Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Embily Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Embily, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

My very first customer, someone I didn’t know personally, came when I launched my first Facebook post and pre-sale for Easter. It was one of the first items I’d ever featured on my Facebook page. To my amazement, it gained immense popularity, and I completely sold out in under an hour.

I vividly remember the anxiety that coursed through me. I worried if people would actually buy my products and feared that my business idea might be seen as “silly.” I was trembling with nervousness as I pressed the “post” button and then left my phone on the kitchen counter to take a shower.

After my shower, I checked my phone to discover a flood of shares and comments. I couldn’t believe it; I had sold out on my very first post, during my first pre-sale, on a major holiday. It was truly astonishing.

One thing I truly appreciate about the town I live in is its small and supportive nature. It’s heartening to note that the people who placed orders during my first sale included my former teachers, family members of schoolmates, and even complete strangers who have since become cherished, long-term clients and friends.

Embily, 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?

Hey there, I’m Embily, the proud owner and creator of Bone and Bred Bakery. I’m not just a baker; I’m a dog mom to four energetic pups: Tyson, Blu, Parker-Kate, and Lilo-Rae. In addition to my baking adventures, I work part-time at a local hospital while pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse. Being a dog mom is a big part of my life, and I take it very seriously. I believe that providing my furry companions with the right nutrition is key to ensuring they lead long and healthy lives. My journey into making dog treats began when I welcomed Parker-Kate into our family. I started whipping up homemade food and snacks for her. The snacks were especially fun to create. I remember using just four Valentine’s Day-themed cookie cutters and experimenting with recipes I found on Pinterest.

I’d share these homemade goodies with friends and family, and their dogs absolutely loved them. From day one, I was hooked. Baking became my stress-reliever, and it felt like second nature to me.

Then, something unexpected happened. My oldest pup, Tyson, was diagnosed with pancreatitis, a condition that required a special diet and treats. I was advised to buy “pancreas-friendly” treats, but when I looked at the ingredients on the store-bought treats, I was puzzled. I couldn’t even pronounce some of the ingredients, and I wondered if they were truly good for my boy. So, I took matters into my own hands and started researching. I learned about what could trigger pancreatitis and which flours, spices, fruits, and vegetables were safe for dogs. To my surprise, the treats I had been making were pancreas-friendly. I felt incredibly proud to be giving my dogs something healthy and delicious.

It dawned on me that other pet parents might be interested in providing their furry friends with wholesome treats too. That’s when I discovered an online course that taught the art of dog treat baking and how to turn it into a business. Starting Bone and Bred was a leap of faith. I wasn’t sure if people would be interested in buying healthy, homemade dog treats, but I was determined to pursue my passion. I knew that growth happens when we step out of our comfort zones. I prayed about it, took the course, acquired my LLC, attended conferences, and here I am a year and a half later.

Running a business requires discipline, and it can be challenging to juggle nursing school, work, my business, and free time. But with time, I’ve found a balance that works. Through Bone and Bred, I’ve connected with many dog parents who share my desire to provide their pups with treats made from minimal, quality ingredients. I solve problems for my customers by offering creative, filler-free, and artificial dye-free treats. I’m honored to help them celebrate special moments in their pets’ lives, like birthdays and “gotcha” days, in a meaningful and creative way. I want my customers to know how much I value them, and I pour my love into every treat I make. I’m most proud of myself for following my dream, working tirelessly every day to perfect my craft, and never giving up on this journey.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I kicked off Bone and Bred Bakery in March 2022, diving in with all my energy and working a full-time job at the same time. Then, in July 2022, I got accepted into nursing school, and I thought, “How am I going to manage all of this?” Nursing school alone is like having a full-time job!

I had to have a little pep talk with myself. I reminded myself of how much I want my business to succeed and how much I want to become a nurse. So, I made some changes. I switched to part-time at work, started nursing school in August, and kept running Bone and Bred.

I won’t lie; it was really tough, but it’s been super rewarding. I’ve worked really hard to make it all work. I wear many hats, and I’ve gotten pretty good at it. I rely on reminders and use my calendar to keep everything organized.

Since I’m a one-person operation, I couldn’t do it without my incredible family and friends. Adapting to these changes has been a challenge, but it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made for myself, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think staying true to who I am, being genuine, and always being honest have played a big role in how people see me and my business. When you’re a new business owner, it can be pretty intimidating to share what you love with the world. But I’ve learned that if I’m just myself and stay sincere, people notice, and it shines through in what I create. I’m not here to sell things just for money’s sake. I really want my customers to be happy with what they buy from me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boneandbredbakery/?
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoneandBredBakery

Image Credits
Kayla McNaughton