Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Michel.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Lizz and I started my business Nugget’s Healthy Treats to raise money for my ESA so she could get her knee surgery. It was my way to raise funds to afford her surgery after her 1st birthday. Thankfully I had found non-profits that were willing to also help pay for a portion of her surgery. I also had found her sister’s owner who also was willing to help out as well. After she received her surgery I noticed pet owners were still interested in our treats so I continued my business and I focused on listening to what my customers asked for. So I began creating cat treats as well. My goal is to be able to bake all natural healthy treats for both cats and dogs that are easy for any age to eat. I also would make pet popsicles for the summer time. As a vendor I began reaching out to small business events to try to begin selling my treats around the KC metro area. I was able to sell with ArtGarden and Blip which are two well known vendor events in the city. And from there I began getting invited to more events around the KC area. My goal for my business is to be able to make enough to help donate to help other pet owners with medical bills. After my ESA had her surgery I noticed how much help is needed in the pet community when it comes to medical bills. I would like to eventually find a storefront where I could have my treats for sale. I have reached out to some KC businesses, but so far it has been hard to find someone that has availability and willing to give me a chance. I just started a family so currently I am just taking orders via email or social media. Once I get settled down with my family I will be able to get back to taking orders via my website. I do have a business Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok for Nugget’s Healthy Treats if anyone would like to support. And I want to thank Kansas City for all the support with my business and I look forward to continuing here soon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road for me and my business. I had to find ways to afford the ingredients to make my treats. I also had to find ways to afford to pay for the vendor fees and buy the items required to qualify to participate in vendor events. As a new vendor I had to learn what the laws and requirements were to bake at home and be able to sell my treats without getting in trouble. One of my major concerns was I don’t drive so getting to the events at the beginning was a hassle. And I have also been denied a few times after reaching out to a few KC stores to see if they have any openings to have a new vendor sell in their store. I had to learn how to make my own labels and package my treats so they looks professional. I also make my treats fresh every week so that can be a lot at times. I have tried to expand to doing dog and cat birthday cake and treat orders, but so far it has been hard getting customers that would be interested. Currently I have had to pause my website and Shopify store due to recently starting my own family. But I will resume once I can get more settled into my new routine.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My career has been more focused on caring for other families children’s. I have been working in some type of field that requires me to help care for children. I have also worked in customer service for many years. I still babysit and I love caring for children. I am most proud of where I am now. I have not given up no matter what comes my way. The thing that sets me apart from others is the drive to want to help others and going out of my way to do so. That is why my goal to be able to donate some of the profits from my business to help other pets is so important to me.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If anyone is interested in purchasing our dog or cat treats or needing to order special treats or a cake for their pets you can email me at dogtreatskc@gmail.com or message us on our Facebook or Instagram @Nugget’s Healthy Treats. I look forward to working with you all.
Pricing:
- $5.00 One Dog Treat
- $8.00 Two Dog Treats
- $10 Medium Dog Treat pack
- $15.00 Large Dog Treat Pack
- $4.00 small Cat Treat pack
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuggets_healthy_treats
- Facebook: Nugget’s Healthy Treats
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nuggets_healthy_treats
