Meet Stephanie Küster | Entrepreneur & CEO of DANKA

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

Hi Stephanie, what do you attribute your success to?
DANKA is very personal to me and I think that’s the key. My fingerprint is on everything—not out of control, but out of care. I don’t cut corners. I’m hands-on with every part of the brand, from product development to customer experience, and I believe that people can feel that authenticity. I grew up watching my parents do everything with integrity, resilience, and a relentless drive. Their work ethic definitely helped shape how I approach everything, especially in business and it became second nature to me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My teacup Yorkie, Zev is the reason DANKA exists. He changed the way I looked at pet care forever and gave me a reason to pay closer attention—to what we carry, what we use, and what we value. The core of everything we do at DANKA is quality and wellness—it’s practically our company motto. I truly believe this focus is what sets us apart from others in the market.

One of the things I’m most proud of is successfully launching the private label side of my business. It’s a signature part of our brand now, which is surreal to think about. It was a major milestone for me—it’s something I dreamed of since day one. Helping other businesses bring their branding and vision to life through our products, especially the POOP LOOP™—has been incredibly gratifying.

Getting to where we are today was definitely not easy. We’re not even close to where I want us to be but I’m beyond happy with our progress. It took consistency, hard work, determination and a lot of late, sleepless nights. I’ve learned to overcome it by celebrating the wins, learning from the setbacks, and just keep going —even on days when you question everything. There are tons of ups and downs, but talking to other business owners and never giving up always helps me push through.

I’ve learned so much through building DANKA. Despite many challenges, I’ve stayed committed to the journey. That perseverance has shaped not just the business, but who I am. Firstly, trust your gut… I’ve made every decision with intention, whether it’s product development, our aesthetic or who we collaborate with. Secondly, kindness matters. People will always remember how you made them feel, and that impacts your business more than you think. Lastly, consistency even during slower seasons matters just as much as the exciting ones. The right customer will always find you, I promise. Momentum doesn’t always come from big wins; most of the time, it’s built through the little ones.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know, it’s that you don’t need a perfect plan to build something powerful. I’m someone who leads with empathy. I value connection, kindness, and showing up for people even when no one’s watching. I’m not afraid to take risks or fail forward. I believe in doing things differently. DANKA was built on heart, heritage, and a little bit of New York hustle. There was never a perfect time or moment to start—it was about having the courage to take that first step. I took a leap of faith and leaned into what felt right—even when I didn’t have all the answers. That energy is what continues to drive this brand forward and I’m just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Monday: Palm Beach — Start the trip with classic elegance. Spend the day strolling Worth Avenue and soaking in the charm of the island. Maybe stop at The Colony Hotel for a photo under the pink umbrellas. Lunch at Bice is a must — classic Italian with a Palm Beach twist. If you’re feeling fancy, wrap up with sunset drinks at The Breakers.

Tuesday: Boca Raton
Head down to Boca and get comfy in Mizner Park. Cute shops, pretty palm-lined streets, and plenty of spots to eat and chill. Garden Butcher is a total hidden gem and an absolute must whether you’re plant-based or not. One thing you have to try? The Strawberry Glow Smoothie. Thank me later. Dinner at Meat Market is an entire experience — upscale, lively, and always a vibe.

Wednesday: Fort Lauderdale
Hit the beach and go to Las Olas afterwards. Have lunch at Louie Bossi’s, El Camino or Vino’s depending on the vibe, then stroll the shops. Stop at Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar — it’s so cute and unique. Grab an espresso martini at Noodles Panini. Not even a question — they’re the best in town.

Thursday: Miami
Start in Wynwood — coffee at Panther Coffee or breakfast at Zak The Baker. Go for a walk through the murals, incredible street art, and unique galleries. For lunch head to Brickell City Centre and go to Motek or Casa Tua Cucina. Relax a little in the afternoon then gear up for the night at BOHO House for Nativos BR. Amazing house music and great energy.

Friday: More Miami
If you’re still alive after BOHO House, make it a chill day. A super laid-back daytime vibe. Sleep in a little and explore Miami Design District. Perfect for art, fashion and photo ops. Stop at Dior Café, it’s the go-to spot for a mid-day reset. The coffee’s great, but honestly, you go for the vibe. It’s chic, calm, and such a fun experience. Later, for sunset vibes, hit up Astra or Rosa Sky — both have stunning rooftop views and great music. Then maybe finish the night with wine and music at Lagniappe, one of Miami’s coziest hidden gems.

Saturday/Sunday: Miami Again
Weekend = boat day, obviously. Enjoy the sunshine, music, and views from the water. After docking, head straight to Casa Neos for cocktails, great food, and a sunset lounge session. It’s the perfect mix of luxury and laid-back. Sunday would be perfect for brunch at Sadelle’s in Coconut Grove (their bagel tower is iconic), and maybe one last beach day or rooftop drink to end the trip right.

A little glam, a lot of fun, and all the sunshine — just how a South Florida week should be.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Of course—there are quite a few people I owe immense gratitude to.

First and foremost, my parents. Albert and Soraya. Their support and encouragement have been the foundation of everything I do. From day one, they’ve believed in me, even when I had my moments of doubt and uncertainty. Saying “thank you” will never feel like enough. I’m beyond proud to be their daughter and hope to make them just as proud in return. Love you both so much.

To Dr. Eugene Miller—a family friend, mentor, and like a second grandfather to me. He was one of the most remarkable human beings I’ve ever known. His wisdom, humility, and what he accomplished in his lifetime continue to inspire me daily. The advice he shared with me over the years shaped how I show up in both life and business. I will always carry that with me.

To Sam Jacobs — another mentor and friend—thank you for your guidance, honesty, and your belief in what I’m building. You’re a gift to this generation. You lead by example and I feel lucky to have learned from someone who genuinely wants to see others win.

To my friends — the ones who have been there since day one and the ones I made along the way, you know exactly who are… Thank you for standing by me and encouraging me. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely and uncertain path, but I’ve been incredibly blessed to have friends who have supported me and my business.

And lastly, but just as importantly, to every single customer and client — thank you. None of this would be possible without you. Your support doesn’t just fuel the business, it fuels me personally. Every order, every message, every word of encouragement—you make it all worthwhile. Thank you for helping me turn a dream into reality.

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