Guys people on today show I interview the founder and owner of pooch natural living Jennifer Muncio She started off as a quiet shot Simmy young girl out of Catholic school and turn herself into a god-fearing dynamic business professional in corporate America and Entrepreneur you're gonna hear her story of how she started off going to be a police officer and god flip turn that thing around like a pancake Yep, and he said oh I guess that's another thing that flips up I don't write about now you want to sit back relax and enjoy the inspiration My wife thinks I'm crazy. How do we get here? I see you let me admire you he gave you vision and purpose but you struggle to dream because the seed of a song was Insisting a jeans all the ten of us denim. I guess within them.
There's a different perspective that I'm trying to present them It ain't always peace when you see the piece. I don't make you a Levi cuz you right Levi's what's up people? I am your host J Will And I would like to welcome you to inspire guys people where we balance faith and business to guide you to your purpose 2022 what up do Are y'all feeling out there man y'all feeling good? It's about to be a great show.
I'm excited to talk to y'all today This is like episode 152 which you know for my faithful listeners y'all know this means we are really like 168 episodes in because we did a bunch of Additional episodes along the way we used to do something called the point five episodes where they were like half the time and you know We've tried a bunch of things with inspired guys people y'all got it like y'all got to admit that if nothing else I have tried some things, you know I'm saying try to bunch a different segments some that are still around We just haven't done them in a while but um, that's how I get through man You know I love innovation and um I believe that sometimes you don't know until you try as far as business and you know things like that So today what do we got on oh something else? Nutter we're doing for 2022 since we talking about things that we try I have a goal to get much better at producing video and YouTube content And so I've been doing some videos, you know I'm saying I feel good about my videos I'm getting like 20 to 25 views right now on the videos. I think we got a hundred and 22 subscribers So we're building this page from scratch So the YouTube pages inspire guys people so if you search inspire guys people on YouTube Hopefully at least once a week, maybe even more ours. I will I can talk Start doing some videos to support this content and you know I'm I'm playing around with different ways to produce the video So I can't promise exactly what that's gonna look like only thing I could say is I hope I grow with it You know what I mean?
I hope it's something that we continue to grow with so share the YouTube page You know look I'm being transparent. It's not something I enjoy doing video. I'm really low-key So I have to like it's not I don't know I'm weird man I could be low-key and you can see me in a certain bag and I could be way out there So I'm not even gonna try to play the shagame or whatever But I don't know video makes me kind of shy a little bit So you know I remember when I first started the podcast It was a thing that I used to do like find in my voice like you have to find your voice when you talking on you know Like no one else is in the studio with you and you're talking it's a little easier with interviews But um anyway, you know I'm trying to find my find my voice as it relates to video Like what my vibe is there and like what feels natural to me and the type of content I want to do so support that please Look in the description of today's show. You should always look in the description of the show by the way And that way you can click the links like we have a guest today You can check out her business and Instagram and things like that.
You can also listen to my music You know the thing is I have content everywhere and I have content audible where you listen like to your audio books You can listen to this podcast in there. I heart radio. I got content in there got music podcast Worlds Amazon we in there Google we in there Spotify we in there. Just know wherever you go.
We in there So anyway, that's what I'm trying to do That's the thing I'm doing is different in 2022 trying to create video content And I have some really dope ideas around how to improve that right now We just starting and I decided like you know I have a music YouTube page with a little more subscribers I think it's like 500 or something I didn't want to use that when I start like something new in business I really like to start from scratch. I don't like to mix up like people who was really following me for music not They getting you know inspirational content and biblical and business talk. So anyway, I'm being transparent to hopefully help someone out there You listen to this podcast. We've been doing this for three and a half years.
God is blessed I'm excited because I'm reaching all new countries all the time. So thank you to everybody out there who's listening Thank you to the active listeners. I threw that out there I've definitely like seen an increase in kind of the email and you know messaging then so I appreciate y'all as well as those who are commenting on the YouTube videos shout out You know I'm saying I got a couple of couple of brothers and sisters that's faithful I see y'all, you know, I told y'all I don't like to shout out names because some people don't like that So you got to tell me if it's okay to say your name over there And sometimes I might you know get a little risque and just go ahead and say your name anyway, you know I'm saying But I ain't gonna do that today So I'm telling me not to do it. So I'm you know, I'm a trust the Lord on that and be quiet man I you know, I'm not gonna do a long drawn out interview interview intro today because I want to get to the interview and As I always say, I'm excited about today's guest.
I never want to not be excited about it. Yes, you know what I mean? Like why would I not want to be excited? Hopefully you get something out of this interview I believe you will I enjoyed this conversation and actually took place a day or so ago and This young lady has some powerful things to say so sit back relaxing enjoy this inspiration and make sure you follow her on Instagram And check out her business and show love, you know, I'm saying stop back and funny out there some of y'all funny act I'm just playing all the people listening to show our beautiful guy.
