Simply Raw, with a touch of Otago Petfoods

Next up is the wonderful Emersyn from Simply Raw in Rolleston, with a touch of Otago Petfoods.

We love Emersyn and all the goodies in the Simply Raw store, and apparently she’s willing to negotiate a role for Gordo as Chief Happiness Officer… so we will be heading back up for our interview…

Last time we stopped at the store Gordo actually stole some salmon skins … they definitely had to be paid for as they were eaten super quickly.

A huge thanks to Emersyn for being so beautifully authentic with her answers below.

Please enjoy xx

These are their unedited words…

Please share your story

My parents started Otago Petfoods way back in 2012. This arised from my mum working as a vet nurse and dog groomer, and seeing the endless amount of dogs with skin allergies, and my step dad being a keen hunter and gatherer. One of the main challenges was money. My parents had a young family and starting a business with no money was a huge risk. They put all their savings into starting the business hoping that maybe one day they’d get a small return. I remember being 11/12 years old in the garage of our old 125 year old home helping my parents mince beef from the small bench mincers you get on trade me. I had no idea that Otago Petfoods was going to grow to what it is today.

What inspired you to start your business?

Hunting and gathering and not wasting valuable meat and taking animals lives just because. All the off cuts from my parents hunting all went to our own pets as we didn’t like waste but also didn’t have any money to buy Petfood when we had it right infront of us. It was also because mum seem the endless amounts of dogs with ear infections, skin allergies and overweight pets and wanted to make a change.

What problem were you looking to solve?

Providing pets with fresh healthy REAL nutrition.

Do you feel you’ve solved that problem or has it evolved?

Yes definitely! I have seen so many amazing results with pets we have helped transfer to a raw diet

What were you most afraid of when starting and how did you push past?

Failing - I think most business owners can agree on this one

What inspires you to continue growing and developing your business?

Customer satisfaction and feedback, Innovation and new challenges, Impact on the community/society, Team and employee success, Personal growth and learning, Financial achievements

Expand on what inspires you and any other thoughts you’d like to share.

The customers, nothing makes me more happy than people telling me I’ve changed their pets life. Going to work every day knowing I’m going to be helping achieve goal for their pets. I love seeing pets thrive and bounce back from whatever health challenges they were having.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration as a business owner?

My parents. They created this business from nothing. We were so poor growing up but as a kid I never knew. My parents gave me everything while pouring literally every dollar they had into Otago Petfoods hoping one day they’d be able to make a living.

Do you have mentors and/or advisors that you work with?

Yes! I am unsure of their names but they have had help from business mentors but also friends and family!

What do you find are your biggest challenges and what do you do to keep yourself in the best shape to face these?

Biggest challenges I think would be maintenance costs. These are never ending. I keep a clear mind as much as I can to not make any rational decision or have a meltdown that someone else has broken down.

Would you recommend starting a business?

Yes, absolutely

What learnings do you have for those looking to step into business?

Go for it. If you are passionate about something and you are in the right mindset you’re already half way there!