Handcrafted Artisanal Pet Treats - Give Love Pet Confectionery
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in animal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Launa Burgess, founder of Give Love Pet Confectionery, located in Canmore, Alberta, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Give Love Pet Confectionery, we offer handcrafted dog and cat treats made using simple, quality ingredients. Whenever possible, we choose ingredients produced in Canada, many of which originate in our home province of Alberta. Specializing in uniquely-decorated dog cookies, our designs for holidays, special occasions, and every day in between are sure to catch your eye and make you very popular with the pups! We are proud to offer a wide variety of protein options, sourced from coast to coast, that both cats and dogs enjoy, and you can feel good about giving them. We are always looking to expand our product line to offer new and exciting treats and to accommodate allergies and sensitivities some of our furry friends may have. Based in Canmore, you can find us at farmer's markets across the Bow Valley, specialty shops locally and around the province, as well as our online shop. We love creating fun treats just about as much as your pet will enjoy eating them!
Tell us about yourself
I have always loved to bake, and I have always loved animals. Being able to combine the two has been a dream. Pets bring so much joy to our lives, and being able to share in that joy has been wonderful. I love meeting all of your pets and seeing photos and videos of them enjoying their special treats. It truly fills my heart, brings a tear to my eye, and puts a smile on my face. Life is good.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting! The biggest challenge I have faced (so far) is beginning. It can be incredibly daunting to build a business from nothing but an idea. Taking that first step, albeit small, takes courage and determination. I struggled with beginning and knowing where to start, but once I took that first step, everything started to come together in a beautiful way. It is in my biggest challenge that I can see my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balance. Finding a balance between work, home, and all of the things we want and need to make up our lives can be difficult, especially when first starting out with a new business. I took my first operating year as an opportunity to try everything and see what works. This often did not leave room for much else, but with a new year beginning, I am looking forward to reflecting on the experiences I have gained and planning my future work endeavors in a way that is efficient, rewarding and allows for a healthy work-life balance.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Start. Take that first step, whatever it may be, whether it is the “right” first step or not. We all have to start somewhere. Muster up that courage and take that first step!
Learn. Not every decision is going to be the best one, but it is what you do with those decisions and the experiences they bring you that matters. Learn from your choices, learn from your experience, and you will have what you need to move forward and find success.
Have fun. If you have a small business or are thinking about starting one, it is my hope that you have found (or will find) something you love. Something you are passionate about. Something you can have fun with. If you can find a way to make a living doing something that brings you joy, your customers will see that and feel that.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them and filling an emptiness we didn’t even know we had.” - Thom Jones.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://givelovetoyourpet.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/givelovetoyourpet/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givelovetoyourpet/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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