We people who love the Lord and do what's best Let me in a few of you is what we gonna do you gonna talk to me and I'm gonna talk to you maybe on the phone But possibly in person Guys people I am so hyped today to interview the you know founder and owner of pooch natural living Jennifer Muncion Jennifer, how are you today? I am doing so well, and you know not back from Monday How's your new year off like, you know, is it off to a good start? You know so far do you do resolutions and stuff like that? Tell me a little bit how you coming into 2022?
You know, I got doing all of that. I No different, you know, I mean, I think people always look forward to the new year They're like, you know, new year new me, but I have to be realistic the well the year You know, I've done, you know, send the gold and then at the end of the year I get very disappointed because I'm adding that but you know, it's just I didn't do that this year I really did it. I think I I think doing well so far but the second week of the new year so I can't complain I am and yeah I think it's just less stressful. I feel that I feel that you know, we have on a show actually two years ago The new year episode was entitled happy new day.
So I kind of have a An mentality or philosophy of you know, God doesn't even operate in years Like the calendar changing doesn't do anything for God like we get new mercies every day So I have a happy new day mentality, but I know everybody's different So I'm actually happy to hear you say what you said like hey There's different approaches to all this stuff as long as you are moving forward and making progress That's what it's all about. So thanks for sharing that Jennifer I want to jump right into maybe a little bit of who the younger Jennifer was You know, we don't know each other that well just kind of Instagram, you know friends and probably didn't even realize we were instagram friends until last week So if you can tell us a little bit. Yeah, you know, like tell us a little bit about how you grew up or who you were Whatever you want to share about, you know, your background So the audience can have an understanding of kind of who you were before we jump into who you are today Sure. So yeah, so I was born and raised in Lawrence Massachusetts and you know, I was pretty much the quiet shy girl Very, you know, timid but very comfortable around my family obviously my family and the friends That I was close to I was never really outspoken I was always afraid to like, you know, the teacher like wants to pick somebody in class I would always be like, please don't pick me.
Please don't pick me. You know, I was so scared of that And thank god I have changed but you know, that was me growing up and you know, I went to a Catholic school Growing up Catholic knowing who god is knowing, um, you know, I guess, you know, who he is But I didn't have that relationship with god that makes us as a child I just knew like the more traditional things to do when I mean like a kind of charge be a good person and you know give back to the community Um, you know, you get baptized and do the confirmation and the community And so it was more traditional for me growing up and it wasn't until later in life that I was able to experience that person or relationship with god So, you know, I have a child. Yes, I was committed and growing up into high school. I was more, you know, becoming more confident in who I was I was always school focused knew that I was going to go to college Which I ended up doing I started at basic college and then I transferred here to Florida when I moved to camp back in something too Um, so I've always been very school driven as well.
Um, you know into my adolescent early adult years What was like the motivation for your you being like driven around school like what drove that? Um, it's really funny because I just had the conversation with somebody recently. I originally wanted to be a cop Um, and I went to school for criminal justice thinking that, you know, I was going to be in salon enforcement and then I said, you know What I should really be in the FBI like really in the FBI because um, I used to watch a lot of cops growing up Um america's most wanted so I was into investigation a lot. Um, so what happened was that yes I started at basic study criminal justice when I transferred into florida Um, I continued the studies of criminal justice and criminology.
Um, so what really turned me away to working for the government was um, having a few guest speakers coming to our class Um, you know, um, you FBI agents as the eye agents and telling us, you know, their life story, um, basically their job came first Um, before their family. So I said, you know, I as much as I love this this passion I can't do it. There's no way I can put my family second and in the future I want to have a family and I cannot put a job before my family So I know that was out of the way, but I continue my studies at my VA criminology. Um, I didn't go into law enforcement and what happened was I went into public service I was more pulled into working in the community.
So my first job was working at, um, drug rehab program And then I was there for a couple of years and then at that moment I was like, you know what? There has to be more there has to be more than just this nine to five job, you know, I I'm becoming stagnant. Um, so I said, I'm a little fair amount of office as I was very unhappy and kind of miserable And I said, God, you know, if I go into the academy to become a cop, then that's great Now if this is not for me, then I will promise you that I will go and get my master's Um, mind you, by this time I didn't really have a similar relationship with God. This is just a prayer that was sitting out there, you know Um, and thank God that God knows our heart because at that moment, um, I was preparing everything for this application to apply for You know, tpv here and get up least and I was gathering all my documents gathered my transcripts over there for mr Chu said, um, and then I was waiting for payday because I had to pay some fee So I was like, no, I'm gonna pay it on Friday But in the meantime, what happened is to I was also applying other jobs So it wasn't just the academy, but I was like, okay, if I don't get into academy, then I'm gonna start looking somewhere somewhere else But I'm also gonna be going to back to school to get my master's.
