Our lifestyle has changed to be more sustainable and conscious of our consumption and its effects on the environment. Barkus came from the need to create products that truly align with our values. We are die-hard dog lovers and believe they deserve the same consideration as humans when it comes to their well-being.
“I'm a dog mom, my dogs are my children, I feel they deserve to be treated just like I would myself or any human child. I know that may sound obscure for some but there has never been another animal that we connect with so intimately. I’ve struggled with finding products that align with my beliefs of quality, sustainability and thoughtfulness. There's a need to bring this holistic mindset into the pet industry and we’re well under way of developing products that will do just that.”
— Vernadette, Founder | CEO
Vernadette has a passion for building brands that resonate. Her career began grounded in the precision of Architectural Design, quickly evolving into a decade-plus tenure as Creative Director for some of the most recognized names in the Luxury Beauty and Wellness Industry.
For brands like Aveda, Color Space, and Back of Bottle, Vernadette didn’t just design packaging and campaigns, she crafted experiences. She honed a unique ability to translate brand essence into compelling visuals and strategic messaging, driving connection and fostering loyalty.
This expertise led her to co-found Fredicus, a dynamic design agency specializing in both Brand and Industrial Design. At Fredicus, and with all brands she partners with, Vernadette prioritizes quality and responsible sourcing – a commitment born from a deep understanding of the impact of poorly made products.
As a dedicated pet parent to two senior rescues Julius and Marcus, Vernadette recognized a significant gap in the pet lifestyle market – a prevalence of low-quality, unsustainable products – which led her to launch Barkus, a brand dedicated to thoughtfully designed, high-quality products that celebrate the bond between people and their pets.
Vernadette isn’t just building brands; she’s building connections – between people, products, pets, and a more responsible future for our planet.
A decade of experience building inclusive learning environments fuels my passion at Barkus. I’m dedicated to human-centered design and leading the charge toward a more ethical future for pet care, crafting tools and resources that benefit both pets and their people.
— Deandra, Founding Member | CMO
With over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector and post-secondary education, Deandra brings deep expertise in accessibility, inclusion, and community engagement. Her background spans work with families, project management, communications, and social strategy—skills she now channels into building brand awareness and authentic experiences for the Barkus community.
Working in post-secondary education, Deandra leads innovative initiatives focused on expanding access and inclusion through collaboration, intentional design, and knowledge-sharing.
Deandra’s strengths lie in connecting people and ideas, translating complex challenges into meaningful, actionable solutions, and designing resources that build capacity. Her formal training in public relations complements her commitment to outreach and engagement.
A lifelong educator with a foundation in Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis, Deandra’s journey as a dog owner began nearly a decade ago when she rescued her Husky-Malamute-Eskimo mix, Xero, at just six months old. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, she trained Xero into the calm, adventure-loving companion she is today. In late 2024, she welcomed a spirited Pomsky puppy, Zen into the family—bringing renewed joy, energy, and inspiration into their lives.
I have always been passionate about driving positive change in creative and innovate ways, in my community and abroad. I am excited about bringing this lens to Barkus - my love of dogs began with my childhood dog, and surpasses my very serious allergies. Luckily, my foster fail, Oliver, is both somewhat hypoallergenic and snuggly, albeit somewhat grumpy!
— Cecilia, Founding Member | COO
Cecilia brings a unique blend of personal and professional experience to Barkus. She received a Jack Russel/Border Collie mix aptly named Trouble as her 16th birthday gift, sparking a deep love for all things furry (despite her allergies!). She currently lives in Toronto with her foster fail, a somewhat hypoallergenic rescue named Oliver. Cecilia’s career began in program development and community engagement, with a passion to drive positive change. From a young age, she developed a critical social lens and understanding of the societal, community and personal challenges that affect individuals, families and communities. This led to her following a career as a lawyer, where she focuses on access to justice.
Cecilia’s expertise spans program management, partnership development, and strategic planning. Her expertise in non-profit organizations has allowed her to develop key skills including building strong relationships, managing teams effectively and navigating complex challenges. As a lawyer, Cecilia is a skilled negotiator with considerable court experience, it is her creative and innovative solutions in and out of court that sets her apart.
Cecilia is a passionate advocate for compassion, empathy and kindness. She has a deep and personal understanding of the important role pets play in our social construct and health. She aspires to develop creative opportunities within Barkus for people to connect with dogs that go beyond the products.
Julies + Marcus
