Thriving Together
Laguna Ninth Grader Gabrielle Terzian Launches Pet Treat Business
Many grown adults might hesitate to start their own businesses. However, Laguna Ninth Grader Gabrielle Terzian took a leap of faith and went for it as a Middle Schooler during the pandemic. We caught up with this young entrepreneur this week to learn more about her growing business of homemade pet treats, Chou’s Barkery.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE THIS BUSINESS?
I have been baking human treats since I was seven, and always loved the reactions on peoples’ faces after enjoying a treat. I couldn’t bake for others during the pandemic, so I started baking for dogs, whose reactions were even more rewarding. My business’s name was chosen to honor my beloved 17-year-old pug, Chou (pronounced like Shoe).
HOW DID LAGUNA’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP CLASS IN 8TH GRADE ASSIST IN THE LAUNCH OF YOUR PET TREAT COMPANY CHOU’S BARKERY?
The entrepreneurship class helped me to narrow my focus. I learned more about advertising and market research and how valuable customer input is. Now I offer samples to every dog that comes by.
HOW DID YOU MAKE YOUR COMPANY OFFICIAL?
I first acquired my business name, then got a Seller’s permit, and finally filed for a business permit. I have a Seller’s Permit registered with California and a Business Permit with Santa Barbara.
HOW CAN PEOPLE GET THEIR HANDS ON THOSE TASTY TREATS?
People can find me on Instagram @Chousbarkery, my website chousbarkery.com, and at Youth Makers Markets every third Saturday at 720-726 State Street next to Blenders. Website and Instagram orders are available for pick up.
WHAT WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES OF STARTING THIS BUSINESS?
The biggest challenge was and still is making a name for myself and getting return customers. People are skeptical of trying new brands, but thankfully enough people are open to brands made in their local area so they tried my products out. I’m now getting return customers at the Youth Makers Markets.
HOW DID YOU LEARN TO DEVELOP THESE RECIPES?
I used the Internet to learn the basics about portions. I started with 12 recipes and seven different flavor mixes before testing them on dogs. I narrowed it down to three flavors (Peanut Butter and Banana, Sweet Potato, and PB with Beef & Chicken broth) and started experimenting with what made a good dough and what the dogs liked. I changed those recipes almost six times each. Now I have three recipes that are hard for any dog to resist—even the picky ones.
WHAT MAKES YOUR TREATS STAND OUT AMONGST COMPETITORS? DO YOU HAVE A TAGLINE?
Unlike a lot of treats, I’m local to the people I’m selling to. They get to see the baker as a person and not as a machine. My treats are preservative-free and your grandmother would recognize all the ingredients. Yes, I have a tagline: Treats for the Furry Family Members!
WHICH FLAVOR IS THE MOST POPULAR?
Most dogs love Pugnana (banana and peanut butter).
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER STUDENTS WHO WANT TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESSES?
Before getting set on an idea, look at how many competitors are in your area, and what can you offer that they can’t. Then experiment. Also, don’t make too much at first, and make sure the pricing is reasonable considering the manufacturing costs.
WHERE DO YOU SEE CHOU’S BARKERY IN FOUR YEARS?
I hope Chou’s Barkery will be big enough for me to start a small barkery, with both dog and human goodies. Perhaps with a dog park out front!
Dog owners can check out the treats at Gabrielle’s Pop-Up Booth on Friday at Laguna's Picnic on the Green! And for those with feline friends, Chou’s Barkery has you covered with two cat treats called Kitnip and Catfish. Questions? Contact Gabrielle Terzian.
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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE THIS BUSINESS?
I have been baking human treats since I was seven, and always loved the reactions on peoples’ faces after enjoying a treat. I couldn’t bake for others during the pandemic, so I started baking for dogs, whose reactions were even more rewarding. My business’s name was chosen to honor my beloved 17-year-old pug, Chou (pronounced like Shoe).
HOW DID LAGUNA’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP CLASS IN 8TH GRADE ASSIST IN THE LAUNCH OF YOUR PET TREAT COMPANY CHOU’S BARKERY?
The entrepreneurship class helped me to narrow my focus. I learned more about advertising and market research and how valuable customer input is. Now I offer samples to every dog that comes by.
HOW DID YOU MAKE YOUR COMPANY OFFICIAL?
I first acquired my business name, then got a Seller’s permit, and finally filed for a business permit. I have a Seller’s Permit registered with California and a Business Permit with Santa Barbara.
HOW CAN PEOPLE GET THEIR HANDS ON THOSE TASTY TREATS?
People can find me on Instagram @Chousbarkery, my website chousbarkery.com, and at Youth Makers Markets every third Saturday at 720-726 State Street next to Blenders. Website and Instagram orders are available for pick up.
WHAT WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES OF STARTING THIS BUSINESS?
The biggest challenge was and still is making a name for myself and getting return customers. People are skeptical of trying new brands, but thankfully enough people are open to brands made in their local area so they tried my products out. I’m now getting return customers at the Youth Makers Markets.
HOW DID YOU LEARN TO DEVELOP THESE RECIPES?
I used the Internet to learn the basics about portions. I started with 12 recipes and seven different flavor mixes before testing them on dogs. I narrowed it down to three flavors (Peanut Butter and Banana, Sweet Potato, and PB with Beef & Chicken broth) and started experimenting with what made a good dough and what the dogs liked. I changed those recipes almost six times each. Now I have three recipes that are hard for any dog to resist—even the picky ones.
WHAT MAKES YOUR TREATS STAND OUT AMONGST COMPETITORS? DO YOU HAVE A TAGLINE?
Unlike a lot of treats, I’m local to the people I’m selling to. They get to see the baker as a person and not as a machine. My treats are preservative-free and your grandmother would recognize all the ingredients. Yes, I have a tagline: Treats for the Furry Family Members!
WHICH FLAVOR IS THE MOST POPULAR?
Most dogs love Pugnana (banana and peanut butter).
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER STUDENTS WHO WANT TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESSES?
Before getting set on an idea, look at how many competitors are in your area, and what can you offer that they can’t. Then experiment. Also, don’t make too much at first, and make sure the pricing is reasonable considering the manufacturing costs.
WHERE DO YOU SEE CHOU’S BARKERY IN FOUR YEARS?
I hope Chou’s Barkery will be big enough for me to start a small barkery, with both dog and human goodies. Perhaps with a dog park out front!
Dog owners can check out the treats at Gabrielle’s Pop-Up Booth on Friday at Laguna's Picnic on the Green! And for those with feline friends, Chou’s Barkery has you covered with two cat treats called Kitnip and Catfish. Questions? Contact Gabrielle Terzian.
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Laguna Blanca is Santa Barbara’s premier private, co-educational, college preparatory day school for students in Early Kindergarten through Grade 12.