Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dawn Sommers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Dawn , thanks for joining us today. Do you take vacations? How do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation?
Vacations play an important role in my small business. My cruises that I have recently grown to love as well as trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula allow me to recharge. These give me a break from the hustle and bustle of running a successful small business as well as teaching full time. It allows me to recharge my system. I think of new treats that I can make and different ways to meet my customers’ needs. I do worry about orders coming in while I am away, but those are easily taken care of when I return.
Dawn , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
It all began in 2012. There was a dog treat scare and I decided I didn’t want Wicket dying because of the treats I was buying for him. I started selling my treats at small shows and farmers markets. They were steadily growing in popularity. I researched and had all of my treats and business registered by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
As the years have gone by, I have changed from homemade labels and tin tie coffee bags to professional made labels and an amazing bag to showcase my product. The possibilities seem endless as the business and I continue to grow and evolve as times change. I am anxious for what my future holds.
I feel great knowing that I am able to provide dogs with healthy treats and meet the needs of individual dogs. Many treats I make meet different allergy needs of dogs. I have even researched and created a treat for diabetic dogs. I find it great meeting the needs of different dogs.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I first started the business, I put a post a day on my Facebook page. I’d post videos of me making the product. Post pictures of the finished product with the ingredients, so people know how wholesome they are. I posted a ton of my 2 taste testers Gizmo and Gadget enjoying them. I would post at all of the shows I would attend. I also focused on getting Facebook reviews so potential customers would see people’s satisfaction with my product. I also post cute dog memes that grab people’s attention as to give them a break from constant product posting
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe my reputation was built in my market by my consistency in doing shows, providing a quality product and genuinely caring for my four legged customers needs. I started small at farmers markets and did multiple shows every week. During this time, I was fine tuning the treats I was making. I was getting customers input and making necessary changes.
In doing the above, I was able to provide a quality treat for my customers. I also let my customers know I can always meet their dogs’ individual needs.
Finally, my family jokes that instead of being a teacher, they are shocked that I didn’t become a veterinarian so I could spend my day with dogs. I have always loved dogs and enjoyed spoiling them. I think it shows in the way I interact with dogs and their humans. It gives me great joy to see the pups waggin tails for treats and their eye begging for more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.doggonedeliciousdogtreats.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063733052986
- Other: https://www.faire.com/user/sign-up?fdb=doggonedeliciousdogtreatsllc&signUp=direct