Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristen Zang, Founder of Emma Lou’s Kitchen, located in Fall Creek, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a DTC business producing fresh cooked, human-grade quality dog food. Our customers are people who love their dogs and are looking for the healthiest real food for their dogs.
Tell us about yourself
I started Emma Lou’s after I helped my shelter dog, Emma heal from distemper. She was in extremely ill health, and after trying all of the modern medicinal options, I started researching dog food and realized that she would never get better at eating anything that was available on the market. This was in the late ’90s. After she recovered, I continued to research and consulted with vet nutritionists and decided in 2008 to make it available to other dogs by starting my own company. Honestly, hearing the testimonials from pet owners and the sense of purpose it gives me are probably two of the biggest motivators.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Honestly, starting the business itself. Having the courage, the blood, sweat, and tears it took to get it off and running. Taking that first step into the unknown, pouring all of my savings (what little I had of it) into it. I decided from the get-go I wouldn’t take a business loan out. It really motivated me knowing that everything I had was on the line. For some people, getting a loan is a necessity and there’s nothing wrong with that, but personally, borrowing money for me wasn’t the right path.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Probably the responsibility of it all. Everything ultimately falls on you. But it’s so worth it. If you can learn to take things in stride and not take things too seriously or too personally, that’s half the battle.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don’t overthink. There’s no such thing as perfection. You will, without a doubt, make mistakes, so embrace them and make sure you learn from them.
- When you’re having a bad day, know that it will pass and you’ll have good days again. There will be days you’ll want to give up. That’s normal.
- Give more than you get. Be a great boss and friend to your employees. Go above and beyond for your customers/clients. Always be looking for ways to make your product or service better. You’re never done improving your business and yourself. It’s an ongoing process.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.emmalouskitchen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaLousHomemadeKitchen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmalouskitchen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/emmalouskitchen
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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