Today we’d like to introduce you to Mari Trace.
Hi Mari, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always enjoyed baking but only for humans until the last few years! One of my Bernedoodles, Luna, has a sensitive stomach and we were limited on what treats we could give her without causing stomach upset. After studying the ingredient and nutrition information on commercially available treats, I was uncertain about some of them and decided to start making her treats and only included 100% human grade, natural products. I’ve enjoyed trying new recipes for my 3 dogs and incorporating safe and healthy ingredients that aren’t commonly found in commercially prepared products…they’ve definitely enjoyed it too! The joy they get from the treats, and the peace of mind I gained from knowing the quality of the ingredients, made all the extra effort worth it. I started sharing treats with friends and got great reviews from everyone. I decided to take a leap and start my own business so I could make it easy for other pup parents to improve the quality and taste of the treats they’re serving.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey to opening this business has been very educational to say the least! I’ve been blessed in finding a community of women from all over the U.S. that are pursuing similar goals…Special shout out to the Diva Dog Bakery community! The support and sharing of ideas among these women has been so uplifting and helpful to a new business owner navigating the unavoidable struggles along the way. I think the most challenging aspect of business operations has been figuring out all of the legal requirements to selling pet treats in Texas. A special feed license is required, in addition to nutrition testing and recipe registration for each product you’re planning to sell. These are critical steps and necessary for the safety and well-being of our pets but the time and expense involved can be significant. While I have dozens of recipes I can’t wait to share with my customers, I remind myself that nothing happens overnight and to be patient while building a solid foundation for the business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a registered nurse by background and still work full time in the healthcare field. I think we can all agree that the last few years during the pandemic have been particularly challenging for all workforces, but especially for those in the healthcare field. Baking for my pets and branding my company has opened up a creative outlet for me that has been helpful in managing my stress and celebrating personal victories.
The Bluebonnet Pet Bakery is not just about creating great-tasting treats…anyone can do that! I want to use my knowledge of health and nutrition to create great tasting and looking treats that provide rich nutritional value to dogs. I’m currently prepping a line of gluten and dairy-free treats so I can make sure I have something to offer everyone, including dogs with food allergies.
I think one of the things that sets me apart is that I try to support local small businesses so purchases from my bakery have impacts to other small business owners. I recently made a connection with a local honey company and am researching the health benefits of bee pollen for dogs so stay tuned!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I have LOVED dogs since I was a child. My mom loves to tell stories about how I pushed our poodle, Daisy, around in a doll stroller all the time. This was way before it was cool to have dog strollers!
I would say that growing up my personality has always been driven, I tend to hold a very high bar for myself which has its advantages and disadvantages. I truly believe that with hard work and a lot of hustle, all things are possible! My mom told me that I give my all to everything I do and I think that’s a pretty accurate statement. I definitely had parents who both role modeled the value of hard work.
Contact Info:
- Website: thebluebonnetpetbakeryboutique.com/
- Instagram: @bluebonnetbbb
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bluebonnet.BBB/
Image Credits
Jennifer Staley Niedzielski for some of the photos.