So, you know, that same week I think it was like the third day before I had to submit the application a job called me Um, and they wanted to interview me and I took that as a sign. I was like, okay Well, law enforcement is not for me. I'm gonna go for this interview And if I get this job, then I'm going back to school and get my master's and I could you not I interviewed got the job And I started that job and started grad school within the same week Oh, wow, that's crazy. That's a fast turnaround.
Yeah, you went from like promising guy. He looked out for you because I Oh, no, it seemed like it seemed like you went the way you were supposed to go I get scared promising guy. I almost don't promise guy. Nothing.
It's just like, you know what? That was pretty bold. Yeah, I was like, yeah, that was pretty bold at me. Yeah, but you look out though Absolutely, he did he did and that's why I say, you know, thank God.
He knows that heart thank God. He knows what's up for us Because we think we know what we want Sometimes he doesn't open those doors of our opportunities and I see why and he took me in a completely different path because after I took that job I stayed there for 11 years working for child welfare. Wow, you know what? Like and that you you said a couple a couple things like, you know, two things in particular I want to explore a little bit before we dig a little bit more into your career And like the first thing you talked about was, you know That the FBI agents the CIA agents came in there and you thought like your mind was like so sold on like this is what I want to do And they said, you know that their job came before their their family and that you know kind of turned you away I think that's the the value of kind of like Really vetting something, you know that you say you want to do Because I think sometimes like we have our heart fixated and our mind fixated on like I want to do this I want to do that But we don't even know if what we want to do is the best thing for us So I love that you didn't compromise that because that's an important part of like business that I think people have to think about Especially these days because you know, it's all this like motivation like grind it out do this do more do more get more And sometimes it's like you got to have your like guardrails and limitations So I love that and then I like that you you know, like it kind of goes into the same thing Like you said like just like got really having our best interest at heart and in mind Because sometimes we think we know and I can tell you, you know, I've thought I've known several times like, you know This is what's best for me and it's and it's not it's got time So those are kind of important facts and keys Um, now as we think about or talk about like, you know, you're 11 years Um in the was it the childhood child welfare system?
Yeah, that's what it was Yeah, the child welfare system. So like all right. I see that you have done everything from case manager to counselor program supervisor You worked in like some high risk areas of child abuse and neglect mental health domestic violence substance misuse Can you just talk a little bit about how those 11 years? Shaped like where you ended up and where you went beyond there I would imagine that there's no way that you work on These type of cases and in these type of jobs for 11 years and it doesn't change or teach you something So can you just talk about like what your experiences and learnings were from those?
From those um, you know that profession? Yeah, absolutely, you know that profession Um, whoo, it's rough and um, so my co-workers that are still working there, man I I just I'm so proud of them because it's not an easy job. It's not cookie cutter. Um I used to laugh because when people used to ask me what do you do for a living?
I used to say I put out fire Um in a sense of I worked with families that face as as you name them with these real life issues And I will by the way, this was um in home So I would go visit them in whatever neighborhood they lived in wow and I will go in their home and sometimes oftentimes We're not welcome in their home. So it was a challenge already to um to deal with people in their issues And then on top of that, you know, they they see this um case manager or counselor going to their home and they're like What are you doing here? And and we're like well, we're here to help you. They're like well, my family is fine so What was so difficult is um trying to teach them to unlearn these unhealthy patterns or help them to recognize, you know What is child abuse help them to recognize that they do have a mental health um disorder that they do have a substance abuse disorder Um, so a lot of it was just education.
It was education. It was um Real talk like hey, you either do this or the state is gonna come and remove your kids Um, so it wasn't easy, you know, and it's still not easy, but it's rewarding and I'm glad I did it I you know I loved working in the community. I love, you know, meeting the people at the end of the day You know, I had a lot of clients come up to me be like, you know, why do you like you want to be getting in? And then at the end when I'm trying to close off their case, I'm like, well, why are you closing it?
Why are you leaving? And I was like, oh, now you want to be my friend, huh? But you know like weeks ago you were picking me out of your house. Um, so it was it was tough.
It was really tough Seeing cases, um, not be successful. Um, you know, people still in addiction people Still struggling with their mental health or people not acknowledging that their victims of domestic violence or even when I had to face a perpetrator That was confusing. Um, you know, the the other spouse, you know, it was it was hard. Um, but it's very very rewarding Um, so how that created some sort of um rebellion in me and it helped me develop more self-awareness Um, I think sometimes we're not exposed to different type of people.
