Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Hartman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I make Pupcuterie Boards. I had started the process of making doggy charcuterie boards with a friend in spring of 2021. Shortly after we began, my friend got promoted at her job and became too busy, and I had an elderly dog who got very sick. So we closed the book on our Pupcuterie project.
After my dog crossed the rainbow bridge in late July of 2021 I knew I had to do something with my grief or it was going to consume me. So I channeled all of that energy into opening back up the pupcuterie project and got to work! I officially was able to start producing and selling my boards in October of 2021 and have been getting continuously busy ever since! I now provide Pupcuterie Boards for doggy birthday, local markets, and some Austin dog park bars. It’s a great way to bring smiles to dogs and dog parents faces and get involved in the ever-growing pet community here in Austin! I use a portion of the proceeds to donate towards local animal nonprofits to help support the homeless pets of Texas, and for me helping other pets is the best way I can think of to honor my dogs memory.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say a smooth road. Losing my dog was definitely one of the roughest things I’ve ever been through. She had been by my side for ten years, all through my young adulthood and college. Although it was hard, it was my motivation to get the ball rolling with my boards. As far as difficulties with making my boards, the supply chain shortage has thrown me some curveballs! I’ve had to deal with not getting products in the mail in time and not being able to find certain products that I need.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in making charcuterie boards for dogs. I use a lick mat as the board, slather it in dog-safe peanut butter, and then stick all the toppings on it to make it resemble a human charcuterie board. I use a lick mat because it helps reduce waste, as well as gives the pawrents something to keep reusing with their pet. Giving your pet a lick mat with their favorite food spread on it as an enrichment treat can help lower their anxiety/calm them, improve oral hygiene, aid in digestion, and entertain or distract your pet during work from home meetings, bath time, or nail trimming time!
It’s unique because no one has really made these like I do yet! I pride myself on being meticulous with the treats I choose to use. I look for three main things when I shop: health, variety, and appearance. I shop for treats that are free of harmful chemicals and only have minimal ingredients, treats that are of various sizes/textures/colors, and treats that look like items that humans would eat or that look cute.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I personally deliver Pupcuterie boards anywhere within the Austin Metro area, or I can ship them anywhere in the US! I offer two different sizes depending on how many dogs will be sharing it. It can be given to the dog(s) all at one time or broken up over time into treats. I can also customize the board so if any dogs have food allergies, missing teeth, picky with their food, or any other concerns, I can definitely work around any restrictions or barriers!
Pricing:
- A small 6″ board is $45
- A large 10″ board is $65
Contact Info:
- Email: Pupcuterieboards@gmail.com
- Website: www.pupcuterieboards.com
- Instagram: @pupcuterieatx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pupcuterieboards/
