Baozai Friends is a vibrant brand that blends creativity with compassion, crafting food-inspired plushies designed to spark joy while helping vulnerable pets find loving homes.
When Jules first laid eyes on her adopted cat, Dusky, little did she know that this charming, ringworm-infected kitty would become the emotional foundation of a growing brand. As an AAPI and neurodivergent woman with a passion for art and storytelling, Jules had long turned to creativity as a source of comfort and self-expression. While studying Studio Art at The University of Texas at Austin, she refined her skills and developed a deep appreciation for visual storytelling. It was ultimately Dusky’s resilience, warmth, and unwavering affection that inspired the creation of Baozai Friends.
Baozai Friends is more than a brand; it represents a purpose-driven movement. At its core, the company creates irresistibly cute, food-topped animal plushies that offer comfort and connection. Yet what truly sets Baozai Friends apart is the mission behind every creation. Each plush sold helps support animal shelters, a cause deeply personal to Jules. Her journey from devoted pet parent to founder was fueled not only by creativity, but by a desire to make meaningful change for animals in need.
The Origin of Baozai Friends: From Personal Passion to Global Impact
Baozai Friends emerged from a simple yet powerful idea: to unite art, compassion, and community in a way that delivers comfort while driving positive change. Jules’s early experiences with Dusky played a defining role in shaping the brand’s direction. When she adopted Dusky from Austin Pets Alive, the connection was immediate and profound.
Despite facing challenges such as ringworm, an obstacle that caused many potential adopters to pass her by, Dusky remained affectionate, trusting, and full of life. Her quiet strength and loving nature inspired Jules to build a brand that reflects perseverance, empathy, and hope, both for animals and the people who welcome them home.
Jules’s creativity is evident in every Baozai Friend plushie, each thoughtfully designed to evoke warmth, whimsy, and comfort. Dusky’s influence extends beyond inspiration; she remains an integral part of the creative process. Often curled up nearby while new characters come to life, Dusky provides the steady companionship that continues to fuel Jules’s work.
Baozai Friends has grown beyond a personal passion project into a meaningful platform for social impact. With every plush sold, 10% of proceeds are donated to animal shelters and rescues aligned with the brand’s mission. Each Baozai plushie serves a dual purpose: a comforting companion for its owner and a symbol of hope for animals awaiting their forever homes.
Exciting Update: BackerKit Campaign for Shorti the Strawberry Shortcake Cat
We’re excited to announce that Baozai Friends is launching a BackerKit campaign featuring the Shorti the Strawberry Shortcake Cat plushie as the central focus of the launch. The campaign will run until January 10th, 2026, at 1:59 AM CST, offering supporters a limited-time opportunity to secure this exclusive cat plushie while supporting a meaningful cause.
Shorti, a fan favorite with a heart full of kindness, is ready to begin her mission to help animals in need and supporters are invited to join her.
Check out the BackerKit campaign here: Shorti the Strawberry Shortcake Cat Plush
By backing the campaign, supporters will receive the Shorti cat plushie while directly contributing to Baozai Friends’ ongoing commitment to animal welfare. A portion of every purchase continues to support shelters and rescues, helping more pets find safe, loving homes.
Meet the Baozai Friends: Plush Companions with Big Hearts
At the heart of Baozai Friends is a charming cast of characters, each as endearing as they are distinctive. These food-inspired animal plushies aren’t just adorable; they each carry their own story, allowing fans to form genuine emotional connections.
Each Baozai Friend is created with care, creativity, and a shared commitment to kindness. More than toys, these plushies represent compassion in tangible form, benefiting both the animals they support and the people who cherish them.
Join the Baozai Friends Movement
Baozai Friends brings together creativity, compassion, and community. By welcoming a plushie into your home, you’re not only gaining a comforting companion you’re also helping shelter animals move one step closer to a forever family. Every plush makes a measurable difference.
For more information on Baozai Friends, visit their official website.
