We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Olivia Alfrey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Olivia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
When we adopted our first standard poodle puppy, June, in 2019, I started researching what we needed to do to help her have a long healthy life. At the top of that list was food and treats. So my next step was to find recipes and research the ingredients. I wanted ingredients that were safe but also healthy. While researching, I also found what kind of ingredients to NOT use. Such as gluten, preservatives and artificial colors or flavors. Once I was happy with the recipes and the ingredients I wanted to use, it was time for June to taste test!
As it turned out, she loved eating them just as much as I enjoyed making them for her. I thought that other dog owners would want the same for their precious pup. So I started giving out samples to friends and family and they loved them.
The next step was to find out how to start my business and run it legally. In Tennessee, you have to have a business license, a Feed License and have all treats tested before you can sell to the public.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I started with all natural dog treats made with human grade ingredients that offer a lot of healthy benefits and also taste delicious. The REAL ingredients taste and smell better than store bought treats. I have had many customers say their pup will only eat our treats!
I started getting requests for cat treats. So after research and testing, we launched our Furry Feline Friends line.
I have always loved crafting. So I also started hand making cork poop bag dispensers, catnip balls, coconut husk rope toys, reusable treat bags and Nose & Paw Balm.
It makes me so happy to hear customers rave about our treats. They often say things like; the turmeric treats helps their older dogs with pain, their pups bowel movements are more regular, the vet has commented on how their pups tarter has almost disappeared.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
My husband helped me build my website. The first year, I only sold on my website. But I needed to increase my sells so I signed up for several online wholesale platforms such as Faire & Abound. They do charge a commission fee. So I just adjust my prices based on their fees.
Shipping has been a learning curve. Some of my treats are rather fragile, so I have had to experiment to find the best way to get them their order in one piece. I had to replace some orders until I found the best way!
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
I took time to contact dog based businesses such as dog trainers., groomers, daycares. I would tell them about the company, what we offer and give them samples to try.
I had said that they can get busy and at times need a reminder.
I also started setting up at events and markets. It makes a big difference to be able to speak to potential customers and explain to them what you offer.
I offer fundraising to nonprofit animal rescues and shelters. They get much needed funds and we get new customers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.junebugdogsupplies.com/
- Instagram: @junebugdogsupplies
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuneBugdogsupplies
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCVukLW-oqcTr8oTbNW_NEyg
- Other: NextDoor