We were lucky to catch up with Paige Young recently and have shared our conversation below.

Paige, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.

Nip Slip Catnip started as a simple “friends and family” idea and has grown into something much more meaningful. Back in the spring of 2020, I started a large garden at home as a way to cope with the challenges of the pandemic. Like many others, I struggled with my mental health during that time and sought out hobbies that would help me feel grounded. Gardening was the perfect fit—it got me outdoors, kept me physically active, and gave me the satisfaction of nurturing plants.

While planning my garden, I came across articles about catnip being an effective way to deter squirrels. I decided to plant a few, thinking it would be a great two-in-one solution: I could keep pests away from my tomatoes while treating my own cats to fresh, homegrown catnip.

To my surprise, my cats’ reactions to the fresh catnip were nothing like I’d ever seen with store-bought products. They were absolutely obsessed! I started sharing small batches of my homegrown catnip with friends and family who had cats, curious to see if their pets would have the same response. It didn’t take long for word to spread—everyone’s cats loved it, and I began getting more and more requests.

That’s when I realized I might have the foundation for a business. I expanded my garden, set up an indoor grow space, and even taught myself how to sew catnip toys. What started as a small personal project has blossomed into a labor of love, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share Nip Slip Catnip with other cat lovers.

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?

Nip Slip Catnip is more than just a catnip company—it’s about building connections within the cat community. I’m passionate about supporting rescues, shelters, and other feline-focused initiatives. By donating products to shelters, I aim to not only bring joy to the cats in their care but also help shine a light on the incredible work these organizations do. Cat rescue is an incredibly demanding and often financially challenging mission, and for those who dedicate their time and energy to it, I believe it’s important to give back in any way I can.

Beyond fostering community connections, my goal is to provide cats with a fresh, safe, and natural product. Unlike store-bought options, where the origin and potential additives are often a mystery, Nip Slip Catnip is grown and crafted with care—from seed to toy. Knowing exactly what goes into my products gives me peace of mind, and I’m proud to offer a chemical-free, homegrown alternative that lets our feline friends enjoy themselves in the healthiest way possible.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I love staying connected with all my clients—both past and present—through social media. It’s such a joy when someone shares photos, videos, or even a simple message about how much their cats love our products. Those interactions truly make my day!

I also prioritize transparency on my social media pages. I regularly share updates about where you can find our products, how to connect with us, and any other relevant information. Consistency is key, and I’m committed to maintaining an open and approachable presence so my clients always feel connected to Nip Slip Catnip.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One big lesson I had to unlearn was underestimating the effort it takes to create engaging social media content. Watching Instagram Reels, TikToks, and Facebook posts from influencers, it all looked so effortless—the editing, the music, the timing. I thought, “This will be easy; I can do this no problem!” But I quickly realized how wrong I was.

Creating content that truly connects with an audience takes a lot of energy, work, and focus. It’s not just about posting—it’s about understanding your audience, staying on top of trends, and ensuring every detail is intentional. In the beginning, I was guilty of “phoning it in,” thinking I could just throw something together and expect results. I had to unlearn that mindset and start dedicating real effort to each piece of content I put out. This shift taught me the importance of valuing both the process and the people who engage with my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nipslipcatnip.com
• Instagram: @nipslipcatnip
• Facebook: NipSlip Homegrown Catnip

Image Credits

Lennon McCuen