On this episode, I’m talking to Melinda Kirk Stenger, the creator of PetCakes and YumYum Bones. Recently, Melinda has gone from pet treat manufacturer to pet lifestyle entrepreneur with the creation of her new canine cookbook called Brunch and Bitches. When the pandemic put a damper on her plans for a furry friendly book tour, Melinda got creative and has been working with local businesses and animal rescues to host drive-thru book signings.
She told me that one of the keys to staying in business for the long haul is to be comfortable with making a pivot and being open minded to new directions. I know you’ll enjoy hearing her story and this conversation will inspire you to do amazing things with your own pet business this year.
Speaking of inspiring women, are you a part of the Wear Wag Repeat Labs Facebook group? That’s my free group that open to listeners of this podcast. It’s a great place to experiment and discuss ideas for your pet business. Just search Facebook for Wear Wag Repeat Labs and when you’re in the group be sure to share a photo of you and your pet!
Melinda Kirk Stenger is CEO of Lucky Paws & creator of award-winning PetCakes & YumYum Bones a healthy DIY cake and ice cream mix for pets. Melinda, whose children have all been 4-legged, has been cooking for over 20 years for her fur babies. At the launch of PetCakes in 2010, she won best new product of the year at Global Pet Expo. Since then, she’s added over 30 sku’s to her product line and sells thousands of dog & cat birthday kits a month on Amazon and Chewy.
Melinda is also the Pet Lifestyle contributor for Cincy Pet, an online and print magazine from Cinciniatti, OH in which she shares pet party tips, healthy recipes and fun DIY crafts for your furry friends.
Now Melinda is adding author to her title, with the launch of her first culinary canine cookbook, called “Brunch & Bitches”, healthy, brunch inspired dishes for your dogs. With fun recipe names like Woof Waffles, Canine Crepes and Barktown Biscuits with Tail Waggin’ Turkey Gravy… I’m interested to learn more about her transformation from pet treat manufacturer to pet lifestyle entrepreneur!
Topics Discussed in this Episode:
- How Melinda got involved in the pet industry
- Why Melinda decided to start selling on Amazon
- The benefit of getting comfortable with pivoting your business
- Hiring and sourcing local
- Supporting animal rescues
Resources Discussed in this Episode:
Where to Find Melinda:
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