Barrkher: The Pet Community Platform
Meet Hiawatha
I'm a Houston-based entrepreneur, filmmaker, and Founder & CEO of Barrkher.
Like many pet parents, I've experienced firsthand how deeply pets become part of our families. They celebrate our happiest moments, comfort us through our hardest days, and leave paw prints on our hearts that last a lifetime.
Over the years, I've laughed with them, worried about them, celebrated them, and loved them as family. Through all those experiences, one thing became clear: the bond we share with our pets deserves a community for pet parents.
Yet I felt there wasn't a space created specifically for pet parents and their pets—a place where they could connect with pet lovers, share stories, celebrate milestones, honor cherished memories, and build meaningful relationships with others who understand that special bond.
That's why I created Barrkher.
What started as an idea to help pet parents and their pets find meaningful connections grew into a larger vision: building a community where pet parents and their pets can connect, share, and belong.
Barrkher was built on the belief that pets are more than companions; they're family. Whether you're sharing adorable photos, celebrating a birthday, honoring a beloved pet's memory, discovering pet-friendly resources, supporting animal welfare, or connecting with fellow animal lovers, Barrkher was created with you in mind.
As a Black woman founder, I'm proud to be building a company in a space where representation remains limited. The pet industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world, yet there are still very few Black women building technology platforms within it.
Barrkher is my contribution to helping change that.
My love for animals extends beyond pet ownership. I believe in supporting animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and creating stronger communities for pets and the people who care for them.
My goal isn't simply to create another app. My vision is to build a lasting community that celebrates the companionship between pet parents and their pets while creating a place where everyone who loves animals feels welcome.
Welcome to the Pack.
Hiawatha
Founder & CEO, Barrkher
My Vision
Our mission is to create the world's favorite community for pet parents and their pets, where all pets are welcome! This is a place where you can connect with pet lovers and support animal welfare. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping us build something special for pet lovers everywhere.
Fast Facts
🐾 Founder & CEO of Barrkher
📍 Based in Houston, Texas
💻 Pet Tech Entrepreneur
🐶 Building a vibrant community for pet parents and their pets, designed to connect with pet lovers.
🤝 Advocate for representation, innovation, and entrepreneurship, while actively supporting animal welfare and pet communities.
🎟️ Retired Event Coordinator for the City of Houston.
🎬 Independent Filmmaker & Storyteller.
🎞︎ ✦ Collaborated with celebrities, public figures, and government leaders on major events and productions.
Why BARRKHER?
What inspired you to start Barrkher?
I've always believed pets deserve more than being an occasional post mixed into a general social media feed. Pets are family, and the relationships we have with them are worth celebrating every day. I wanted to create a dedicated community for pet parents where pets are the stars and where pet parents can connect with pet lovers through their shared love of animals.
What makes Barrkher different?
Barrkher was created specifically for pet parents and their pets. Instead of competing for attention on traditional social platforms, members can connect with a community that understands the unique bond, everyday adventures, and shared experiences that come with being a pet parent.
What problem does Barrkher solve?
Pet lovers share a special bond, but they often lack a dedicated place to connect. Barrkher brings together pet parents, animal lovers, rescue advocates, shelters, pet-focused businesses, and community organizations in one place built around the pets that bring us together. By supporting animal welfare, we foster a nurturing environment for all.
What is your vision for the future?
My vision is for Barrkher to become the go-to destination for pet parents and their pets worldwide—a place where people can celebrate their pets, build friendships, discover resources, support one another, and create lasting memories.
Beyond Barrkher
Hiawatha Henry, known professionally as Hiawatha, is a Houston-based entrepreneur, filmmaker, storyteller, and Founder & CEO of Barrkher. As one of a small number of Black women building technology platforms in the pet industry, she is helping bring new perspectives, innovation, and representation to the growing pet-tech space. Her work combines a passion for technology, storytelling, entrepreneurship, animal welfare, and the unique connections people share with their pets. With Barrkher, she aims to create a vibrant community for pet parents, allowing them to connect with pet lovers and share their experiences. While Barrkher is her primary focus, Hiawatha is also passionate about film, animation, and creative media. She believes every pet, every person, and every community has a story worth telling, and that belief influences everything she creates, from technology platforms to creative projects. Whether through entrepreneurship, filmmaking, or community building, her goal remains the same: bringing people together through experiences that matter, and supporting animal welfare in the process.