Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Rodriguez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In July of 2023 my husband and I rescued a dog from a very bad situation. “Vincent” the Catahoula became the newest member of our family. We were so excited to have a new pup in our home and we wanted to give him the best food and treats available. We started with a variety of store-bought food and treats, unfortunately Vinny had negative reactions to many of dog treat products. This triggered me to research dog’s digestive system and the benefits of different ingredients to incorporate into their diet.
I started purchasing all natural ingredients from local farms and stores in my area, and baking dog treats the in small batches at home. Vinny quickly showed signs of improvement (higher energy, less skin irritation, shinier coat, and regular sleep and bowel movements)
I was so excited about the results; I sent some of the dog treats to friends and family to try out. Their feedback was so positive and encouraging I decided to research the process to sell my all-natural dog treats.
After several months of completing all the regulatory requirements and obtaining applicable licensing from the state of Texas, “Vinny’s Munch & Play” was officially approved to operate in June of 2024.
The journey has been amazing. Since launching in June, my brand has taken off. I am now in hundreds of homes, multiple stores for retail, and offer custom dog treats for multiple Chick Fil A stores across the country.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most small business owners, my journey has had its ups and downs.
Building something meaningful always comes with challenges. In the early days, one of the biggest challenges was building awareness and trust as a new brand. It took a lot of persistence and creativity to get our name out there. We focused on connecting with our local community and leveraging social media to reach more people. Overtime, those efforts paid off, and we built a loyal customer base.
While the road hasn’t always been easy, every challenge has made us stronger. Today, I am proud of how far we’ve come and excited about what’s ahead!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Vinny’s Munch & Play?
I am the CEO/Owner of a small veteran owned business that provides all natural dog treats and eco-friendly dog toys to pup customers across the country.
Vinny’s Munch & Play is a registered company with GO TEXAN (Dept. of Agriculture). Our treat products are lab tested, approved, and licensed by the Office of the Texas State Chemist.
We pride ourselves on using simple, all natural, locally sourced ingredients in our products. We never add sugars, salts, artificial colors/flavors, or preservatives. All of our dog biscuits and jerky are made in small batches and dehydrated for a minimum of 12hrs to extend the shelf life to up to 1 year.
Our dog toy line is also made with 100% natural materials. All products are hand sewn, non-toxic, and no chemical dyes are used. Most of the materials are easily digestible if they are swallowed by the pup.
One thing that sets us apart from other dog treat companies is we offer a “custom” dog biscuit option. Many of our customers add their logo and/or company name to the dog biscuits.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always curious and full of ideas. I loved experimenting in the kitchen, reading books, and taking care of and feeding the animals on our small farm. This taught me to be resourceful and creative – traits I still rely on today.
I was really into 4-H and FFA as a kid, constantly entering competitions, and leadership in the FFA program. Those interests translated into my passion for animal care and wellness.
Looking back, I can see how my curiosity and creativity shaped my entrepreneurial journey. They taught me to take risks, keep learning, and embrace new challenges, which is exactly what I do as a small business owner.
Pricing:
- Dog Biscuits $5.00
- Dog Jerky $8.00
- Dog Toys $10-15.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vinnysmunchandplay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinnysmunchandplay/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VinnysMunchandPlay/
