Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Staley.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Have always been a baker since childhood. When I adopted one of my dogs with severe allergies and had a hard time finding appropriate treats, I looked into making dog treats. Once I got started I realized there was a real need for fresh, healthy treats. I looked at spaces in December 2003 and by April 2004 we were open. We started out with a handful of flavors, but we’ve evolved to so many flavors we have to rotate some in and out. We bake 6 days a week and 7 during the holiday season.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not always smooth, no. Biggest problem is financial. Running a small business, especially a retail business, you always have to keep your finances in check. If you don’t have shoppers, you don’t have money. Being able to adapt to emerging trends is crucial for success. That is where an independent retailer has much better ability than a big box. We make the decisions, not some corporate office.
Many times in the early years, I didn’t take a paycheck. We opened and closed a 2nd location. We tried and failed at a mall kiosk. Both of those failures almost did us in. Thankfully we were able to pull ourselves out of the hole and now run a profitable business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Happy Dog Barkery – what should we know?
Our bakery is our specialty. There are many pet retailers out there and we all carry pretty much the same things. However, we have a kitchen on site where we bake 100’s of pounds every week, both soft and crunchy. We have two other things the make us special and cause people to drive to us.
Cakes – We make over 250 cakes a month, mostly for birthday celebrations, but also for gotcha day, get well and other celebrations. We have stock cakes and also do custom work.
Stews – We make fresh pots of dog stew every day using fresh human grade ingredients. These are designed as a food topper to add much needed moisture to a diet, for sick dogs who need something tasty, picky eaters who need enticing and for people who just want to give their dogs something extra special. We started with one formula, but now have over 25 flavors and we rotate flavors every week. We also make custom stews for dogs with specific needs.
We are proud of everything we produce in the kitchen. We’ve even branched out into the wholesale market and sell our bakery to other dog stores. Happy Dog Kitchen www.happydogkitchen.net
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I have an easygoing nature. While I won’t say I never get rattled, I can approach things with a level head and make quick decisions after I hear or see the facts. I don’t get bogged down in minutiae. I am a confident decision maker.
I am also observant and pride myself on keeping up with trends and changes.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5118 Main St.
Downers Grove, IL 60515 - Website: www.happydogbarkery.com
- Phone: 630-512-0822 (call or text)
- Email: beth@happydogbarkery.com
- Instagram: www.facebook.com/happydogbarkery
- Facebook: www.instagram.com/happydogbarkery
- Twitter: Happy Dog Kitchen, www.happydogkitchen.net
- Yelp: Happy Dog Barkery
- Other: Happy Dog Barkery
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