Our Story

Where did you get the name Pasko & Co?

In 2020 during a vacation to Siargao, Philippines, I noticed an overpopulation of stray dogs and cats.

It was at that moment I knew I had to make an impact. I began by donating to the local rescue league. While visiting the rescue, I met Pasko (Christmas in Tagalog), a beautiful puppy who had recently been found on Christmas day dying from infection and starvation.

After returning home from vacation, I wanted to do more for Pasko. I set up a GoFundMe and with the help of friends and family I raised enough money to fly her to the United States for a better life. Due to the pandemic and the restrictions, we were unable to make this dream come true. Instead, I took the money that was raised and sponsored her for two years. This sponsorship covered her vaccinations, vet bills, etc.

Pasko & Co is dedicated to the furry friends around the world.

 

 

Meet the designer:

My name is Leigha Marie, and I grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts. In 2021 I relocated to Tampa, Florida.

Sewing has been passed down in my family for generations. My great grandparents are originally from Mexico. When they moved here, they opened a tailoring business. When I was 10 years old my grandparents knew they saw something special in me. They taught me how to sew and put me in art programs at our local art museum. Being creative and an artist is something I began to excel at in life.

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fashion design and my design career began from there. I was a custom bikini designer for 11 years. I have always been an animal lover. I became a dog mom at 22 years old to a little yorkie named Toby. After a few years my heart opened up to adopt my first rescue dog. At first, I was unsure because he was a pitbull named Achilles but he won my heart over. My little family felt complete with the three of us. From there I began to do charity work to buy dog food for the local shelter.

From here I knew I could use my creativity and degree to begin a new adventure in my life. In 2020 during the pandemic, I began to sew dog collars and bandanas. I wanted to create fun and fashionable pieces that would make any dog stand out from the rest of the pack. Then I moved to Tampa, and LOVED how dog friendly it is in Florida. I visited a few local markets and decided to take the plunge and start selling my handmade pet accessories.

My goal with Pasko & Co is to make every pup special. Our pups are part of our family. It makes me so happy to meet all the locals who love my work and are excited to shop for their fur babies!