From nature, with love

The bond between human and pet goes beyond simple companionship—it’s a relationship built on trust, care, and love. In this interview series, From Nature, With Love, we spotlight the unique stories behind Moko's companions and the deep connections they share with their humans.

At the heart of Moko is Sarah Scarlet, founder and visionary entrepreneur. Sarah’s journey is not only about business but a personal reflection of her love for animals and nature. With roots in the rugged landscapes of New Zealand, she has infused her passion for holistic healing into Moko’s Mānuka honey-based pet care products.

“Growing up on a farm, I was surrounded by animals,” Sarah recalls. “There’s something so pure and grounding about the way they trust you. I wanted to create something worthy of that bond.” This foundation of trust and connection became the cornerstone of Moko, merging nature’s wisdom with scientific precision.

A Leap of Faith with Moko

Sarah’s path to launching Moko truly began when she and her family adopted their dog, Moko, from the Nashville Humane Society. “We fell in love instantly,” Sarah reminisces. “But we were also hit with the reality of learning what was best for him, especially when it came to skincare. The market seemed flooded with either heavily medicated or ineffective natural products.”

Drawing from her experience as the founder of Firsthoney, Sarah was already familiar with the power of medical-grade Mānuka honey. “I knew how effective Mānuka honey was for humans, and in fact many people were using our products for their animals. So I began dreaming of creating something for Moko that used nature’s purest ingredients,” she explains.

Moko came into Sarah’s life at the perfect time. “As a busy mom of three, already running a business, I worried about adding another responsibility. But Moko has been such a grounding presence and brought so much joy into our home. We had delayed getting a dog for years because our little girl is on the spectrum, and we wanted the timing to be perfect. We even considered a fully trained service dog, but when she kept begging for a puppy, we took a leap of faith with Moko—a very out-of-character decision for us, but one that’s absolutely changed our lives for the better.”

Meet Sarah’s Inspiration: Mokobe Shadow Scarlet
Breed: Aussie Doodle
Cutest Quirk: Moko has the sweetest old-soul spirit. He tilts his head like he’s truly listening to you and understands every word.
Favorite Human Food: Cheese! He can hear the packet open from across the house.

From Farm to Family

The magic behind Moko’s products lies in their origins. The Mānuka honey that forms the core of Moko’s pet care range comes from Sarah’s family-run hives deep in New Zealand’s Wairarapa region. “We’ve always believed in the power of nature to heal, and Mānuka honey is nature’s gift to us,” Sarah says. “Our process is simple—no unnecessary chemicals or additives—just pure, potent honey, natural botanical actives, combined with scientific rigor, to ensure the best care for our pets.”

Moko’s attention to detail is unparalleled. From formulation to packaging, everything reflects Sarah’s vision of merging nature’s purity with clinical precision. “Our team of Mānuka honey experts, organic formulators, and veterinarians worked together to create a line of products that serve dogs’ skin and coat needs at the deepest level,” Sarah shares.

We Can’t Lick Their Wounds, But We Can Give Them Our Best

Sarah’s philosophy of care extends beyond just product formulation. Moko is committed to giving back, particularly through its partnership with Freedom Service Dogs of America. “Dogs do so much for us, and this is one way we can give back,” Sarah notes. “We donate a portion of every product sold to support this incredible organization, which provides custom-trained service dogs for veterans and people with disabilities.”

Seeing the impact of Moko on her own child has made this partnership even more significant. “Her bond with Moko just blows me away, and the impact that he is having on her is truly beautiful to watch”, she reflects. “He is now in the process of becoming a service dog himself, and we are so excited to see them both grow together” 

Looking to the Future

For Sarah, the journey is just beginning. “I see Moko expanding into more areas of pet wellness. Our pets deserve the same level of care we give ourselves, and we’re constantly innovating to make that happen,” she explains.

With Moko, Sarah is not just creating a line of products; she’s building a legacy of care for pets and fostering a greater connection to nature. “Our forests, where the Mānuka flower grows, are vital to this mission,” she reflects. “We’ve planted thousands of Mānuka trees and strive to protect this unique ecosystem for generations to come.”