Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Berger
Hi Jessica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Jessica Benoit Berger, and I am the founder of Bayou Barkery. The past few years have been a whirlwind of challenges and growth, shaping my journey into what it is today.
Losing my corporate job was incredibly difficult. For the past eight years, I had been the breadwinner of our family, and the financial strain of no longer having a steady income was immense. We had made the decision to move to Texas to be closer to family, and fortunately, my job also had a Houston office. As a developer for power generating facilities, moving to the energy capital of the globe seemed like a no-brainer. However, just two months after our move, my position was eliminated.
We found ourselves paying two mortgages and two sets of house bills since we hadn’t sold our home in Richmond yet. The pressure was overwhelming, and the uncertainty of our financial future loomed large. It was a devastating blow, and I felt a profound sense of responsibility to find a way forward.
In the midst of this turmoil, I decided to take a break from the corporate world and sink everything I had into working for myself. It was a leap of faith, driven by a passion for providing the best care for our pets. Our two dogs and a cat—all rescues or rehomes—had faced health challenges due to their diets, inspiring me to explore healthier, natural alternatives.
With my family’s support, we founded Bayou Barkery in 2024. What started as a passion project quickly grew into a thriving business. We focused on creating high-quality, natural, and organic pet treats that catered to pets with allergies, dental issues, and sensitivities. My husband Josh, our Director of Operations and jack of all trades, played a crucial role. From cutting sweet potatoes (we buy 120 lbs at a time) and ensuring our meat products are pasture-raised and of the highest quality, to lugging our equipment around Texas for markets, Josh’s versatility was indispensable.
I seized the chance to transform many years of building businesses for others into a crash course in entrepreneurship for Eva, passing on invaluable lessons of resilience and innovation. Our daughter Eva, the CEO in training, has been an integral part of this journey. Together, we turned our love for pets into a mission-driven business. With her vision, we launched a line of cat treats under our “MEWS” line.
Born in Louisiana and having grown up in New Orleans, my Cajun roots run deep. Our children were also born in NOLA, adding to our family’s rich cultural heritage that influences Bayou Barkery’s ethos. In 2024, my family and I made the move to Willis, Texas. Our home is a lively sanctuary filled with love from our two dogs and a cat—all rescues or rehomes. Each pet has a unique story of resilience that deeply inspires me. Juniper, our lab mix, was rescued from an animal cruelty case involving 40 other animals. Zeke, our resilient pitbull, was found malnourished in a hotel room after his owners were arrested. And Sadie, our adventurous farm cat, hitched a ride from Pennsylvania to Virginia, ultimately finding her forever home with us.
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?
Life is a highway! We’ve faced numerous challenges along the way. One of the significant struggles was dealing with our pets’ health issues. Our dogs and cat started showing sensitivities and gastrointestinal problems from their kibble, which was heartbreaking. This pushed us to find healthier alternatives, but it wasn’t an easy journey.
Another major hurdle was losing my corporate job. It has been a difficult and uncertain time for our family. Financial strain and the transition from a steady income to starting a business from scratch added to the pressure.
Building Bayou Barkery from the ground up required a lot of meticulous planning and relentless effort. Sourcing high-quality, natural, and organic ingredients and developing recipes that were both nutritious and delicious were challenging tasks.
Balancing family life and business was another struggle. Ensuring that my daughter, Eva, received the guidance and mentorship she needed while managing the day-to-day operations of Bayou Barkery required careful juggling.
Educating pet owners about the benefits of natural and organic ingredients was an ongoing challenge. We had to build trust and credibility in the community, showing the value of our products through consistent quality and positive results.
Despite these obstacles, each struggle brought valuable lessons and growth. They shaped Bayou Barkery into the passionate, mission-driven business it is today.
On a more positive note, we’ve had plenty to celebrate at Bayou Barkery. One of our proudest achievements has been perfecting our recipes. We’ve dedicated countless hours to ensuring that our treats are not only delicious but also packed with high-quality, natural, and organic ingredients.
Additionally, we’ve reached milestones that many companies don’t achieve in their first three years. This includes building a strong and loyal customer base, expanding our product line, launching a website, and making a positive impact in the pet care industry. Our commitment to quality and passion for pet health have set us apart, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our hard work pay off.
These accomplishments remind us why we started Bayou Barkery in the first place and keep us motivated to continue growing and improving. Together, with the support of our amazing customers and community, we’re making the world a better place for pets, one treat at a time.