Um, the population We often are very sheltered into what is safe to us. Um, but when we're exposed into other things that are communities, um No, it doesn't matter their background. Um, you know, it's it's an awakening in you. Um, and I'm grateful that I was able to do it I'm grateful for those that allowed me to talk about God Um, because that was the best moment I never pushed God into people but when people started talking about God in the counseling sessions that I had with them That was awesome.
I I was like, okay, they get it. They know who he is and they're relying on him Um, on God and they know that God is gonna help them. So So that made the session a little bit more unique. Um, so so yeah child welfare, man It was it was rough, um, but it helped me to understand what's out there in the world I mean 11 years I was a cafe.
I I came at all Um, because I'm sure there's more keepers out there, um, especially that end up on the news Um, and I'm like, oh wow, that's crazy. Like you can't hurt at all and see it all but you really have it Um, but yeah, it's tough, but it's not for everybody. Um, and I'm glad that I was able to do it for 11 years I mean, it's it's resilience. That's that's one word that I have about child welfare and who I am sitting You know, I like that you said it created resilience and self awareness because Those are like two very different things, you know, like, you know resilience is something that obviously Benefits you in the long run because you have these experiences and um self awareness is a little different because I feel like becoming more Self-aware ends up benefiting others or probably makes you even more effective in your work because like you said, you know Maybe going to going into different situations that you weren't familiar with prior to um, that's a big thing to me because Like jennifer I feel like Sometimes in life like when I look at culture and this is just a quick sidebar Like I look at culture and like there's so much that people don't understand about Individuals who don't come from the same environment as them and I feel like, you know, especially in society today There's like so much pressure to to stay segregated right from wherever you're from you stay where you're at I stay where I'm at and so I just love the idea even through your profession That you gain that opportunity to you know cross the other side of the tracks and like see what that's like But it's mutually beneficial because you're also giving them an opportunity to see what someone else is like and so I think um You know you got them to break through that resistance to sound like a lot of times And I'm sure that was really rewarding because when people are resisting and don't want to be bothered with you That's a tough thing to still bring a good attitude to work.
So um, yeah, no, thank you for sharing that So now let's transition a little bit into like, you know, where did you go from there? Right? So you said you you put in 11 years there and what I like about your background is like this There's this balance or this mixture of entrepreneurship and professional Not that entrepreneurship isn't professional but more like, you know corporate I guess you could say Um, so how are you doing that today? Are you working as an entrepreneur and still in a corporate role or um, you know?
Can you tell us just I guess a little bit of like what is what are the days look like? I obviously I know you're an entrepreneur. I'm just curious how you balance that and what your day job looks like today Yeah, so I started And you've got real work to do mental supermarkets will help you get it done fast with a huge variety of metals and stock We can help no matter what job comes your way and all it takes is a few clicks We make buying metal online easy so you can spend less time shopping and more time getting things done Metal supermarkets the convenience stores for metal place an order online today at metal supermarkets.com So, um, I was still working in child welfare as a corporate supervisor. So, you know, I um in the beginning it was very rough You know, I wanted starting a business from the ground up was um, you know, it taught me a lesson Um, it's not easy work, but hey going back to resilience like if you watch something so bad you will go for it So I started the business while working in child welfare And then I started to become very old woman in the beginning because you know, you're I just literally went from working You know a day job to not working after hours and we're gonna weekend trying to start this business Um, which I ended up doing it.
So as the years went by I started to find that balance and and it wasn't easy But I'm glad for those little hardships that we have in mind because if it was easy all the time everyone would be doing what they want Yeah, it will it will come easy you know, I'm saying but because of these little hardships were able to make adjustment and we're able to reflect So let's say assess what is working and what is not working So, you know balancing a day job and balancing my business on the side and trying to come up with all these creative ideas that obviously it's just it's nonstop My brain doesn't turn off but that's a whole different story. Um, you know, it has to be Um You just have to go through it honestly, I you know, I wish I had an answer for everybody like how do you do it? You just have to go through it. It's not good to cut it going back to like child welfare It's not good to cut her every family had their own issues and I'm sure that everyone's life is gonna look different when they have a business And then when I work for corporate america, which is what I'm doing now.
Um, so So, you know, it was it was a challenge, but it's gotten a lot better. Um, and I have to thank god now that I have a more balance I no longer work for child welfare. I started a new job. Um, last year.
Um, so That job brings me a little bit more peace of mind Because it's not high risk like it used to with child welfare. It's low stress. Um, so I'm able to come home and not bring that stress Um home. Um, I can come home and honestly just focus on my business So I think god for that because I needed that um in my life in order to focus more in my business I think that's an important point too.
