Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meredith Wartelle, Founder of Biscuit & the Boots, located in Templeton, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Biscuit & the Boots makes high-end handmade petite-sized pet clothing, accessories, and home goods for pups who will not let their size be ignored, love fashion, and refuse to settle for being basic. With Biscuit & the Boots, pet parents can end the never-ending search for things to fit their petite pup.
Tell us about yourself
I have a background in Finance and spent over 20 years in the corporate world. I enjoyed and found it very rewarding, but I still daydreamed about having my own business one day. Then like so many, I was laid off in the Summer of 2020. We had two Chihuahua puppies with whom I was spending a lot of time, and I became very determined to fill a frustrating gap I saw in the pet industry. So, I founded Biscuit & the Boots out of love for my Chihuahuas and that frustration.
You see, small dog parents are constantly trying to find harnesses their small dogs won't slip out of, leashes with clips that aren't super heavy, and clothing that won't cause their dogs to trip because it's just too big for them. Big box stores simply miss the mark for small dogs and their needs due to their mass production model. With my small business, I'm able to niche down and create smaller size ranges to fit dogs weighing 2 to 28 pounds. And now, with almost every in-person sale and online review, I hear the same story of struggle I had. It brings me so much joy to hear my customers say how happy they are now and how comfortable their dogs are with our products.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Brand recognition. When your husband's colleague is almost 200 miles from home, and they text you a picture of someone in Biscuit & the Boots. That and seeing our stuff in a local pet store feel really great!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Keeping the right mindset. Suffering imposter syndrome, self-criticism, outside criticism, low sales days, and getting comfortable in not knowing how to do everything. Growth feels icky, it's constant, and it's the only path to success.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Time management is so important. Organize your day in blocks or specific days for certain activities, so you don't do a lot of things halfway.
- Take advantage of your local Small Business Development Center. Get a mentor, attend training, and find service providers through them.
- Take time for your mental and physical health each day. Being an entrepreneur takes a lot of self-belief and determination. You need to keep filling your cup in order to prevent burnout.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://biscuitandtheboots.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050026462141
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biscuitandtheboots/
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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