Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cheryl Ng, Owner of foufouBRANDS, located in Richmond Hill, ON, Canada.

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

foufouBRANDS is a Canadian-based company that specializes in the design of innovative and vibrant collections. We base our designs on the needs of our pets, providing functionality and comfort on staple items as well as trendy and fun toys fit for every season and occasion. Our holistic approach to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle includes a line of treats that are proudly sourced and Made in Canada, formulated for palatability while keeping our health-conscious pet owners in mind.

We sell to retail stores, as well as the general public. Our customers are people who care deeply for their pets and are looking for functional yet trendy items to care for them and keep them entertained.

Tell us about yourself

I’ve always had, what people would call, the “gift of the gab.” Sales are something I have always excelled in and the type of work I had exclusively looked for before starting this company. If I’m passionate about something, I can sell it. My love for my dog Ernie and wanting to jump at the chance to fill that much-needed gap of affordable, fashionable dog apparel during the height of its trend drove and inspired me. The addition of my sister as a partner in the company, and the hiring of my cousin, also made this into a family business I felt responsible for growing and nurturing.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

The biggest accomplishment a business owner can make is to successfully take an idea or vision, run with it, and bring it to life.

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

The world is constantly changing, from evolving trends to the shift from brick & mortar to online. The biggest challenge is quickly adapting to these changes while maintaining your relevance in the market. In terms of trends, as dog fashion started to die down, we had to shift ourselves away from fashion and focus on more functional staple items. We also started to grow our expertise in dog toys and dived into the world of dog treats.

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

  1. While cliche, follow your passions and never give up. It is that passion that will get you through challenges and motivate you daily. You must be passionate about what you do.
  2. Think outside the box. How do you make money with no money? There are countless ways to promote your company without investing any money. This is key when starting up to avoid excessive expenses.
  3. People need to see your brand seven times to remember it. With social media, this has been made much easier. Always think of new avenues to expose your brand, and be consistent with it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

foufouBRANDS is a wholesaler with private labeling capabilities. We have an extensive collection of in-house brands, as well as an impressive roster of clients we have created custom programs for through Private Label. For further information on how to carry our products in your retail store or online store, please email wholesale@foufoubrands.com. For Private Label inquiries, please email Cheryl@foufoubrands.com

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://foufoubrands.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foufoubrands
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foufoubrands/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/foufoubrands
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/foufou-dog/

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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