Like just managing stress that that's something Honestly, I've been working on myself, you know, working in corporate america as well and I think it's easy, you know Every every job, you know can have its pressures. I mean, sure I used to work in McDonald's as a teenager and that could have pressure You know, I worked at like kmart which is similar to walmart if you don't know about kmart, but I don't know if they were We're here. Okay. Cool.
Yeah, so y'all worked at kmart and it was like I remember working at the cash register And like around christmas time the lines would get so long and this is before like this is like at the beginning Um in the early 2000s when they first started like introducing like you scans and scanning yourself and stuff, you know, it was more And so more people at the register and like the lines would get long and it's christmas time people complaining Obviously like I was young. I'm like I started sweating like oh man, so many people it's like any job can have pressure So I think it's important. That's an important, you know, point you made about like managing that stress and being in a position where you can manage that stress So that's pretty cool. Um Can you tell us a little bit about the business not like, you know pooch natural living, you know, like where you know When did you start it and like what you know, tell us a little bit about your dog, which I know is like the inspiration for the business So can you kind of walk us through that?
Um like the birth of the business from that perspective? Yeah, absolutely. Um, so Little f4i I as a girl a little girl is talking about my upbringing. I never imagined so how the business by the way I was never the girl was like, oh, I'm having business one day.
No, okay, that happened later in life. Okay. Um, so So My dog has suffered a lot from allergies environmental and food wise. Um, so I remember I got her when she was 10 weeks old And I lived at that time.
I lived in an apartment really close by emol It was an outdoor small. It's um literally when I say it was down the street two lights away from my apartment So I remember um and they were new back then they were a new mall So Back then I used to take her to the mall to walk her, you know, I probably had they have all this energy and they got to learn how to walk At least so I used to take her a lot for the mall when she was socialized with all kinds of people They got she was like a little walking teddy bear which right away she still looks like a teddy bear But you know, um, I started looking at all these stores and I'm like, you know what there's a lot of they can see at these stores at the mall Cause you know, it was new back then and I was like, it would be pretty nice if I just like opened, you know, a little restaurant for a dog for dogs And it was just an idea back then. Honestly, it was just an idea. Um, I was and I shied away from it because I'm like, you know what?
That's just crazy like how am I gonna pay, you know rent for a store like I'm just a girl living an apartment and working on five Um, but years down the road and I want to say maybe like four years after that I started experiencing by then um, um, uh, very stressful situation with my dog and constant visits to the vet, um, in regards to her allergies I mean it was bad. She was on antibiotics, osteororoid because the skin infections got bad Um, the itching got bad where she just scratched so much and into her skin where it was bleeding. Um, so yeah, so then the ear infection So, you know, we went through this phase of putter-frown medication. We went through this phase of putter-craven prescribed foods, um, which by the way, it's not cheap at all.
Um, and we went through this phase of process of elimination with certain foods to find out what was causing all these allergies They went ahead and did an allergy test. She tested for 12 different environmental things that she tested positive for which I can't recall all of them But it's a lot and then I started to um, find myself like not finding good treats for her Like, okay So the food was kind of working and what happens with food is that you have to give it like six to eight weeks to find out if it's gonna work for a dog So it was a long process and so I found a good quality food, but the treats were they problem. Um, I'm going into big chain stores, which I will not mention But they're very popular out there and I was reading the ingredients and what I saw is that the packaging was very attractive You know people that buy treats or anything and even even you and I when we buy the food, you know, it's very attractive on the front label But when I was reading the back label because remember I was told I needed to take her off certain Foods I was reading the back label and I became very discouraged because it was all with that one or two ingredient that she couldn't have You know, so although it said natural although it said organic under front label Although it said grain free it was always that one or two thing that I'm like, uh, gotcha You're not that natural, right? Um, so so then I started making um the treats at home And I said, you know what?
Why not start making these treats and selling it and I again became Scared I was like, Jen, I you know, like Jen's starting a business like I don't know how to start a business You know, I mean like I don't know how to do that. So I shot away from it again. Um, so years later Um, I was at church and I remember that I had this. Um, I can't even describe it It was like, um, not an urgency I get an urgency or like something that really propelled my heart To start something because at that point I knew I knew without a doubt that I was meant to be Someone greater than what I had envisioned myself to be I love it.
And I didn't know what that was but I knew it in my heart. Um, so because I knew it in my heart And it was like looking back. I know it was God's green light for me to go ahead But I was so scared, you know, and I'm like, I've never had a business. It's a crazy idea How am I gonna make sure I don't even know how to bake?
You know, I can cook for you, but I don't want to bake. Um, so I was talking to someone and they advised me that I start with the treat because I said I had this idea of starting a store I want to talk to you about some day and I want to make food for the dogs and I was like, what's up with treats? All right, I can do that. You know, I can start small.
