Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessica Berger, Founder, and CEO of Bundle x Joy, located in Phoenix, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Bundle x Joy is the new, superfood-obsessed brand shaking up the pet industry! We provide a stress-free way to provide your pups with nutritious dog food, treats, supplements, and swag! We already know that Millennial and Gen Z consumers are now the largest cohorts of pet owners, spending more than their parents ever did on their household pets. At the same time, this generation values better-for-you products and is price sensitive at the same time. For this reason, we launched our products with a value in mind, recognizing that not everyone can afford alternative feeding methods of raw, frozen, and dehydrated. Unlike the competition, we are working closely with other pet brands and founders to collaborate in various ways. In fact, our online JOY Shop even features products for sale from other pet brands like Springer and Brutus Bone Broth. We believe that we can continue to help build around a community of like-minded pet people and products – where we are stronger together.
Tell us about yourself
As a female Latina founder, I am acutely aware of my responsibility to set a path forward for underrepresented founders in the pet industry. I spent ten years dreaming of owning my own pet company but struggled to identify with any founders that looked like me in the space. I asked myself what it would look like to create a pet company where women could come together and lean on each other to create a diverse network of purpose-driven partnerships to serve pet people today. I quickly left my corporate desk behind to pursue JOY and purpose in entrepreneurship. Now, I'm building the brand I wished existed and personally crafting formulas I believe in to simplify pet nutrition and create more time for joy with our pups.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In October 2022, Bundle x Joy launched their food, treats, and supplements into approximately 65 Whole Foods Market stores across Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, and Hawaii. Additionally, in November 2022, we launched our full assortment of Superfood Jerky Bars into Sprouts Farmers Market in nearly 400 retail stores! We were also recently featured in Martha Stewart Living in their "12 Food and Drink Trends You'll Want to Try in 2023" as well as People Español (People Chica) as one of "5 Latinx-Owned Food Brands to Support During Small Business Saturday".
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
As small start-ups, we must innovate in ways that allow us to compete against larger companies with significant access to capital. Unlike many other start-ups, we have not raised significant external capital. In response, we will continue to pursue growth in a steady and sustainable manner, making sure that we are not growing too quickly.
It can be hard to push through the noise of big marketing budgets, but we will continue to find innovative ways to stand out in the crowd. Start-up life can quickly become all-consuming – our goal is to remain laser-focused on our goals while also being sure to find time to #chasejoy with our pups and community every day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- We believe that community and connection will be key to growth. Build a brand that is truly representative of your target consumers.
- Build your brand locally, and continue to spread from there.
- Be authentic!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://bundlexjoy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bundlexjoy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bundlexjoy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicarberger/
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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