Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Abigail Burns, CEO of Life Elevated, located in Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Life Elevated is a brand focused on the physical well-being of dogs. We produce all-natural raw, freeze-dried treats. When we say all-natural, we mean it. Our treats contain zero artificial ANYTHING! With limited ingredients, they are ideal for picky eaters and dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Freeze-Dried Raw treats are great for training as they are a high-value reward, and they can be used as meal toppers!

Tell us about yourself

I am a dog mom of 3 (it's literally my personality), which inspired the creation of Life Elevated. Finding nutritious yet desirable treats for my three dogs was a challenge. So I began doing research on the market, industry, and where there were opportunities to provide pet parents just like me with better options. I jumped head first into this new adventure. While I absolutely love our products, I am also on a mission to show that the American dream can still be achieved without millions of dollars in start-up funds, investors, or business degrees. I have spent my entire career in sales & marketing, but I don't have a bachelor's degree in either. I am using my experience and people skills to build relationships and trailblaze this growing pet industry. One happy pet and parent at a time! My current goal is to get Life Elevated carried in every Target across the United States within the next year.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We originally started as an e-commerce/DTC business. Shortly after launching, we decided it was time to begin working on retail partnerships. My biggest accomplishment so far has been getting our treats carried in one of my favorite retailers, SCHEELS. We were featured on an end cap and sold out in less than a month! It has been so much fun and has taught me a lot about retail sales and growing that side of my business.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

I think one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is prioritizing my time and working on things that will not only make an immediate impact but also set us up for long-term success. Juggling all of the different operational aspects of a business, like marketing, sales, fulfillment, customer service, and everything else. As we continue to grow, logistics within retail partnerships has been my biggest challenge so far. I enjoy the challenge and love learning a new side of my business!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find a mentor: This is HUGE! It's easy to feel alone in your entrepreneurial journey and to get stuck in your head. Finding a mentor that has been in your shoes at some point has made such a huge impact on my success. Even talking through my ideas with someone can help me tremendously and keep me positive and motivated.
  2. Always be learning: The world and technology are ever-evolving, meaning what worked yesterday may not work today. There are plenty of free/affordable resources you can use to stay up to date on your industry, market, and overall business knowledge. Linkedin Learning, Coursera, and even Tiktok can help so much when you get stuck.
  3. Take time to rest: When I am passionate about something, I can learn, work, and immerse myself in that passion 24/7. This, unfortunately, WILL lead to burnout, and make me even less efficient, which may have a negative impact on my growth. Taking some time for myself, unplugging, and relaxing is so important.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.lifeelevatedraw.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeElevatedRaw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aburns816
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aburns816/

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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