We recently connected with Jeanna O’Neill and have shared our conversation below.

Jeanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?

After developing my initial recipes it came to me to create a treat as if dogs could read. I mean anything is possible right?! That’s when I started personalizing my treats with dogs names on them.

This eventually became the staple of Heyday Hounds. This idea grew into our treats branded with dog commands and dog related words and phrases. We know brand them for dog friendly businesses to advertise and offer their furry patrons.

Developing this part of Heyday Hounds is what took it to the next level.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always been on the creative side of things on my career path, first with a degree in Interior Design working freelance for years. This helped me develop a strong sense of business.

When Covid began that drastically changed my being able to operate as an
interior designer. This is when I started making my own dog food and treats for my three Queensland Heelers. I instantly felt inspired.

When I decided to pursue this newfound passion and start my own dog treat business I spent a great amount of time researching already existing dog treat companies small and big. The pet treat industry is vast. People were making all kinds of things! All the businesses seemed to share a common foundation with each adding their own personal touch to their product.

I knew the things that were important to me in the development of my treats. I wanted them to be crafted from the healthiest ingredients, made in small batches and be so delicious humans would want to eat them too!

One thing that I am most proud of is the relationships I have built through Heyday Hounds. Knowing that I have been able to provide a treat people feel good about giving their dogs means everything. I’m always happy when I receive messages telling me their super finicky dog or dog with health issues really enjoy our treats. We often hear dogs know our treats by the packaging!

The main thing I would like people to know is that each treat we make is mindfully made specifically for your dog. In small batches, never sitting on a shelf. You can choose not only the flavor but also what your dogs treats will say on it. This makes treat time for your dog fun for you too!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

For me the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been to be authentic.

Be authentic in your approach and how you talk about your product. Keep it real.
People have so many choices out there. The thing that will separate you from others is being relatable for real.
Think about your own concerns and expectations when creating your product.

And most of all, get to know your customers. The best marketing is word of mouth and always will be.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I told myself when starting Heyday Hounds that I would pay all the startup out of pocket. I didn’t want to put myself in debt in order to do this. Since starting in 2020 I am happy to say I am still operating this way. This has also benefited me in the sense of keeping the business on a natural progression that’ I can handle. I get to thoroughly enjoy watching it grow without becoming too overwhelmed.

Contact Info:

• Website: Heydayhounds.com
• Instagram: @heydayhounds