Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brandine Strand, Founder, and President of Cali Raw Nutrition, located in Newport Beach, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Cali Raw Nutrition offers life-stage specific, species-appropriate, fresh raw dog food made from human-grade ingredients direct to our customers. Our customers are pet parents who prioritize their dog's health.
Tell us about yourself
I started Cali Raw Nutrition in 2018 after losing my first dog, Clyde. It was then I was introduced to raw dog food and immediately saw the benefits in my other dogs, unfortunately being too late for Clyde. I was so compelled by the visible changes that I began telling all my friends and anyone else about the benefits of raw dog food. I felt extremely passionate about spreading the word to other pet parents as well, and that was the beginning of Cali Raw! Hearing and seeing the success stories of our customers motivates me every day to keep on spreading this knowledge.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is growing and selling my past business and starting Cali Raw Nutrition. Since Cali Raw's doors opened, we have grown immensely, expanding our shipping nationwide as well as launching a treat line, Crafted Dog Treats. We're very excited to continue expanding and adding to our menu!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is dealing with the things that are out of our control. I have had to learn to adapt and pivot with whatever comes our way. The pandemic brought us challenges with the supply chain, as many industries are facing. Through these challenges, we found other ways to focus on our local community, collaborate with other companies to support each other, and plan for the future.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Three tips I would give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today would be to get a mentor, be prepared it's going to be harder than you think, and never stop learning!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.caliraw.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caliraw/
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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