Marissa Gurdian

Marissa Gurdian is the founder and CEO of Sweet Paws, a White Plains-based maker of stylish, sustainable silicone pet products. Before launching Sweet Paws, she practiced as a litigation attorney at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.

1 Episode

Marissa Gurdian's Bio

Marissa Gurdian is the founder and CEO of Sweet Paws, a White Plains-based silicone pet-product brand. Before founding Sweet Paws, she worked as a litigation attorney at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, bringing legal and analytical rigor to product entrepreneurship.

She launched Sweet Paws in October 2020 after a pandemic puppy experience turned into a puppy-proofing crisis. The signature silicone teether bracelet lets pet parents redirect nipping behavior without sacrificing comfort or style.

From that single wearable solution, the company expanded into paw towels, waste-bag openers, and broader everyday pet-care essentials sold through major U.S. retailers including Walmart, Amazon, Chewy, and Target. She has described Walmart Open Call participation as one of the most impactful growth accelerators for the brand.

Outside operations, Marissa was named a 2026 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow, joining a cohort of women founders focused on scaling mission-driven businesses.

Career Timeline

2000 — Litigation Attorney at Paul Weiss at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Built legal and analytical experience in a top-tier litigation practice before moving into consumer product entrepreneurship.
2020 — Founded Sweet Paws
Started Sweet Paws after a pandemic puppy inspired a silicone puppy-teething solution aimed at reducing friction for pet families.
2021 — Scaled Retail Distribution at Sweet Paws
Expanded from a single silicone teether bracelet into a broader silicone pet-product line and began winning placement with major U.S. retailers.
2025 — Walmart Open Call Golden Tickets at Sweet Paws
Won three golden tickets at Walmart Open Call for the Modern Pet Parent Collection, accelerating manufacturing, retail scale, and national buyer exposure.
2026 — Tory Burch Foundation Fellow at Sweet Paws
Selected as a 2026 Tory Burch Foundation Fellow, joining a cohort of women founders focused on scaling purpose-driven businesses.

Episodes

EP 698

Advice Line with Katlin Smith of Simple Mills

Katlin Smith

Simple Mills

Katlin Smith joins Guy Raz on the Advice Line to help founders decide when to go all-in. Three callers bring real scaling dilemmas: Scott's spent-grain pretzel line is stalled by co-manufacturing limits, Tim's Kentucky hot sauce has demand but not enough cash flow, and Marissa's silicone pet-products brand needs one focused marketing bet after spreading a small budget too thin. Smith answers with the same practical filters she used to grow Simple Mills: match the product to what contract manufacturers can run, prove taste and economics first, and concentrate limited dollars in the narrowest channel where buyers already are.

Jan 23, 202549 min

Related Companies

Sweet Paws

Sweet Paws makes better-for-you silicone pet essentials for everyday care, from chew toys and spa gloves to portable paw towels and walk-time bag openers. Founded by Marissa Gurdian, the brand simplifies pet routines with safe, durable products sold in major U.S. retailers.

1 episode