Lather Up Your Pup: We Chat with FUR Creator J. Mikel
Looking for a way to make your pup’s time in the tub just as luxurious as your own bubble bath? J. Mikel Sacher certainly was. That’s why she took her years of experience working for companies like Aveda, L’Atelier du Savon and Bergdorf Goodman and created FUR, a line of human-grade skincare products that are pH balanced for your pooch. The naturally-scented cleanser and detangler are gentle on your dog’s skin—and his nose. “One of my favorite smells in the world is puppy breath and that yummy almost popcorn-like smell of dog paws,” Sacher said. “I would never mask nature’s perfume with a heavy scent.”
We got a chance to ask the beauty guru a few questions about her line, and here’s what she had to say.
MPHG: What prompted you to make the transition from the human beauty industry to developing products for dogs?
JMS: Creating FUR was a lifelong dream for me as a consummate dog lover, and the transition happened slowly and very naturally. I was lucky to work for a range of large and small beauty companies where I gained tremendous exposure to all levels of creating products, from testing various formulas to selling and marketing them.
MPHG: Did your skills in perfumery and aromatherapy transfer nicely to the pet market or did you have to add some new tricks to your bag?
JMS: There are so many benefits of using plant and flower extracts for people and pets. I was hyper-determined to bring the benefits of good quality skincare to the pet set. I used my background and passion to create a proprietary formula for my products. The formulas are loaded with anti-oxidants, and the two key ingredients are Calendula, which helps heal cuts and wounds, and Moringa Seed Extract, which strengthens hair follicles and protects against UV rays.
While I adore perfumes, I was careful not to make the products too fragrant for dogs. Many people try to give dogs’ human products, but dogs have up to 1,000 times our sense of smell and I think it is wildly unnatural to perfume a dog.
MPHG: We know Westies like your Zachary are prone to skin problems. Is this why you created a line for dogs with sensitive skin?
JMS: Yes. As a beauty junkie, I used everything on my pup and learned that the products were not pH balanced for dogs. I had a huge ah-ha moment and decided I had to make a product that was good enough for my dog and one that I would want to steal to use on my own locks.
MPHG: How do you choose the ingredients for FUR products?
JMS: I actually had a huge list of things that I did not want and things that I needed. My line had to be made from 100% human-grade ingredients and have natural sun filters and natural flea and tick repellents. It also had to be moisturizing, clean-rinsing, soap-free and work with or without water. The result was a completely versatile and beneficial formula that can be used for deep cleansing or quick clean-ups.
MPHG: Is there anything I can do to make my dog’s time in the tub more enjoyable?
JMS: Always brush your dog before you go near water. If your dog has any matting, the water will tighten the mats and create dreadlocks that pull at the skin. Bathing is a great bonding experience. Praise you pup with an encouraging voice and give breaks when needed.
MPHG: What’s the easiest way to work through tangles without hurting my dog?
JMS: Apply a pump of FUR into the matted hair and finger comb the knot. You want to start at the root of the knot and break it up, do not over comb the knot, even if you can’t see the matting, it hurts or pulls at their skin and can lead to secondary skin infections if left too long.
