From the Himalayas to Your Pet: Building an Authentic, Award-Winning Brand

Pukar Pyakurel is the Founder and President of Yak9 Chews, an award-winning pet treat company creating premium organic cheese chews for dogs. Yak9 Chews is recognized as an industry leader in the yak cheese chew industry with its innovative flavors and sustainable product packaging. Founded in 2015 by Pukar and his wife Shristi, the brand stands out with ethically sourced, preservative-free, nutritious ingredients. Under the couple's leadership, the brand has expanded to over 400 independent pet retail stores across the US, Canada, and Europe. Shristi Mishra is the Co-founder and CEO of Yak9 Chews, a company that produces all-natural, protein-rich Himalayan yak chews. Together with her husband Pukar, she has built the brand by emphasizing sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community engagement. With a background in education and a passion for pets, Shristi plays a critical role in sourcing ingredients from both Nepal and the US, ensuring the company's commitment to quality and sustainability. In this episode… When love for pets and determination interlace, can an entrepreneurial quest transform the pet industry? How can a company shake off adversity and manage to not only survive, but thrive?  With authenticity as the cornerstone of their business venture, entrepreneurs Pukar Pyakurel and Shristi Mishra illustrate how challenges can turn into opportunities. The couple's journey began with an unexpected turn during a catastrophic earthquake in Nepal, leading to a groundbreaking idea in the pet treat market. Together they have masterfully leveraged their story, commitment to quality, and authentic branding to grow Yak9 Chews into a global brand recognized for its nutritious, sustainable Himalayan yak cheese. Pukar's love for cold calling and Shristi's focus on ingredient integrity have paved their way into the pet industry. By staying true to their roots and continuously innovating around their product offerings, they exemplify the essence of a business driven by purpose and passion.   In this episode of Marketing Tails, Mark Bevington chats with Yak9 Chews' Founder and President Pukar Pyakurel and the company's Co-founder and CEO Shristi Mishra. The couple shares insights on growing a global pet brand, the obstacles faced by startups, and the triumphs of connecting with an international community. They stress the importance of authenticity in marketing, the value of persistence, and the power of creating a community around a brand that genuinely cares about pets and the planet.