Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kellie Jones, co-owner of Mooch's Munchies, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are Mooch's Munchies, a homegrown store that specializes in handmade dog treats that are made from real food, gluten-free, and low in fat. Our customers are those who want to feed and treat their pets better than the majority of market brands offer.
Tell us about yourself
Mooch's Munchies is a whole health store for dogs and cats. We started out by making gluten-free, real-food dog treats with no added oils to keep them low-fat.
Our Boston Terrier Abby and her brother Mooch were prone to pancreatitis, and we needed low-fat food and treats to keep their digestive tracts in line. We began looking at ingredient labels and realized that most of the "treats" on the market were loaded with chemicals, preservatives, and very little actual food. I developed our recipes from scratch and came up with 11 different flavors to offer dogs healthier options. We have since expanded to carry foods and treats for both dogs and cats.
We only carry the foods for the Las Vegas area at this time, but the treats and toys are available on our website to ship across the United States.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Making it happen. There is so much more to running a business than face value. Keeping the faith when you have a hard day and the satisfaction when a customer tells us how much better their pet is after switching foods and/or treats. Knowing an animal is leading its best life is what we live for.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The day-to-day. In our case, we had never owned a business before, so learning what all permits and regulations had to be followed, learning business leases and all that entails, all while trying to keep baking treats and helping customers. You have to be a good juggler.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have more money than you think you will need. There are always unforeseen expenses that pop up, and you have to be ready for them. You will sleep better at night.
- Know that the business is going to own you, at least for a while. It is your baby, and it isn't easy to find someone that is going to love it as you do. If you want to make sure it runs the way you want it to, you will need to be in the middle of it until you have a crew on board that you know that sees it as you do.
- Be flexible. Sometimes you have to make alterations to the plan that you have in your heart and head. Don't be so stubborn that you miss opportunities to improve your business. We started with just making dog treats, then expanded into bandanas, toys, and then foods. We have done farmer's markets, dog shows, and all kinds of events to get our name out there. It isn't easy, but it is a labor of love. Seeing healthy dogs and cats eating better makes our hearts sing.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.moochsmunchies.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoochsMunchiesInc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moochs_munchies/
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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