We recently connected with Gabby Conoway and have shared our conversation below.

Gabby , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

I think in order to be successful we need a handful of things. First, we need to know how we work as a person; What makes you move forward? What keeps you motivated? Then decide how much of yourself and time you’re really willing to commit to something. Once you have your goals in mind (for me, its the end picture), make a plan and GO. I know for myself, that if I don’t commit 100% and dont go for gold, I will fizzle out. And the steady base of your support system is what keeps you sane and grounded, but also reaching for whatever you can possibly achieve. If it wasn’t for my kids to lead, my husband to support me and all my crazy ideas, and my parents who encourage me endlessly, I know this would be a whole other level of difficult.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hey there! I started my business at the tail end of lockdown during the pandemic when I was a massage therapist who just felt like it wasn’t a safe time to be doing the career I had been working at for over a decade. After months of planning and researching, and looking up recipes, I was ready to take my love for dogs to a whole new level. I provide All Natural dog treats and snacks that are made with no preservatives or additives. Since my last interview, I’ve expanded into a Barktique! Now not only do I offer delicious and nutritious treats, but you can also get enrichments items, accessories, and wearable items for your pup! I have collaborated with other local artists to house and sell their products to help grow all of our businesses, not just mine. In the local pet industry, you have the potential to overlap each other in such a small space, which would cause a competitive sort of environment; but everyone offers so many different things, why not have ALL of those items and styles in one place? There is plenty of room at the table…no one needs to take from each others plate. Lets eat together!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think one of my main attributes as a business owner is that I really care about the people and their animals that they buy for. I want to hear stories about your pets, I remember their names (and middle names too), and their flavor preferences. You MATTER to me. All of my customers become family and I so enjoy sitting and chatting with people at markets and events and getting to know you and your pups. Now in regards to the expansion and having more items, Ive spent the last 3 years listening to what people are looking for. People WANT to support local, and now I can bring them multiple vendors, styles, and Wants/Needs all in one place!

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

This definitely started out as a side hustle, haha. But after going to many markets and events and seeing what a need there was for healthy and natural treats (and the time it took to make all those items), it made more sense to take it full time. This is my JOB. And I love it! Over time, I’ve added different flavors and types of treats and continued to grow. I am SO excited with the Barktique side of it all now. What really thrills me is that there are so many other small business owners that cant swing going full time with their product because we essentially run on Market Season. It brings me joy to know that I can help other businesses succeed as well as helping my own to be successful. Who knows, maybe sometime in the very near future you’ll catch me in a fully mobile shop or brick and mortar!

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/mydogneedsthat
• Instagram: instagram.com/mydogneedsthat
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mydogneedsthat
• Other: Tiktok: @mydogneedsthat

Image Credits
Moni Munoz Photography