Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mara Boykin, Founder of pupeli LLC, located in Edmonds, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
pupeli (sounds like "pup-el-ee") handcrafts dog snacks that aim to bring the RAINBOW to your dog's snacks, by focusing on a variety of colorful, dog diet-friendly ingredients to support longevity. The snacks are "mini-meals" because we know dogs, like their guardians, are often on the go but need a quick and nutritious bite! pupeli bakes internationally inspired "hand pies" for dogs, and the pupeli Packsnack is the first snacks series to launch with six unique flavors. At pupeli, we believe in staying local, so Washington state dogs are intended customers (along with their guardians).
Tell us about yourself
Opening a dog food business was inspired by an unexpected dog food journey that started over 14 years ago. My first dog was having digestive challenges due to lack of adequate fiber in her diet. This led to my personal immersive study into the world of dog diets. I landed on a cooked diet plan with a variety of dog-friendly ingredients that worked best for my dogs and their needs. And that's where the pupeli focus on diverse ingredients comes from, to promote a well-rounded diet, including snacks. My daily motivation for pupeli comes from the return dog customers and their parents. I remember when one pet parent told a potential customer in front of me, that pupeli dog snacks were the best treats ever. I think I melted a bit at that moment. And this motivation will be translated into new snacks later 2023.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Within two (2) months, we noted that our product packaging although biodegradable, wasn't that easy to open and the product was shifting during shipping. We pivoted quickly to a biodegradable pouch that provided for higher product integrity and was much more customer friendly.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Learning that everyone, or in our case every dog, will not be a sale. At pupeli, we want to entice your dog with a tasty new snack full of colorful & interesting ingredients. But we realize each dog, and their digestion is one of a kind. Making the right snack match is the most important thing to us.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Spend the time upfront and write your business and supporting plans. You can always revise.
- Lean into your customers' suggestions but stay firm to your goals.
- And this last tip I will be following. Admit where you might not be an expert on a particular business task. And as soon as you are able, work with someone for that piece of your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.pupeli.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pupelidogsnacks/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pupelillc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-gia-boykin-5687935/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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