Meet Woman in Business Amy Bursor, Owner and Founder of 3 Paws Kitchen
Tell us about your business
We are a handmade human ingredient dog bakery specializing in healthy & delicious treats and birthday cakes for dogs created by a certified dog food nutritionist.
Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
A few years ago my beloved chihuahua was diagnosed with cancer and needed her leg amputated. It was a heartbreaking and trying time but it made me take a hard look at what I was feeding her and I fell down the rabbit hole of what is really in commercial dog food. I was horrified at what I learned and decided to take matters into my own hands. I became a dog food nutritionist and developed by own dog food recipe with the help of other leading nutritionists. The change in my own dogs since switching to fresh food has been amazing and decided I wanted to give others a healthier option when feeding their dogs . Then the pandemic happened. All my sales dried up with people out of work and I had to take a hard look at my life. I loved having a dog food company and didn’t want to give it up. My dogs birthday came up and I decided to make her a birthday cake. I posted it on social media and my friends loved it and started asking me to make them one for their dogs. I posted it on Etsy for shits and giggles and people started buying it. Then more people started buying and I decided to go where I’m celebrated. I pivoted the business and we’ve been making treats and cakes ever since. Business has been better than ever!
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
I know it sounds silly but my dog has been my greatest influence. Going thru cancer with her she inspired me to celebrate every year I get with her as a gift and I love being able to bring joy to other people’s lives especially since the last few years have been so trying.
What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
I would say the greatest accomplishment would be instead of throwing in the towel when things got tough we rolled with the punches and changed the business in a different direction to go where we could be celebrated.
What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
My very best friend is a business owner and she told me when times are tough and you just want to give up and cry to stay strong, you can do it and it will all be worth it.
What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
Sofar our best marketing has been from clients sharing and tagging us on social media. People see what I do and they love it and want a cake for their dogs.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
I’ve learned that there is so much knowledge you can gain from others. I am constantly asking other business owners for advice and help.
What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I grew up and danced professionally for a long time so when I get stressed and need to relax I dance around my apartment.
What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
My next goal is to expand the business and take this to the next level
You want to write a book on
… being open to change and learning from your mistakes
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would like to tell people as much as you think you know and prepare you have to be open to change and go where you’re celebrated.
Learn more and connect with Amy at her website www.3pawskitchen.com
