Antoineka Norman shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Antoineka , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Thank you Voyage Magazine for having me. Honestly, no two days ever look exactly the same — but that’s the beauty of it. Most mornings start with coffee, cuddles, and chaos — the mom life of being an entrepreneur. From there, I juggle baking small-batch treats for TheDogBFF Barkerie and coaching fellow pet biz pros through The Pet Biz Mentor, helping them simplify, structure, and scale their own businesses without burning out.
Between batches of dog treats and mentoring sessions, I’m also managing school drop-offs, household tasks, and carving out moments for mindfulness. Some days it’s mixing dough; other days it’s mixing strategy. But every day is about creating balance, building purpose, and proving that you can chase your dreams while still showing up fully for your family.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Antoineka Norman and I am the visionary founder behind TheDogBFF Barkerie, The Pet Biz Mentor, and co-founder of Operation All Paws and Fur_Casso — four creative ventures united by one purpose: to make the world a healthier, happier place for pets and their people.
As a hands-on pet bakery owner, Antoineka crafts small-batch, limited-ingredient treats made with love and transparency. Through The Pet Biz Mentor, she helps fellow pet entrepreneurs simplify, structure, and scale their businesses without burnout — sharing real, in-the-trenches strategies that work in today’s industry.
Beyond business, her heart beats for Operation All Paws, an initiative she co-founded to aid and assist homeless and low-income pet people. Antoineka also serves as Creative Partner at Fur_casso, canine-human art collective where creativity meets compassion by exploring the creativity of a dog’s mind through Abstract Canine Expressionism coined by Fur_casso. Through live art performances, exhibitions, and community collaborations, Fur_casso raises awareness about enrichment activities for dog causes while celebrating the bond between pets and people. Her compassion, creativity, and community-driven leadership continue to inspire others to build with purpose, give with heart, and lead with integrity.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Since childhood, seeing people and pets go without essentials like food and clean water, and shelter changed everything for me. It opened my eyes to how many families — both two- and four-legged — struggle silently and outwardly showing us different perspectives of life with pets. That moment made me realize we need more helping hands and caring hearts working together to make a difference. It’s what inspired our mission to create a healthier, happier world — one paw at a time.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. There was a time when I felt consumed by chaos — running a bakery, mentoring others, and managing family life while working a full time job, all at once. I was tired, overwhelmed, and questioning whether I could keep going.
That breaking point became my breakthrough. It inspired the creation of The Pet Biz Mentor, born from my need to find calm within the chaos. I learned to build systems that work even when I don’t, bringing structure, peace, and purpose into my business. Now, I teach other pet professionals to do the same — to build businesses that last beyond burnout. I didn’t wait until I had 10k followers or accolades to get started. I saw a problem that hit close to home— Pet businesses were closing rapidly and mine could be next if I didn’t simplify, I wasn’t ready to give up on myself and if I could help just one other person I had to keep going.
That season taught me that systems create sustainability, but purpose creates longevity — and that’s how you build something that outlives you.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m deeply committed to the belief that you can go big, don’t quit, keep going, and totally do this — no matter how long it takes. For me, that means continuing to grow TheDogBFF Barkerie, The Pet Biz Mentor, Fur_casso, and Operation All Paws with patience and purpose.
Whether it’s baking treats, helping pet biz pros build sustainable businesses, or making sure every pet and person has access to essential care, I’m in it for the long haul.
Legacy isn’t built overnight — it’s the quiet, daily commitment to keep going until your mission outgrows you. My dream is to build something that continues to serve others long after me — a living testament that compassion and consistency truly change lives.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If you stripped away my name and titles, what would remain is my joy and compassion. I’ve always found happiness in the simplest things and have had a heart for helping others since I was a child. We need more happy people and smiling faces showing love and compassion to others, no matter our differences— and I want to be part of that change.
That same compassion fuels everything I do — whether it’s baking treats, mentoring entrepreneurs, or helping pets and their people find hope again. At the end of the day, that’s my legacy — love in action.
You don’t have to choose between purpose and profit, between motherhood and ambition, or between helping others and building something great. You can lead with love, create with purpose, and still build something powerful and lasting.
Antoineka Norman: Building a Legacy of Love, Leadership & Art in Action
Antoineka Norman’s story is more than one of entrepreneurship — it’s a legacy in motion. Through TheDogBFF Barkerie, she’s redefining what handmade truly means; through The Pet Biz Mentor, she’s teaching others to build businesses rooted in structure and soul; and through Operation All Paws and Fur_casso, she’s ensuring compassion and art reaches every corner of the community. Her journey reminds us that real leadership isn’t about titles or trends — it’s about turning love into lasting impact, one paw, one person, and one purpose-driven step at a time.
If my story shows anything, it’s that one person — one heart, one dream, one act of kindness — can make a difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedogbff.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedogbff_barkerie?igsh=MW82ZjZzNjA0aGVnYQ==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoineka-norman-967771367?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: https://pin.it/6H9jCxOs7
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GZpeGV9Ym/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thedogbffbarkerie?si=8MmxHfOPypwC8p9B
- Other: Fur_casso
– Instagram: https://youtube.com/@thedogbffbarkerie?si=8MmxHfOPypwC8p9BOperation All Paws
– Website: www.operationallpaws.com
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/operationallpaws?igsh=dnI1M2t0amtyM2V6The Pet Biz Mentor
– Website: www.thedogbff.com
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepetbizmentor?igsh=MW05dndrY21majIxOQ==
Image Credits
Sam Martin Photography
John Truitt
Antoineka Norman