Um, so that's how I started It I started with um, and you probably don't laugh at that but because I told you right about it I honestly Googled it how to start a dog treat business and a book came up. Okay, a book came up and I bought the book Okay, I bought the book. I read it. It gave me the foundation on how to sell the treats how to market them Um, you know, the proper way how to sell pet food including, um, just sending them to a lab Um, including how to list the ingredients on, you know, the greatest to the least because I knew nothing So I knew that I had to start somewhere and that began again with educating myself on how to start this So how does a lot of research again?
But started with something in my heart something prompted me And I know with the Holy Spirit pumped in me that I needed to do this because I still feel it so that day that I am called to be greater Than what I see right now, you know what, Jennifer it you would think that you have listened to every episode of this show This is why I love like just being led to have guests on this show. So, um You know, there's something I have called the purpose guide and I put it out on one of the episodes and they're like all these steps Um to like finding your purpose and like, you know, starting a business, whatever it may be just being guided to your purpose The number one thing on the list is to learn and educate that is like for me again We never talked about that, but I love that for you It was like first it starts with like this relationship with God and like you go through all of this These experiences through your profession, right? And you found you had that moment of like all right that urgency from the Holy Spirit of like I'm called to be greater than this But the very first thing you did once you knew that once you knew that you had to act on it Was you went and educated yourself? And the reason I love that you said that for like any of the audience listening today like these interviews and discussions with these amazing people Like Jennifer like you have to be able to grab the process out of it It's like it's not just about learning about you, Jennifer But it's about like you're giving people a real example in a blueprint of like this is how you start So that person out there that's feeling like, you know, I don't know where to start or they're creating every excuse Look, you didn't know how to bake.
I always say problems create opportunities. Your dog was sick That was all you mean, you know what I mean? Like it was like I have a sick dog and I noted I'm called to be greater and I go out here But you had to do the work. So anyway, sorry to kind of like um Paul.
No, I love it No, I love it because you know the bible says what the bible says about faith, you know, if you don't do the work Yeah, so so yeah, so that's a scripture right there. We have to put the work Um, and then in the end then yes after you put the work, there's gonna be more faith and more work to it Um because I feel that it does it doesn't stop there It continues to challenge us when we own a business that continues to teach us and challenge us and create those um growth moments And those growth pains, um, you know, the grown pains are Is a real thing for people to believe it walking my face. Yes, it's gonna. It's gonna feel uncomfortable It's gonna it was very uncomfortable for me.
Um because again, I was so used to that safety net of just going to school Getting a degree having a career a stable job, you know what I mean? Um with benefits and now as an entrepreneur, but thankfully I still have my day job Because it provides you know what I mean? I pay the bills But also I can see because I talked to other business owners and I asked them the question So how did you take that leap like leaving your day job to dedicate 100 percent to your business and um and one thing that I'll tell Me is that it was scary, but it was worth it. Yeah Yeah, look it was scary, but it was worth it You said that about something else earlier um today as well and I love that that whole like that mantra that mindset But I also love that like you kind of said it's a process I think some people what they really want is they want you to tell them that it's gonna happen overnight And all you got to do is start this and everything's gonna be perfect It's like no starting your faith is the beginning of your faith That's like the first time you're gonna use it You're gonna need it a lot more like you said as you go through the process So I do want to just say real quickly for anyone listening Um give them some of your contact info, um, which is also going to be in the description of the show So if you're listening to this like apple podcast spotify wherever sat read the little description of the show and you'll see Uh Jennifer's contact information.
You can email bark at poochnaturalliving.com Also visit their her website poochnaturalliving.com and also the instagram at poochnaturalliving again all of those will be kind of in the Description of the show, but I just wanted to sneak that in there really quick So jennifer kitty. Yeah, no problem. Can you talk a little bit about like, you know, not that you've been in a business You started in 2017. What are some of the successes and things that you were doing today?
Like what are some of the things you've accomplished and learned along the way, you know being in the business? What is that now four or five years almost? Um probably going into year five, um, you know Share some of your experiences and learnings of like hey you tackle and overcame that initial fear to start the business Um, and now that you're in it, you know kind of tell us a little bit about it Yeah, so so you know Bacon treats is one thing but actually having the skill to go out there and promote it and um, you know show people what you're selling what you can Make is a whole different skill. Um, so a year after I started the business.
Um, I decided to be a vendor You know, I started to attend markets in the community at first again. I was scared. Oh my god I've never done this before I was like how am I gonna do this and by the way a little background history I hated retail. Okay growing up I had retail jobs.
