Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Daisy Nicolas, founder, and owner of Drool Central A Mum & Pup Barkery, located in Anchorage, AK, USA.

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

I produce homemade Made in Alaska dog treats and dog meals made from wild Alaska fish, Alaska Grown produce, locally-raised animals, meats & organs, and eggs, without the use of artificial preservatives, substitutions, salt, refined sugar, artificial flavorings or seasonings, artificial colorings, corn, soy, and wheat. Drool Central offers fresh-baked treats and fresh-frozen meals as well as treats for cats. So far, after being in business for almost ten years, I can say that I've gotten a "paws-up" ovation from locals and out-of-state dogs and cats. All these years, I have been manning my own company. I wear all the hats. 2021, I've reached my 100k sales revenue on my own. I am building a solid company.

Tell us about yourself

I used to cook for humans for years. In 2013, I decided to shift my customers to four-legged. My dog, Dallas, who passed at almost 15 years last year, served as my goal and inspiration. For better health, I started preparing and cooking her food. I realized that there was a need for better pet products, so I tested the demand in Anchorage, and every year since 2013, my business kept growing. This 2022, I am looking for a production facility since I cannot do production on my own anymore.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am proud to provide back-to-basic treats and meals to dogs and cats. I created original recipes that are simple and contain organic, real food with less than a dozen ingredients that every human can quickly spell and understand. I am proud to connect to fur-loving pet owners who share the same concern and care for their pet's nutrition. Despite the continuous challenges from juggling production & sales etc., I am proud that I found the best lovable customers who appreciate what I do. I am proud as a local woman-owned Alaskan business that the local media have given me more than my 15 minutes of fame.

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

Continuous challenges on how to solve problems and issues. It can be very lonely and isolating most time. Without my dog, I would be at a loss. Having established relationships with my four-legged customers helped lift my spirits.

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

  1. Pursue opportunities. You never know where it would lead to.
  2. The courage to face all hurdles with dignity and honesty.
  3. Build moral strength to endure physical hardships.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I always try to remember that I have one life and try to make a contribution to better the lives of others (four-legged and humans), even one small gesture at a time.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://droolcentral.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/droolcentralamumandpupbarkery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drool.central/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-nicolas-85657115a/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.