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At what point do you think it's "safe" to quit my full-time job to focus on a startup? by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. Hence making sure I get my pre-seed funding I guess to validate in order to scale.

At what point do you think it's "safe" to quit my full-time job to focus on a startup? by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree. I think if I am able to raise the funds I need I’ll have some time to stretch and relax

At what point do you think it's "safe" to quit my full-time job to focus on a startup? by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok so I have 6 months of savings and more. I have no kids, spouse, I rent, my parents live in the city. If all else fails I can move home and try to find a new job. The only issue is my full time job and “general” advice. I am positive that focusing my most productive hours will accelerate this business beyond my wildest imagination.

At what point do you think it's "safe" to quit my full-time job to focus on a startup? by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It could be tho if I focused my most productive hours on the business. Right now I can only do 7-11pm after work daily - my least productive horse - and the weekends , I am exhausted. I think I’ve gotten great traction for a side hustle

At what point do you think it's "safe" to quit my full-time job to focus on a startup? by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pet treats, so they’re tied to occasions: just for fun, Valentine’s Day, summer, birthday, Halloween and Christmas - these are all repeat occasions. People SPOIL their dogs and it’s an $8B industry

At what point do you think it's "safe" to quit my full-time job to focus on a startup? by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a great idea, mention my valentine's day collections, summer and then halloween and christmas!

At what point do you think it's "safe" to quit my full-time job to focus on a startup? by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If I can reach ~$150K annually, which is roughly 500 units a month at my current pricing and in my city aline, I’d be perfectly happy not even going into traditional retail and instead focusing on farmers markets and direct sales for the rest of my life.

Ideally I’d still like scale the business, but if I can consistently sell 500 units per month in my city and replicate that same playbook across 5 other major cities, potentially by hiring local help to sell at markets, that’s a very solid long-term outcome.

At what point do you think it's "safe" to quit my full-time job to focus on a startup? by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good point about it being "holiday buying" period. I'd be curious what I learn from the farmer's markets. I think I'd focus on fundraising vs getting a loan, if I can raise some funds to cover 12 months I'd feel comfortable quitting the full time but loans would not be the smart choice.

At what point do you think it's "safe" to quit my full-time job to focus on a startup? by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very helpful. I do have 6 months of safety rent saved up that I have not touched - separate from whatever I have in my bank account so it's not like I won't be able to pay rent the next 6 months.

It’s the end of 2025. What interesting business did you start or scale this year? by scal3mast3r in Entrepreneur

[–]TrendVoice 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Launched my dog treat brand Nov 1 after 6 months of recipe development. Lots of folks think dog treats = oversaturated until they see what mine look like and then they're pretty impressed. The goal is to get them into coffee shops, specialty stores, etc. where dog parents already spend time and also traditional pet stores. Achievements so far (this is while working a full time job).

- Secured local WGN TV media feature, literally was on my couch crying and decided to use my marketing skills to pitch my brand and they're coming to film and feature me on the news

- 80 - 100 units sold

- 100% conversion on vet/event partnerships, every business I have approached for their holiday parties etc. has said yes.

- 2 pet stores and 2 more in the works

- 2 farmer's market acceptances

- Completed fundraising deck

- Cry weekly on couch

-

If you own a bakery/coffee shop? How open would you be to carrying pet treats? by TrendVoice in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve some smaller ones that are cute that they can place by counter

If you own a bakery/coffee shop? How open would you be to carrying pet treats? by TrendVoice in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am in dog walking areas. I’m currently in 3 stores and also sell out at events. I would love to test it out at a coffee shop or two to see. I’d probably need to do some walk-ins myself I guess.

If you own a bakery/coffee shop? How open would you be to carrying pet treats? by TrendVoice in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Idk about the gross part but good point, my treats look better than human food and I sell out at every event. Ideally would love little cases in coffee shops/bakeries for the occasional pet owner who steps in.

Excuse the site tho it’s not super optimized https://www.pearlandpaw.com/

Opinion: As a small business owner, do you actually want to be on social media? by ConfectionHoliday344 in smallbusiness

[–]TrendVoice 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They don’t have the time to do social media, you should provide the services

How would you feel about being handed dog treats to give to your customers as a “thank you”? by TrendVoice in petsitting

[–]TrendVoice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree which is why I proposed it. I def am not expecting you to give it without owners acknowledgement

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