We’ve been impressed with Bayou Barkery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Who we are:
Bayou Barkery is a woman-owned business founded by Jessica Benoit Berger in 2024. Inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana and Texas, our company is rooted in the passion for providing the best care for our beloved pets. Based in Willis, Texas, our mission is to create high-quality, natural, and organic pet treats that promote the health and happiness of pets.
What we do:
At Bayou Barkery, we specialize in crafting delicious and nutritious gourmet pet treats made from carefully sourced, natural, and organic ingredients. Our products are designed to cater to the unique dietary needs and preferences of pets, ensuring they receive the best possible nutrition.
What sets us apart:
At Bayou Barkery, our genuine care for pets is at the heart of everything we do. We are deeply committed to ensuring that all pets have access to high-quality, natural, and organic treats that cater to their unique needs. We understand that every pet is different, and that’s why we go the extra mile to provide options that address a variety of health concerns. We have carefully curated treats to support their well-being. Our passion for pet health drives us to offer personalized solutions. We work closely with pet owners to understand their pets’ specific needs and preferences, ensuring that our treats are both nutritious and enjoyable. From sourcing the finest natural and organic ingredients to perfecting our recipes, we are dedicated to delivering the best for your pets. Our commitment to quality and sustainability sets us apart in the pet care industry.
What we are known for:
Bayou Barkery is known for its unwavering dedication to quality, sourcing the finest natural and organic ingredients to craft nutritious and delicious pet treats. We offer tailored solutions for pets with allergies, dental issues, and sensitivities, ensuring every pet gets the care they need. Our family-driven mission, with Jessica, her daughter Eva (our CEO in training), and her husband Josh (our Director of Operations and jack of all trades), adds a unique and personal touch to our brand. We are also committed to educating pet owners about the benefits of natural ingredients and proper nutrition, building trust and credibility within the community. Our unique logo has garnered attention, leading IP attorneys to approach us about trademarking it. This recognition highlights our standout presence and strong brand identity.
Brand Pride:
We are most proud of our unwavering commitment to quality and the positive impact we’ve had in the pet care industry. Our brand represents a heartfelt mission to make the world a better place for pets, one treat at a time. We take pride in our ability to turn our love for pets into a thriving business that not only supports their health but also strengthens the bond between pets and their owners.
What we want readers to know:
At Bayou Barkery, our commitment to pets extends to providing curated solutions to meet the unique needs of each pet. Our versatility sets us apart. We not only have a thriving pet treat business, but we’ve also launched a human line called Bayou Elixirs. This includes our organic fire cider that packs a punch and helps with building your immunity. We offer this potent tonic in both liquid and capsule form, catering to your preference.
All our products are human grade, fully licensed, and lab tested, especially when it comes to our pet treats. We have grain-free options and cater to cats under our MEWS line. We are dedicated to ensuring the highest quality and safety standards.
Excitingly, due to popular demand, we are exploring the pet food market, so stay tuned for new offerings. There’s also a buzz about our addictive homemade soups—we make a mean chicken noodle and Cajun-style chicken & sausage gumbo that you may be able to buy soon. Our passion for great food and our unwavering commitment to quality drive everything we do.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Supporting Bayou Barkery means the world to us, and there are so many ways you can help us continue our mission:
Shop With Us: Every purchase makes a big difference. Whether you’re buying treats for your furry friends or exploring our new products, each sale helps us grow and continue our passion. You can find our products on our website and at local markets around Texas.
Spread the Word: Share your positive experiences with Bayou Barkery with your friends, family, and fellow pet lovers. Personal recommendations are incredibly powerful, and your support helps us reach more people who care about their pets’ well-being.
Connect on Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok. Your likes, shares, and comments help us build a strong online community. Plus, you’ll stay updated on our latest products and events!
Leave a Review: If you and your pets love our treats, please leave a review on our website or social media pages. Your feedback not only boosts our visibility but also helps other pet owners make informed choices.
Visit Us at Local Events: If you’re in Texas, come see us at local markets and events. Meeting our customers in person is a highlight for us, and your support at these venues strengthens our community presence.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Join our mailing list to get updates on new products, special offers, and upcoming events. Being part of our newsletter family means you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening at Bayou Barkery.
Share Your Feedback: We love hearing from you! Your suggestions and feedback are invaluable as we strive to improve and meet your needs better.
Supporting Bayou Barkery isn’t just about helping a business; it’s about being part of a community dedicated to the health and happiness of pets. Thank you for being a part of our journey and helping us make a positive impact, one treat at a time.
Pricing:
- Organic Treats: Start at $12;
- Natural Treats: Start at $10
- Gumbo Goodie Boxes: Start at $20
- Fire Cider: $32
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bayoubarkery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayou_barkery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558274211724
