Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tony Caballero. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tony, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?
Jeff Robbins mentored me in orthotics, and prosthetics. He taught me the basics, and tricks of the trade. He wanted me to be not just good, but good enough to replace him as a supervisor. That was his goal. He really tried to help make me be a better technician. I was clay to be molded, in that I was a willing student. I really enjoyed learning from him. I don’t think I’ve ever had a better mentor in my 32 years of doing this career. I do my best to emulate him and his work ethics.
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?
My job is working in orthotics and prosthetics, but my passion is Puppalliciousgirlz which is my 2 beautiful dogs Raven and FeeFee.
At work, I am a supervisor at one of the largest nationwide Orthotic and Prosthetic companies. For those who do not know what that is, it means making limbs and devices like back braces, leg braces, arm braces. etc.
I have worked in every main section within our fabrication lab. I am skilled, especially when it comes to Prosthetics (making legs). I would say I am definitely known for this.
I am proud of the fact that I have created the guidelines on what materials are used for certain laminations. It may not sound like a big deal, but in this industry, it is. The weight of a patient and their activity level, all matter.
As far as the Puppalliciousgirlz, I was that annoying pet parent Always taking pictures of my dogs and showing them off to everyone. So finally, I decided to start them a social media account. One account has turned into four, and before you know it, they are Social Media Influencers, Amazon Influencers and have their own Amazon storefront.
I think followers connect with Puppalliciousgirlz, because we don’t put on airs. Raven is a little brat, she is bougie, spoiled, acts like it, and she even looks like it. I swear she even carries herself like she is “all that”. It reflects even in the photos. FeeFee is a total sweetheart. She is very lovey, kind, & loyal. She is a big ol baby too. I think Followers know if you’re being authentic.
Raven especially, likes trying her clothes on and modeling. Both her and FeeFee like their picture being taken.
FeeFee loves her toys, especially the bigger “babies “ (stuffed animals), and tennis balls. Raven likes the small (puppy) tennis ball’s that squeak.
We are always open to new opportunities. Even if they are unique. Email us!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?
As far as funding the Puppalliciousgirlz this is our first year. I looked into making us a LLC or other options.. But, from what I read at this point unless we really start making a lot of money as Social Media Influencers, it would be unnecessary money spent. Money for things like business cards, collars, clothes (not counting items sent to us), food/treats, health insurance, props, video equipment has all come out of pocket.
Because we aren’t buying anything too unusual, it’s not like we needed to worry about using or acquiring capital from anywhere else.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I decided to do all this, I had no idea how to use computers other than online shopping. Everything I have learned has been self taught. I looked things up, watched YouTube videos and did research to figure it out. Next month will be one year since we started. I think the “girlz” are doing ok. I know we could have done some things better, or differently. I wish I had done all the Halloween & Christmas videos for Amazon, a good month in advanced. But, you learn as you grow. The main thing is we are having fun. Again, it is our first year. Going into this very clueless, I think we have done alright.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puppalliciousgirlz/profilecard/?igsh=Z2M1cGw5OWl5NWdm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Puppalliciousgirlz?
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/raven-feefee-caballero-618b23302 https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-feefee-caballero-618b23302?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepuppalliciousgirlz?_t=ZP-8sUWRBAzjDj&_r=1
Image Credits
Tiffany Pena-Rayne
Alberta Colbert-Shaw