Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlin Hendershot.
Hi Kaitlin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I had known for a while that I wanted to open my own business and then later on decided on a dog bakery, however, I had assumed it would be way off in the future. Enter the 2020 pandemic, I was unemployed, and my husband and I moved back to Texas a whole 2 days before it began (unbeknownst to us, of course). I decided that maybe it was meant to happen sooner than I anticipated and so began Gemma Rose Dog Bakery. My two rescue dogs are the namesakes for the bakery and head taste testers for the business. I have learned so much in the short time I have been in business and have begun to see a lot of growth in this past year, especially. I have always loved baking, but to mesh my love for dogs and baking together has been a dream. I get to meet so many unique people and their pups and to provide them with healthy and fun alternative dog treats is the metaphorical and literal icing on top. I am constantly working on new treat and cake options, whether it’s flavors or designs, there is no end to the possibilities. At the end of the day, my goal is to build relationships with my customers, particularly the furry ones, and offer a product that is free of most allergens and ingredients that can cause all kinds of problems. Most importantly, I want to offer a healthier product option that also tastes great to the dogs!
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?
I have definitely had struggles along the way. No one can prepare you for playing every role in the business. But out of every stress-induced haze has come a lot of positive. Whether it is a lesson learned or just gaining confidence or strength in different areas that I didn’t have before.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My bakery creates all-natural, gourmet dog treats and cakes. I offer bulk treats that are typically what you would picture when you think of words dog treat. These come in an array of flavors. I also offer minimalistic cakes, but my specialty is custom dog cookies. I love to create sets for birthday parties, rescue events, baby announcements, engagements, the list goes on and on. The fun part about these cookies is that they look like the cookies we as humans would order for our parties and events. I would say that sets me apart in a lot of ways but also that my recipes are very clean and minimal. Why can’t something be healthy and aesthetically pleasing?
I am most proud of the connections I have made with people along the way in the last 2 years and that they feel safe with my product around their dogs who, like mine, are their family members. That they have trust in me and my treats means a lot.
All of our products are gluten and grain free. If I ever use an ingredient that may have been in a facility with gluten products, I state that as well. I make small batch which keeps things fresh for your dog. There is no added sugar, salt, or chemical preservatives to any of the products. I am always willing to work with customers on ingredients and texture, meaning if you have a dog with particular allergies or an older dog that needs a softer treat option, I am always on board to discuss accommodations. I offer porch pick up, delivery to many parts of DFW, and ship nationwide.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I think persistence and sticking things out when it gets really hard has played a larger role in my business than luck. In my personal experience, just showing up every day moves things forward, and realizing that I am in complete control of how much creativity and determination I throw into my business, even when I am faced with all the things I cannot control.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gemmarosedogbakeryco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemmarosedogbakery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gemmarosedogbakery
Image Credits
@k9_ara
@maiseyjane21
@tazi.the.aussie
