi, I’m Karlee, the founder of Nermington’s. Yes, you read that right: this business was born out of one of the most challenging seasons of my life. Let me share how it all began.
In November 2020, I made the life-changing decision to quit drinking. What followed was an intense period of anxiety, depression, and withdrawal. To help me navigate this tough time, I adopted a puppy named Sherman in January 2021.
Sherman quickly became my rock—my source of comfort and hope. He’s helped me in more ways than I can count, and I’ll forever be grateful for him.
Picture in Downtown Greenville, Sherman 3 months old
Later that same year, I joined a women's mastermind group that gave me the courage to pursue my dream job. When someone asked me, “If you could do anything, what would it be?” my answer was clear: “I’d own a pet sanctuary for animals labeled ‘unadoptable’ or at risk of euthanasia.”
For as long as I can remember, that vision has lived in my heart, evolving and taking shape in my mind over the years. Yet, life has shown me that I may not be the ideal person to lead a pet sanctuary. The silver lining, however, is that I can still play a meaningful role in supporting and contributing to that dream.
In January 2022, I took a bold step out of my comfort zone. I boarded a plane alone and flew across the country to Palm Springs, CA, to meet those inspiring women’s group for the very first time.
At the time, I was not only terrified of flying but even more so of doing it solo. Yet, that experience became a defining moment in my journey. It marked the early stages of Nermington's and laid the foundation for building a business dedicated to giving back to shelter pets.
By July 2022, Nermington’s officially came to life.
Looking back on everything that’s happened since 2020, I feel beyond blessed for every step that led me here. Nermington’s was founded on the belief that every pet deserves a loving home. Sometimes we think we’re rescuing them, but in reality, they’re the ones rescuing us.
At Nermington’s, we create handmade bandanas and bows for pets and matching shirts for their humans. With every purchase, we donate 5% to our shelter partners to support animals in need. This mission is deeply personal to me, and I hope it touches your heart, too.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can make a difference—one floof at a time.
