We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gina Tomasetti & Mallow Frenchie. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Gina & Mallow, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes! A recent moment that made me feel incredibly proud was speaking on a creator panel hosted by PRSA Greater Fort Lauderdale at JM Family Enterprises. Being invited to participate was such an honor. I had the chance to talk about our Instagram journey and how we got to where we are today, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the strategies that helped us grow. Sharing those insights with PR professionals and other amazing creators felt both surreal and deeply rewarding.
What made the experience even more special was the energy in the room. There were so many laughs, genuine conversations, and moments of connection. I had a few “pinch-me” moments where I couldn’t believe that this opportunity came our way and that I was part of such an inspiring group.
It also made me realize that I truly have a passion not just for creating, but for speaking. I loved engaging with the audience, answering questions, and connecting through storytelling. It’s an area I’m excited to lean into more in the future. Overall, it was a joyful, meaningful experience that I’m so proud of.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Gina, dog mom and founder of @MallowFrenchie on Instagram: the beloved lifestyle and pet content brand known for authentic storytelling and creative collaborations. For over a decade, my french bulldog Mallow and I have built a trusted platform partnering with major brands like Toyota, Amazon, the Miami Marlins, Ritz Carlton, and many more. We love to share the best staycations, local experiences, awesome products, and all the daily fun we embark on together. Beyond content creation, we champion animal welfare through fundraising, rescue initiatives, and community advocacy!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My mom. She has always been my greatest cheerleader, supporter, and champion. Because of her loving heart, I could always be and express myself, follow my heart and my dreams, and live life to the fullest. I love to bring her with me on all our adventures with Mallow, and make her life as life as wonderful as she’s made mine. My mom is a huge reason why I’ve developed the confidence and drive that I have. I credit her with all my positive qualities and can’t imagine growing up with a better mother. All my favorite parts of me come from her!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely, there have definitely been moments where I almost felt like giving up. Like many creators, I’ve experienced periods of burnout or times when I didn’t have the motivation to post consistently. There were harder seasons in my personal life when I questioned whether I would continue the page at all. I think it’s normal to go through those phases, especially in a field where creativity and consistency are always expected.
What ultimately kept me going was learning to create from an authentic place. I stopped putting pressure on myself to chase every trend or keep up with what everyone else was doing. Instead, I focused on my passions and sharing what felt real and meaningful to me. I’ve found that, now more than ever, people appreciate genuine storytelling and original content.
I also do things a little differently than most creators, and I’ve learned to embrace that. Following my own arrow is what keeps me from burning out or giving up. When I stay true to my voice and my values, creating feels energizing rather than draining.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Funny enough, my public persona is my dog! I always say that she’s the real influencer, not me! I may be the human running our account and agency, but she’s the face of everything we do and the one everyone’s here to follow. I rarely show myself on our page and I really enjoy that dynamic. It allows me to stay behind the scenes while still having full creative control.
So my answer is both yes and no. It’s not the real physical me that people see, but everything about the content like the humor, personality, and point of view are all genuine reflections of me. In that sense, the public version is the real me, just expressed through a slightly fluffier, four-legged angel pup.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
One thing I understand deeply that not everyone does is the bond I share with my dog. I won’t say everyone misunderstands it, but it’s definitely one of those things you either get or you don’t. Being a dog mom is by far the most special role in my life, and I feel so proud of what we’ve built together. Our connection is like no other.
Mallow has a profound impact on my life. She’s saved me in so many ways and has helped me grow into a better person. I’ve had her since I was 19! I adore her, love her as my baby, and she makes every day brighter. I consider myself incredibly lucky that she’s not only my constant companion but also my coworker and forever muse. She brings happiness to everything we do, inspires me, and reminds me of what’s most meaningful and important in life: love and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MallowFrenchie.com
- Instagram: @MallowFrenchie | instagram.com/mallowfrenchie
Image Credits
Milena Mikic
