We recently connected with Chelse Gore and have shared our conversation below.
Chelse, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I’ve always had a deep love for nature, animals, and living a holistic lifestyle. I’ve been drawn to homeopathic remedies and finding natural ways to care for both people and pets. During the pandemic, my children’s father started working in canine protection training, so our home was constantly full of different breeds of dogs that we helped board and feed. Some of the food owners brought for their dogs really concerned me — the quality just wasn’t what I would want for any animal. With their permission, I started making my own batches of fresh, raw meals for the dogs. I spent time researching what nutrients dogs truly need to stay healthy and full of energy and began experimenting with different ingredients. After a few months, the owners started to notice changes — shinier coats, more energy, and overall happier dogs. That’s when people began asking if I could sell the food I was making, and that’s really where it all began.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Chelse, and I’m originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina — a proud military town and home of the Tar Heels! Growing up, I spent nearly every moment outdoors, playing with strays and bringing home cats — a true country upbringing. When the pandemic began, I was working in the hospitality industry, but like many others, my job shut down. I was pregnant with my second daughter at the time and had to quickly figure out a new way forward.
Around that time, my children’s father was working in K9 protection training, and the clients who brought their dogs to our home became my very first customers. These owners wanted their dogs to perform at their best, but I explained that the kibble they were feeding them was only convenient for humans — not healthy for the dogs. With their permission, I began creating fresh, raw recipes using organic ingredients for their dogs to eat while boarding with us or to take home.
I started sharing my journey on social media — posting videos of myself preparing meals, showing my ingredients, supplements, and setup, and letting people see the love and care that went into every batch. Before long, I began connecting with local influencers in Atlanta who helped me get my brand out there. That exposure brought in more sales, and my small passion project quickly began to grow.
The exposure I’ve gained from attending different events and meeting new people has opened doors to opportunities I never imagined. I’ve been invited to cook birthday meals for dogs and their furry friends, create treats for photo shoots to help pets stay focused, and connect with so many amazing pet owners who share my passion. These experiences have shown me new avenues I never would have thought of, and I’m so thankful for every one of them.
Looking ahead, my goal is to open a full facility that offers boarding, training, and a store with household pet essentials. As someone who still works full-time and runs my business in the evenings, I understand firsthand the dedication it takes to build something meaningful. It’s a lot of hard work, but I’m proud of the path I’m on and excited to see how far “The Dog Food Lady” will go.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The struggles I’ve faced since starting my business have felt endless at times. One of the hardest moments came when my children’s father faced federal charges and had to stop running his Canine protection business. Because most of my clients came through him, it felt like the foundation I had built was suddenly pulled from under me. It was a painful and uncertain time, but looking back, it was also a turning point. That experience forced me to step out of my comfort zone and stand on my own. I began going to events, introducing myself, sharing my story, and making my own connections one person at a time. What started as a setback became a season of growth that showed me what I was truly capable of. It taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of believing in myself even when everything feels like it’s falling apart.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
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For me, finding new clients comes down to getting out there and putting yourself in the right spaces. I always carry business cards, flyers, or any materials that represent my brand, ready to share when the opportunity arises. I frequent places where dog owners gather — dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and other community spots — and my goal isn’t to sell, but to start a conversation about my product. When you have a quality product and a brand you believe in, it’s easier to speak honestly and openly with people about what you offer. My biggest challenge, though, is that I’m naturally introverted. Starting those conversations doesn’t come easily to me, and it’s something I work on every single day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.atldogfoodie.com
- Instagram: Atldogfoodie__
