The Babies & Puppies line currently stocks taggie blankets in a variety of sizes, prints and cuddly materials; bibs made to match the taggies and also pieced together in fun designs, onesies with appliqués, tutu’s and for the breastfeeding mom nursing cover ups, better known as hooter-hiders.  Coming soon car seat covers, the first couple will be tested on my sister’s baby.

This addition in products also allows us to build a nonperishable inventory which is a dilemma we run into as our treats are fresh and baked the week an event. We are also working on building our pet product lines. Currently we have a variety of pet beds and kennel mats, squeaker toys and poop bag holders. Our favorite bet beds are those made from upcycled coffee bags from the local coffee phenom PT’s . Also look for coffee bag totes for the pet parent!

 Very soon and just in time for holidays we are adding bandana’s that slide over the collar as well as a reversible bandana. Currently we are testing some designs for crate covers, when decorating spruce up the pet’s pad! Rosita is most excited about the bandana options. A good accessory is a must for any woman and since on a sturdier girl it’s tough to find a little black dress this will be the perfect way to flatter the fluffy. And as she spends a lot of time napping in her kennel the crate covers will be a boudoir revamp.

Plus, we like to be practical with our sewing skills and utilize all of our fabrics and scraps, even hopping on the upcycle trend in our resources too. This has helped us make coffee cup sleeves to feed my need for caffeine, bookmarks, boo boo rice bags and who knows what else we may come up with. This growth has been organic as with the original development of Rosita’s Ruff Cakes. The products started out as a way to share with friends and family and others expressed interest in the items so we keep sewing. And sewing.

Even those these products are parallel there is a need for clarification, answering the question how does this fit together?  And not to confuse the customer, we don’t want them to take a onesie home to their pup or purchase a hooter hider thinking it is an apron. Awkward. In addition to the business plan shake up the increased number of customizable goods and potential to build an inventory allows for more options in sales. Do I set up an etsy shop and attend more weekend shows. In case I forgot to mention I do have a full-time job as well as volunteer commitments. And a husband.

Then I see a couple of friends who are super awesome in their efforts: Daisy’s Diva Designs, iamthemandy and fooka designs to name a few. These ladies have a hobby that just keeps growing. How can I harness their energy and combine their business models? I think the first plan of action is to create a support group for the chronic entrepreneur and continue sewing and creating quality items I am proud to share and put my name on. After that I hope it all comes together. Or it might as well all go to the dogs.

So Mom is again taking her one woman Rosita Ruff Cakes show on the road and continuing to perfect her efficiency.  The Jeep is loaded. Tools to live by: sharpie, scissors, zip ties and assorted tapes. From there Mom can go all McGyver on you.

What we’ve learned from events, our treats look good enough to eat. This makes it a plus they are people grade food for dogs, we’ve had a few treats walk off. These people either realized what they did wrong or walk away thinking Mom is a terrible baker. To try and combat this we’ve incorporated in to the display some obvious flags: several fire hydrants (which have been used now by several dogs) stuffed dogs, chew toys and of course our tag line “custom cookies and cakes for your canine companion.” To accommodate for those pets that try to get a few extra samples, table height! Some dogs are a bit taller than what we are used to at home, Chase and I have never taken anything from the table.

Baking and packaging takes a lot of time and with one oven we’ve perfected a schedule to do a massive bake/cool/decorate and package. With multiple treats to bake we’ll plan the week so product is finished and fresh for the event. This is scheduling around Mom’s work schedule too!

Coolers — one of the things about outdoor events in Kansas during the summer is the HEAT! to keep treats from melting we travel with coolers and only put out reats as they are sold.

Now many people are confused that Mom’s name is Rosita. Nope, she goes by Jenny. I am the fury namesake of the business and will occasionally make a guest appearance at an event if Dad is coming or if it is close to home. Other than that I may be a bit bigger personality to handle in addition to sales. That is one of my fabulous personality traits.

We are gangbusters on social media! ‘Like’ our page on Facebook to get our updates, pet related articles and see where we are going to be with our treats. I tweet @rositasruff fun info and what is going on in Topeka or the cool dogs in town and of course Mom and I collaborate to write this blog.

What do you look for when you purchase items at pet events? What draws you to a booth or vendor? We are always looking for ways to improve our presentation and products. After some successful finds this week we are excited to share our new look. Come see us soon!