I hate it though, but I love what I do now So I I want to necessarily tell you I'm gonna work at like some department store because I was so hated But I love I love to sell my treats because you can tell it's my passion and I get into these conversations with people when I'm like, oh my god Like jen, you're actually doing retail. You just don't know it So, you know and how I realized that is after doing the market event So I first I was like, oh my gosh, I've never been a vendor before like how am I gonna put myself out there? And the first one I did um Was this lady at my job and she came up to me. She was like, hey my child, um, you know school is having a fair You know, I'm looking for vendors where you'd be interested and I was like, oh, yeah, sure and I again I stepped out out of my comfort zone and I did it and it felt good Let me tell you it felt so good.
Um, it was stressful in the beginning because I'm like, oh, so I'm a vendor But what am I gonna need? You know, I'm gonna need a tent. I'm gonna need a table. I'm gonna need flyers I'm gonna need obviously treats.
I got a bake so many like how many um, so it was a challenge, um, but then after that You know what I became very comfortable with it. Um, I remembered the first time I did it My family came through my friends came through they supported me They were giving me so much props and they were like you acting like a natural you were out there doing your thing And I was like really I was like, I loved it. So I got a little taste of it and then I just kept doing more So that was your two year two was like, yes, like I'm actually a vendor and then after that I just started creating more flavors I said it didn't work great at the kitchen. Um, again because I wasn't a baker But now I felt comfortable creating other flavors.
So I created other flavors. Um, and being a vendor, you know after that Something else that taught me is that we have to knock on doors. Um, you know, I had to reach out to big organization And be like, hey, are you looking for vendors and they're like, yes, and I'm in, you know, so I had to learn to Reach out. Um, sometimes oftentimes, you know, we hear a lot of people say, oh, you know, if it's God's will people do it But then again, we have to act on it.
We have to knock on those doors. So because I stepped out and faced it not and simply ask a question Um, I they kept me in mind a lot of people kept me in mind and kept referring me to other organizations So I can be a vendor and then once you know it like it was now It's also like word of mouth like now I'm being referred to other people that not other people that know other people that have other businesses So it's a wonderful thing. So I'm glad that I was able to Be scared. I guess and now be very confident that I can do this It's God's will because he's allowing those doors to open when I knock it even sometimes when I don't knock Literally opportunities fall on my lap.
Um, so that has been going on in addition to that just a few months ago I also, um just started to sell my treats in a couple of stores. Um, so that was another Thank you. So that was another thing that I have never done before is actually now Um, do business with other businesses. Um, and I am super happy that they believe in my product and they're happy and they want to see me succeed And they support me in that in that way that where they're like, yeah, bring your treats We love what you style that we believe in you and yeah, we want to do business with you Of course, so again, you know knocking on doors and let's see what the rest of the year has to offer and same thing with a magazine You know, that's something that landed on my lap.
It literally emailed me and was like, hey We want to know more about your story. We're interested. Are you interested? I was like what?
Where'd you come from? You know, I mean so So again, it's um knocking on doors and then allowing God to also, you know, um Place those opportunities on your lap, but it starts really with us knocking on doors and asking and putting yourself out there So that's what I say. That's what I mean by like it's just more than bacon treats It's being the entrepreneur that we're called to be. Yeah, you know what?
Like um, you remember me like I have have this this quote And maybe even an early episode title for this show is like opportunity doesn't knock and I always like push back on this idea that You know people will say opportunity knocks as if you know, you can just be sitting around doing nothing and oh man Here's opportunity at the front door waiting on me, right? It's like no opportunity is like maybe at the door Like you said waiting on you to knock and you have to take that first step and it's amazing Like you said once you start knocking on doors how God just opens one door It makes connections right and always like think about this as an entrepreneur because exactly what you're describing That's the same thing as podcast is right. It's me from editing to you know Finding interviewers or interviewees and like doing my homework It's like, you know, it's me like and it's being knocking on doors and also being patient and understanding that it takes time But um, it's a it's a beautiful thing Always think about like man like all the cool people I've met all the godly people I've met like that's what is at risk if you don't knock on doors and do whatever God called you to do It's like all of the stories and people you meet, you know At while you're a vendor like just imagine never overcoming that initial fear to start it And like all of the things that wouldn't have happened, you know had you not stepped out on faith So I think that's um, you know, just a powerful aspect And I like that you also pointed out like this idea that hey like as an entrepreneur You have to be willing to be everything you know, you said yourself like you started off as this quiet and shy timid girl From massachusetts and then now you're in florida and you're knocking on doors and you're selling stuff in stores and still balancing your day job Um, I want to give you the last word jennifer I want you to um, you know, just share like anything that you would share with anyone listening to this Uh, you know interview today and they're still feeling like man. I'm I'm still scared though Like I hear you jennifer, but that's you, you know, like, you know, my dog isn't sick So I don't have that motivation, you know, what would you say to someone who doesn't just naturally feel the motivation?
