Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chris Lee, Co-Founder of Buddy Bites, located in Circular Road, Singapore.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Buddy Bites is Asia's first purpose-driven, direct-to-consumer dog food brand. We produce premium kibble, deliver it to your door, donating to shelters with every order. Our customers are those that wish to feed their dogs the best whilst making the way they buy their food that bit more convenient - as well as giving back to the shelter community (1kg donated for every 2kg sold).
Tell us about yourself
Ryan and I had known each other for years. One night got chatting about how inconvenient it is to buy dog food in Hong Kong; despite the world moving on and modernizing over the last 50 years, the way dog food is sold has not! We felt there was a real gap in the market to provide the best quality food but disrupt the way in which it is sold. We insisted that this platform would also provide our customers with a way to support the dog shelters in HK (just by buying their own dog's food). Our aim is to feed all sheltered dogs in Asia - that's all the motivation we need!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It would be easy to look at where Buddy Bites is now compared to 2 years ago and be very happy, but in our minds, we're only just getting started. That said, to date, we have donated over 600,000 meals to our various shelter partners. We're incredibly proud of this and excited to see that number race towards 1 million.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I'm sure some assume that when you switch to working for yourself, you no longer have a boss chasing you and your time is your own. Well, in theory, you have more flexibility on your working hours, but in practice, I am now - without a doubt - working harder and longer hours than I have ever done previously, as there is always something you can be doing to further your business. It's all incredibly exciting, making it very hard to shut off and relax - fortunately, my fiance, Emily, is very supportive!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't do it alone. I can't speak for those that have, but I can say from my experience that the journey has been that much better for having Ryan alongside me, be interesting to know if he'd say the same!
- Back yourselves! If you're not convinced it's going to be a success, then you'll have a hard time convincing others.
- Don't be too sentimental about aspects of your business that may not be appealing to the market. If you need to pivot to make it a success, do it. This could be anything... packaging, a slogan, a product. Listen to the market.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.buddybites.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buddybiteshk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddybites.sg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buddy-bites-hk/
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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