During Hurricane Katrina I was working as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Memphis Shelby County Humane Society. Many people came to Memphis, Ten. thinking it would be a long weekend and realized New Orleans was lost as were their pets. Other evacuated to Memphis to learn their pets couldn’t stay in the shelters with them and several rescue organizations brought lost or misplaced pets to our shelter in hopes of getting them in a facility or foster care with the ultimate goal of reuniting them with their owner.

That was an emotional time for all of us on staff at MSCHS but it was amazing to see the outpouring of support from the community for the pets and owners. Part of my job was to find foster parents for animals as our shelter was at capacity and to organize the donations and volunteers to man the phone, receive and work with other local professionals.

In desperation I sent out this email to friends and family September 8, 2005, encouraging them to donate and make a difference. I feel this is relevant today, but please excuse the typos. I’ve left them in as I think it stresses my lack of sleep and feeling of hopelessnes.

Since then the shelter has moved to a new facility and many of the staff have moved on to new adventures but I doubt any of them have forgotten the impact of a natural disaster on their lives and those we cared for. This email generated some donations to the shelter and it was forwarded on many times to spread the word.

Dear All,

Many of you know I hate mass emails but here goes.

It has been a long time since I have really talked to anyone and I wanted to give you some info on what I am doing in Memphis to help the evacuees.

I work at the Memphis Shelby County Humane Society (www.memphishumane.org/) and we are the ‘clearinghouse’ if you will for anyone from LA or Mississippi with pets. If they cannot keep pets with them in the shelter or where they are staying we have volunteers that are willing to foster until the owners get on their feet or when they are able to care for their pets again. We
are also collecting donations of pet food/cat litter/pet accessories/etc and money. These donations go to evacuees staying in places where pets are accepted. Our goal is for them to focus on starting over and spending money on their basic needs, we will take care of their pets. We also have local vets providing basic yearly shots and we are providing heartgaurd preventative and frontline. (It is illegal for us to provide vet care to the public so vets have to do shots). Several vets in the area are resistant and we have very few that are giving any support. Monetary donations are covering the vet supplies and any prescription food and emergency procedures needed.

I haven’t had a day off since, maybe August something. I have to shower before I can play with Rosita (my pup) so she isn’t exposed and instead of going to work with me Brett is letting her out and she has even gone to a sitter when neither of us can let her out during the day.

These stories are so emotional. People have lost everything and don’t have a home to return to. This coming weekend we may get over 100 animals that have been rescued form the hurricane stricken areas, my job is finding a foster to take them. I will be honest, my ulcers are acting up and people have to remind me to eat and it is very difficult for me to get away from the desk or front area to go to the bathroom. I have been told, “do not go to work on Sunday” but if we get the ‘shipment’ of pets in I will be there. To me it is part of the nonprofit world and responding to this horrific crisis. I have been interviewed for many TV station news reports and am coordinating our wonderful volunteers who give so much of their time, energy and emotions to our efforts as well. Plus, the staff have have been working extra overtime too.

I don’t think I can stress enough how emotional this is. Imagine placing your pets or children in the care of others not knowing what your next step is or where your next paycheck is coming from? Or if everything you have is gone? So far I have been able to place every pet, but as more are rescued, we will see.

Just know that I love you all (I am not a crier but now I could go at any time), and that I am very fortunate to have Brett, my pup, my apartment and my family/firends.

Please, do what you can to help rebuild these stricken areas, even if it is not through the Humane Society. We have people waiting for hours if not the whole day in line at the Red Cross to get registered.

I will keep you posted. I got home somewhat early tonight, had a drink and will go to bed soon. Tomorrow is another long day.

Love,
Jenny

This is what our report card said and translated:

Thank you for bringing in Rosita! (I hope you tip b.c this was a tough client)

She handled her bath calmly but was a bit worried by the dryer (she’s more of an air dry as she runs to her kennel from the water kinda girl or I would recommend that dry shampoo in the future). Also, she hated us (noted backup was called in) trimming her nails. (at this point I’m thankful to have all my fingers and am reconsidering my career choices). However, she enjoyed being brushed (holy cow this dog sheds a ton. You could make a coat from all this and she giggled at  my labor. Again, I hope this pet parent tips alot.)

On our way out the fabulous groomer continued to grin and said, “She sure did miss you.”

