Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Fields.
Hi Helen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I always wanted a dog. My parents said no and advised that I get a dog when I have my own place. So I did. 14 years ago, I bought the most beautiful, smart, and loving puppy I ever met. I named her Maci. She changed my life forever. I made sure everything she ate was healthy and clean. I made some of her treats. Finding healthy treats without by-products, chemicals, and /or sugars was hard. Maci loved the treats I made. I shared some with family and friends, and they said”, You should sell these!”
I talked to my brilliant and beautiful sister, Cathy. We researched and found a franchise that sold treats and dog food. We signed on, and after 2 years, we decided it was not for us. We were too restricted. I said to myself, “I can do this! ” I researched more and tried new recipes and ideas. Some failed, and many were successful. At first, sales were slow, and things became steady, not great, but steady. COVID came, and I thought we were done, but we are still in the game.
We currently sell online at www.macimootreats.com, and we sell at the Prior Lake Farmers Market in their summer and winter markets. We pride ourselves on being women-owned, having products made in the USA, and having no use of chemicals or additives..
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business is one of the most challenging things I have ever done. Learning the laws, tax rules, and finding products only from the USA. It requires a great deal of time and money. Both of which I was short of since I work full-time in addition to the business. It was difficult to find venues for selling treats. Many markets already had a dog treat vendor. It was hard and still is to find reliable help to work for me at venues. COVID hit us hard financially and logistically. Many suppliers went out of business and/or were no longer supporting small businesses, but we are still in the game. Along the way, we have had a great deal of support and have experienced prejudice. We put the negativity aside and focused on our goal. Which is to provide clean and healthy treats for dogs and cats, and have fun..
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a women-owned business that provides unique treats for dogs and cats. All of our items are from the USA and made in the USA with human-grade ingredients. Most of our items are handmade. My sister Cathy and I own the business. I have a degree in Marketing, and in addition to Maci Moo, I work at the Minneapolis VA. My sister Cathy, who has a consultative role in the business, has a degree in Healthcare Law and a bachelor’s in Biological Science, and works for Jossyin in IL..
We are most proud of the variety of treats we offer. We have treats for dogs with sensitive bellies (lamb ears, Pumpkin Yumpkins tripe sticks, sweet potato straws) and for cats that are finicky eaters (Swimps, Chicken in the Stars, freeze-dried minnows). We have chews for dogs that are from the USA ( bully sticks, Beef cheeks, beef tendons) and do not have chemicals. Everything we sell is fully digestible. The best compliment we have ever received is when a customer returned and said, “We only buy your treats because our dog never gets sick. We buy other brands, and they make her sick.”
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the industry is going to keep growing, and pet owners are going to become more particular about the food and treats they give to their pets. With the economy and rising prices, pet owners want their money’s worth and to make their purchase count. We have more and more people rescuing animals and purchasing certain breeds. Overall, they want the best for their pets. I have had many customers ask me, “What is best for my new puppy?” or “We are getting a new dog, what would you suggest as a healthy treat?”, ” My dog is getting older and has a sensitive stomach. Can he still have treats?” I suggest some of the things we sell. I also ask about the food they feed. I explain that pet owners have to read the ingredients, do research, and talk with their Vet. The biggest change is that pet owners are more aware and educated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.macimootreats.com
- Facebook: macimootreats