Um, and they're kind of stuck in the comfort zone to go out and take that leap of faith and knock on that first door Man, you know You said something very important being in the comfort zone. I think um I think it's a good time when we're a little bit uncomfortable. Obviously I have experienced it and I've heard people say this Um, that it's good to be in the uncomfortable and if you're too comfortable, then there's something wrong and i'm sorry to say it But i'm not really sorry. Yeah, I'm just i'm just being as you know bold because and hey and that happens to me You know, I get a little bit too comfortable, but what happens with me is I get a little bit too comfortable to come back and I hate it Um, I don't like becoming stuck.
Um, I don't like being in control like in this flat toe state of mind I like moving forward. So, you know, if you have it within you if you have it within your character that you're gonna fight a good fight And you're gonna push through then I say surround yourself with people that are gonna mentor you Surround yourself with people that understand not necessarily exactly what you want to do But I think you're passionate because not everybody understood That calling of mind to be an entrepreneur, which is why I didn't say much in the beginning when I was starting I literally just started and I was like, ta-da. I'm here. But what I'm doing I didn't have to consult with a lot of people and I think what happens is that you Say a lot of things to the wrong people sometimes and they can discourage you and mind you, you're already discouraged But here comes like another like downer and you're like, well, how am I gonna get out of it?
You know, like how to start this like I don't even have the motivation Well, check your surroundings check the people that you're hanging out with you know, I mean Um, so then it also comes to you at the end of the day You gotta put the work into it, you know, how dedicated are you to do the research? Um to put the work out there even if it's past, you know, your bedtime Um, I remember a couple of times I had to stay up till four o'clock in the morning Just for me to be at the office at nine o'clock in the morning Um, but that's how passionate I was to start this in the beginning and I was like, I'm gonna give it my all and I'm still am Don't get me wrong. Don't get me wrong. I'm not perfect.
I've done it with tears in my eyes. Okay. I have stressful days It's not easy. I can say it's not easy, but I'm just trying to be real I've had stressful days where I'm gonna get your crime, okay Just because I'm overwhelmed and I'm having a hard day, but it's not gonna stop I continue to move forward So just check your surroundings and do a little hard check yourself too and and after self like, you know Are you trusting God?
Are you trusting God to do what he has called you to do and make sure that it's a guard too? Yeah, thank you went out. Did we lose Jennifer? Yeah, I lose you.
Are you stutter? Yes, I'm sorry. I thought I lost you. Um, I love I love that last part like You know, make sure it's of God Like you really like I mean, thank you for sharing that like just such a well-rounded perspective On this entire idea of being an entrepreneur of like, hey, it's super hard.
You can be super scared But you got to like overcome that jump into it. That's just the beginning of the faith though Like so once you start you got to kind of keep having faith You got to understand if it was easy everyone would do it You got to be willing to knock on doors and be everything and guess what? You got to be out of that comfort zone and embrace the uncomfort because if you're too comfortable You could be stagnant and that's not good and guess what sometimes you do it with tears in your eyes So you're not perfect I just love like the well-rounded nature that and then really end it off like hey Let's make sure that whatever you're sacrificing and doing is of God because I do think like then we talk about some of those things on the show Like, you know, people can have their selfish ambitions and that's really different than your God given calling and purpose But what we're talking about today is like this is like the urgency the Holy Spirit Um brought about this urgency and there's a lot of purpose and substance behind what you're doing So I love that Jennifer I'm gonna let you go But look don't be a stranger to the show or to me reach out whenever you need to Um, and I'm excited to share this with God's people and just many blessings on your continued endeavors as you grow Thank you. Maybe one day I'm just throwing it out there now because I do have plans um now in 2022 at some time I'm gonna bring my podcast to the visual side of it So we may have to do a follow up at some point later this year or something.
I'll reach out to you see if you're Absolutely. I love that. Yeah, yeah And continue in this conversation and maybe even going into some other corners that we didn't go into but I love it. I love it and thank you for having me too.
Thank you for this opportunity And you're one of those people that reached out and I was totally um caught off guard by it But hey, you know here we are and we're making it happen. Thank you And it's all because you knocked on doors I saw some, you know, I saw the magazine article You said something I'm gonna tell the people because I already told you like what you said in that article that made me reach out Um in that interview you said my faith in God has played a major role in my personal life in business And I'm like man this show is about faith in business She said God has played this amazing part and obviously I read through the entire interview and like what you were doing with your business So I just appreciate you responding and you know, um having this dialogue So many blessings to you your family and as the dog's name munchy. Yes, that's her name and munchy. So thanks a lot.
All right. Thank you. Thank you I