Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in dog accessories but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristin Postill, Co-Founder of Le Dog, located in Coldstream, British Columbia, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a premium dog brand specializing in leather dog beds. We're on a mission to disrupt the dog bed and accessories industry. Why? Because most products are either made for the needs of you or your dog. We don't believe in that compromise. Le Dog Company is the product of taking both human owner and fluffy friend into careful consideration. Our customers are amazing people. They truly believe their dogs are part of the family, not just pets. They care deeply about their dogs, and they have an incredibly sharp eye for design. They want to give their dogs the best but not sacrifice their personal style to do so. We couldn't agree more and don't think they should have to!
Tell us about yourself
My personality's trifecta really helped spur Le Dog from just an idea to a real business. I'm a lifelong animal lover, design fanatic, and deeply stubborn. Let me expand... lol. I care deeply about my animals and treat my dog like my own child. I'm constantly thinking about how to help him live his best and longest life. I also love design and want everything to be considered, work together aesthetically, and be functional. No excess stuff! The stubborn part comes in when these two things collide.
When I got my new puppy in 2020, I was looking for a new dog bed. I wanted one that would look great in my home, and I'd not be embarrassed by when company came over. I also wanted one that I wouldn't struggle to keep clean. It also had to be the best quality for my dog, with a great mattress and comfortable cover. Something he'd love to sleep and relax on, his own place.
In speaking about this to my longtime friend Cara, who is Le Dog's co-founder, we thought leather was the answer. We both are horse gals, and our experience with leather led us to believe it was the solution, but when we searched for a leather dog bed, there just wasn't one on the market that lived up to my and Cara's design expectations. So being stubborn, we decided fine, we'll make it ourselves, and Le Dog was born. I'm motivated each day to bring Le Dog Company leather dog beds to more customers.
Once our customers have our bed for their dog, they are over the moon on the design and craftsmanship. I want more dog lovers to experience this. Every single day, I'm thinking, how do I get more people to know about us?!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Building a brand that means something to people. Our customers and their happiness are truly what keeps me going and every day. I just can't get enough of our customer reviews and pics of our doggy customers on their Le Beds. It brings me so much joy and motivation.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Decision overload. It's a real thing, and it makes you feel incompetent. I didn't actually think this was a thing until launching Le Dog, but there truly are only so many decisions you can make in one day.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Just DO IT. There's never a perfect time.
- Fail fast and have a short memory. Learn and optimize as you go and don't dwell in the past.
- Reach out to people. We tend to think we're in this alone, but every single person out there who's started a business has been in your position. And generally, people like to help other people and offer advice from their experience.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
When you have your own business, every day is an opportunity to learn and get better. I really love this part. Even if you make a mistake or the wrong call, you learn from it. I constantly feel like I'm growing, even if sometimes those lessons are really hard. One day you'll look back and think, remember when hitting send on that newsletter made me literally sweat. Now it's a piece of cake. But there's something else making you sweat. So it's all about perspective, and there's no shortcut to learning and experiencing things. So get on for the ride. It's going to be wild, but really really fun.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://ledogcompany.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shethehuntress/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinpostill/
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.