We had the good fortune of connecting with Xyon Marley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xyon, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting X-Designer Breeds was deeply personal and emotional. It all began when I adopted my first dog, a Maltese I named Zaire. At the time, I was going through a particularly dark period in my life, struggling with depression and anxiety. Zaire came into my world and, without even trying, became a source of comfort, healing, and companionship that I didn’t even realize I needed.

The bond we formed and the way he supported me through that time made me truly appreciate how powerful the connection between a dog and their owner can be. That experience sparked something in me — I wanted others who might be going through similar emotional challenges to have the chance to feel what I felt. To have a dog that isn’t just a pet, but a life companion, a stabilizer, and a source of unconditional love.

That’s what inspired the birth of X-Designer Breeds — not just to breed dogs, but to create an intentional, heart-led program focused on placing the right puppies in the right homes, where they can genuinely make a difference in people’s lives. Every step of the breeding process, from temperament to health to early socialization, is done with that original mission in mind: to help others experience the kind of emotional support and joy that Zaire brought into my life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
X-Designer Breeds is more than just a breeding program — it’s a mission rooted in love, healing, and purpose. What truly sets my business apart is the intention behind it. I don’t refer to myself as a “dog breeder” — I call myself a Canine Curator. That’s because I’ve created a path that’s uniquely mine, one built not only on experience and instinct, but also on science, compassion, and gratitude. The term “breeder” often carries a negative connotation, but my work is the opposite of that. It’s not transactional — it’s transformational, both for the families receiving these companions and for the puppies themselves who are nurtured with love, care, and purpose from day one.

What many people don’t know is that before this, I studied medicine in Russia. That chapter of my life gave me a strong foundation in health, anatomy, and behavioral science — all of which I’ve been able to pour into my work as a Canine Curator. It wasn’t an easy shift; reinventing myself in a foreign country as a first-generation immigrant came with its own set of trials, doubts, and sacrifices. But with every challenge, I leaned deeper into my passion and the belief that I could carve out a new purpose for myself.

I’m most proud of how far the business has come — not just in terms of growth, but in how it’s remained true to its roots. This journey has taught me that success isn’t linear, and sometimes the path you thought you’d follow isn’t where you’re meant to be. I’ve learned to trust the process, honor the detours, and build something authentic from the ground up.

What I want the world to know is that X-Designer Breeds was born out of a place of healing and love. Every decision I make, every pairing I plan, every puppy I raise — it all comes from that space. My story is one of resilience, reinvention, and above all, gratitude. And I hope that every family that connects with my program feels that energy from the moment we speak to the moment they welcome their new companion home.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Honestly, I’m such a homebody that this question is a little tricky — but I think that’s what would make the visit even more special. If my best friend came to town, it wouldn’t be about a rigid itinerary or hitting every major landmark — it would be about vibing, connecting, and experiencing the city in a way that feels real and joyful.

As a Jamaican, anywhere that brings me a taste of home is where I feel most alive. So we’d definitely hunt down some good Jamaican food — something with flavor, fire, and music in the background. I might not have a specific spot to name, but we’d be on a mission to find the best jerk chicken, oxtail, or patties in the city — and if there’s reggae or dancehall playing, even better.

I also love anything artsy and creative, so Deep Ellum would be a must. It has all the vibes — from murals and live music to cool little shops and an energy that feels both grounded and electric. We’d probably spend hours just walking, taking it all in, and stumbling into places that speak to us in the moment.

At the end of the day, it’s not about packing in activities — it’s about sharing moments, eating good food, listening to music that feeds the soul, and feeling connected. That’s my kind of perfect week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few key pillars in my life that absolutely deserve recognition for where I am today — starting with Zaire, my first dog. He was more than just a pet; he was my emotional anchor during one of the hardest times in my life. Zaire gave me purpose when I felt lost, comfort when I felt overwhelmed, and an unspoken kind of support that helped me navigate depression and anxiety. He’s the reason I started X-Designer Breeds, and he’ll always be the heart behind everything I do.

But I also have to give a huge shoutout to my family — especially my mom, Janice Brown. As a first-generation immigrant, building a life and a business in a foreign country hasn’t been easy. There were countless moments of doubt, cultural challenges, and setbacks that could’ve made me stop — but my mom’s encouragement and belief in me never wavered. She reminded me of my strength when I forgot it myself, and pushed me to dream even when the path wasn’t clear.

My entire family unit, in their own ways, helped keep me grounded and reminded me of my “why.” Their support has been the foundation I’ve leaned on while building this dream, and I’m so proud to share this journey with them.

Website: https://www.xdesignerbreeds.com

Instagram: @xdesignerbreeds

Facebook: @xdesignerbreeds

Youtube: @xdesignerbreeds

Other: All social media accounts would be @xdesignerbreeds (including TikTok that’s not mentioned above)

Image Credits
Photo credit (myself)- the white dog in the photo is of Zaire (the Maltese). My very first dog and foundation of my program

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