Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Cobb
Hi Kate, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Layla Jane Pug (2008-2023) is the reason we started Chubby Pug Cheese! As she began getting older everything got a little bit harder. Pug was having some digestive issues and some of the treats were just too hard for her to crunch. My background is in Pastry and Cake Decorating, so we set out to develop a basic biscuit that was softer and Pug could still enjoy. The results are a 5 ingredient peanut butter oat based treat, more like a graham cracker in consistency. We then set out to develop a pup-royal icing, without sugars or artificial flavors, allowing us to create decorated treats we can share with our best furriends.
We started in 2022, just baking treats for friends and family. Spring of 2023 we ventured into the Uptown Ankeny Farmers Market, which led to a few wholesale accounts at local businesses. This year (2024), we launched our website and expanded our reach, doing multiple farmers markets and vendor events around the Des Moines Metro. We now wholesale at 5 locations and are continuing to grow!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely, a rollercoaster. Thankfully, I have an amazing support system and people willing to spend their extra time helping my dreams come true.
There are fluctuating sales days. The crazy Iowa weather is always a factor.
There are a lot of unanswered emails when trying to expand your business, along with several ‘no thank you’ answers, that can be very defeating.
Continuously trying to differentiate the treats from shapes to sizes to design, in order for our brand to stand out in the dog treat space.
Creating social media content that matches our brand and is engaging to customers, hoping the algorithm finds our dog loving people.
The dream is to do this full time, and barring a few bumps, we feel that we are well on our way!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What are you most proud of?
Being part of a such a collaborative and supportive small business community. It’s incredible to see where their businesses are going and to support their journey, along with having them be cheerleaders for you!
What sets you apart?
My icing and my decorating skills. My pastry and cake decorating background have really helped in developing these treats. I worked for about 6mos on the icing; researching, testing, and swapping recipes to make sure it includes dog safe ingredients, as well as, no refined sugars/no artificial color/no artificial flavors. Over the past year, I have really pushed myself to expand the seasonality and custom design work on these treats. I went from decorating 2 tier cakes to piping designs on 2 or 3in shaped treats!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Layla Jane Pug- she was the OG Chubby Pug. The reason any of this exists.
My husband, Jeff, is an amazing human. He is very encouraging and supportive. He works most of the events that I sign us up for, not to mention is willing to make silly videos with me for social media. We have a lot of fun together and he wants to see Chubby Pug succeed, as much as I do!
My Parents. (my dad passed away 3.5 years ago). They always taught us that ‘Hard Work Pays Off’ and we can be whatever we want to be. Dog Treat Dealer it is! I want to make my parents proud.
My family!
My cheerleading squad. My mom, sister, niece, my in laws, and my best friend- have all worked several different events with us. They’ve helped cut stickers, stamped bags, print labels, make t-shirts, videos etc etc. Always willing to lend a hand when they come to visit. Its greatly appreciated and I cannot thank them enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chubbypugcheese.com/
- Instagram: @chubby.pug.cheese
