Meet Nelly Bonilla | Multi-talented artist and dog lover. Founder of The Combine Dog—inspiring responsible pet ownership & nutritious adventures

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nelly Bonilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nelly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The driving force behind ‘The Combine Dog’ is a strong desire to provide dogs and their owners with meaningful experiences. I noticed a gap in the market for fresh, nutritious dog food and treats, and I wanted to empower responsible pet ownership while fostering a world of limitless adventures for our furry friends. I also sought the freedom to express my creativity and combine it with my love for dogs. Starting my own business gave me the freedom to combine my diverse skills and create a platform for positively impacting the lives of both dogs and their owners. It has been an incredibly fulfilling journey ever since.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Born and raised in Miami, I have a diverse and creative life, exploring various art forms, such as performing arts and design. I studied architecture in New York City and pursued acting as a member of SAG-AFTRA. Eventually, my partner Oscar and I returned to Miami, where we founded ‘Home Eleven,’ a business centered on art installations.

Then, serendipity led me to a fateful encounter – getting a dog by accident. As time passed, I was inspired by my interactive design skills, a love for play, and fueled by Miami’s scorching summers; I envisioned an interactive indoor/outdoor dog park. However, obstacles, from financial constraints to the challenge of finding suitable land, arose, and then COVID-19 shook the world, forcing me to adjust my plans.

In line with my goal of empowering dogs and their owners, I changed my focus to nutrition and wellness. Recognizing the importance of providing adequate nourishment, I started sharing my homemade recipes with fellow dog owners at our local park based on what I was already feeding my dog, Yenko. That community pushed me to share my freshly made dog food. At the time, it was a hard sell to accept the idea of non-kibble meals for dogs; I persevered and achieved success with my homemade, single-ingredient dog treats.

However, I felt like I had lost sight of why I embarked on this journey – to honor the special relationship between humans and dogs. So, at the beginning of this year, with a pact to myself, I committed to creating content daily for ‘The Combine Dog.’ At first, it was challenging, but now I am a pro. My partner playfully refers to me as a “preditor” in content creation.

Underneath it all, it has been a challenging path. Overcoming self-doubt and venturing out of my comfort zone was just the beginning. Nevertheless, I found strength in perseverance and belief in my purpose, seeking guidance from mentors and building a supportive community of like-minded individuals thanks to “How to Start Something,” an accelerator program for minority-owned small business entrepreneurs in Miami Dade County. Each obstacle became an opportunity for growth, revealing my inner resilience.

Now, my business is taking on a new form. I’m working on empowering dog parents through our content and ebooks while launching a video podcast exploring different dog lifestyles across the USA. Our first season, airing every Wednesday starting August 30th, dives into the lives of dog parents and their businesses.

Though monetizing my brand remains a learning curve, I’ve embraced frugality and relied on sweat equity to create ‘The Combine Dog’ community. I’m dedicated to building a haven for dog lovers where they can find valuable resources and share the joy of pet parenthood.

Throughout this journey, I’ve discovered my resilience and the power of embracing change. I’m excited to see where ‘The Combine Dog’ takes me next as we continue to grow and make a positive impact in the world of responsible pet ownership. The bond between dogs and their humans is an unbreakable thread, and I’m on a mission to weave it into a story of love, adventure, and boundless possibilities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This friend is bringing her dog, right?! I would start off by taking the dogs to Matheson Park West for a hiking adventure through the trail. Take a ride on beautiful Old Cutler Road to the grove to grab some brunch at Chugs Dinner, hoping to find some of @pastelitopapii oxtail and curry litos. After some people-watching and shopping at the Coconut Grove Organic Market, driving to Wayside Dog Park for some water fun for the dogs. And then grabbing dinner without the pups at Awash Ethiopian Restaurant.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be where I am without the support, guidance, and love my partner Oscar has given me. We are high school sweethearts, went to college together, and have been through a lot. He is a great filmmaker and artist, together, we are the art duo Home Eleven and proud Pawrents of our Amstaff Yenko. Oscar is a talented filmmaker and artist who has taught me everything I know about creating videos and filmmaking.

Website: www.TheCombineDog.com

Instagram: @TheCombineDog

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0VvYCu8JYHAlmzLhZF5NuQ

Image Credits
All are images used @TheCombineDog