At just 10 years old, Malia Martinez turned her passion for sewing into a business that has raised thousands of dollars for animal rescues and helped dogs and cats find forever homes! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s World.
On a bright Saturday afternoon, 9-year-old Malia Martinez wandered through a children’s craft fair near her home in southeastern Massachusetts. She admired the handmade jewelry and scarves, but what really caught her eye were the families with happy pups trotting alongside them.
“Look at all the cute dogs,” she whispered to her mom, Crystal. Suddenly, an idea sparked. “What if I start my own business?” Malia asked. “I could sew bandanas for pets and give the money to shelters.”
Crystal Martinez
A sweet mission to help shelters
Sewing had been a passion of Malia’s since her grandmother gave her a gift certificate for lessons one Christmas. By 10, she was making pajama pants and baby blankets for her family. Crystal smiled. “That’s a wonderful idea.”
Within weeks, Malia’s mom and grandmother outfitted her with a sewing machine, threads in every color and piles of fabric —some donated, some carefully chosen during shopping trips together. At her grandmother’s home in Westport, they transformed an upstairs room into a cheerful craft studio. Malia even created a Facebook page, Sew Creative by Malia, that quickly drew nearly 1,000 followers.
From the beginning, she kept her promise: Her first batch of bright, patterned bandanas went to Forever Paws in Fall River and the Kingston Animal Shelter so dogs could wear them in adoption photos. “I wanted them to look extra cute so people would notice them,” Malia said with a smile.
Word spread quickly and she began selling bandanas at pop-up events. The best part wasn’t the sales—it was the giving. At every event, she donated the proceeds to shelters. At Bajah’s Cat Cafe, she proudly handed over $100. At the Potter League for Animals, she raised $150 and helped three dogs find homes. Malia also joined a holiday event where pups posed with Santa, donating another $100. So far, she’s raised $1,000 for shelters.
Crystal Martinez
Saving pups with bandanas
Each shelter has been touched by Malia’s generosity. “Thank you so much for your generous donation. You are making a real difference,” Bajah’s Cat Cafe shared. Forever Paws added, “Your bandanas have helped our animals. Keep up the great work.”
For Crystal, none of this came as a surprise. “When Malia was in kindergarten, she raised over $400 for children with cancer,” she recalled. “At the time, her grandfather was sick. He passed away when she was seven, but she wanted to help even then. She spends her time lifting others up. I’m so proud.”
Now 12 and finishing sixth grade, Malia beams when she talks about her mission. “I feel good knowing I’m helping save animals,” she says. “I hope to inspire others to donate, adopt or get involved. With our help, shelter animals can have a real chance at life.”