So here’s what’s going down:

• You can now find our basic treats and featured canine confections at Yum Bakery and Cafe, located in Fairlawn Plaza Shopping Center. Plus you can make your cake order and pick-ups there. Stop by and say hello to Kelley as she can make you a delicious people cake or try their lunch specials. YUM! (accept cash only)
• Visit the new website! Now more products can be ordered online and watch for our busy show calendar coming soon. We are taking our show on the road for the warmer weather and you’ll be able to purchase fresh, gourmet dog treats at various events.
• Listen to WIBW 94.5 Country. Starting next week you will hear Rosita’s catchy jingle and ads designed by Twilight Productions and Team W. They’ll make you BOL (bark out loud).
• Rosita is tweeting @rositasruff and let me tell you its not easy without opposable thumbs.
• And please tell me you’ve become a fan of us on facebook to get all the latest in pet news, random information and updates from the pack?
• Last Tuesdays: later this month we’ll be making a pitch at the Last Tuesday’s in Topeka event hosted by the Washburn Small Business Development Center. Cross your paws!

Wow, that’s enough to make us dog tired but we are going to keep this momentum going as Mom, Chase and I love seeing everything ‘evolve.’ Plus we’ve got to stay busy baking those treats to fill the shelves at Yum and your pup’s tummy.

There have been a few road blocks: hosting our grand opening, a typo in some of our materials. But there have also been some great strides: graduating from First Step Fast Trac, presenting at the Chamber Expo, media coverage and winning the TK Business Magazine Evolve contest. This holiday season there were several orders and sales made, lots of birthday cakes delivered and a few new recipes tested.

Along the way we’ve made new friends, developed business relationships and hopefully helped a few pups out along the way. Our favorite is sharing extra treats with the Helping Hands Humane Society guests.

Lately we’ve been spending a lot of time at the grooming shop learning some techniques and testing our abilities. It is amazing the various dogs, cuts and styles that goes with each. Talk about an art form!

Mom also has some exciting things in the works we aren’t allowed to share. Thank you for your support this year and we appreciate you trying Rosita’s Ruff  Cakes and helping us to start our business. As we look toward the new year we see possibilities and know that Topeka is the place to grow and support our doggie business.

Now, back to those leftover Christmas cookies

As a good mother I always warn the groomer. “You may want to muzzle her. She hates to having her nails trimmed.” One groomer I must not have warned well enough, because I was lectured after Rosita nipped at her pretty good. Needless to say we didn’t go back there, even though the lady said she would try it again.

Then we’ve tried the PetsMart route but we just didn’t have good luck, and that didn’t have to do with Rosita’s attitude. As we found another groomer they kept telling us that Rosita was getting better and they just had to be careful around the hindquarters. She may have been improving there but was definitely not at home; whenever I could pin her down for a brushing I would get a whole dog in fur and a lot of sass.

This past week and on a couple of Saturdays I’ve been going in to observe and learn how to groom at Pampered Pets. I had lamented how tough Rosita was to groom, her nails were dreaded and brushing was a special skill. Well, I know that when pet parents hang around during grooming the dog usually get anxious and acts up a bit. So it is better if they leave while the professionals go to work. But I wanted to learn and no one better to practice on than my own spoiled pet. As soon as I put Rosita on the grooming table we went to town brushing with nothing but a big smile from her. Granted, I had to hold her tight while we clipped the nails but it was miraculous. No blood shed, all appendages in tact and she was still wagging her tail.

The moral of this story is leave grooming to the professionals and don’t forget to tip your doggie stylist this holiday season.

Less than a year ago our business was just a dream in Mommy’s head that sometimes we got to enjoy for birthday cakes or sharing with friends and family during the holidays. Now our kitchen is busy with baking, packaging and creating delicious treats. The basement has become a second office and supply storage as the sewing machine has been a flurry making comfy pet beds and toys. As winter is upon us Mom can’t fit her car in the garage due to her supplies and trade show props for the business.

It is like working two full-time jobs as we have yet to quit our day job. It has been a great challenge, yet rewarding as we’ve learned more about ourselves and what we want to do ‘when we grow up.’ To you our loyal clients thank you for your support and growing with us. We are looking forward to all 2011 has in store and we are excited for the journey.

May Santa Paws deliver Ruff Cakes to your stocking,
Rosita, Chase & Jenny

October held and Oktoberfest and two Dogtober Fest events all reaching new audiences and communities. We have treats and will travel and this ment from Topeka to KC. In this traveling one woman show Mom’s learned to pack the car with necessary supplies, do the math on how many treats we need to sell to cover our event expenses and most importantly, how to set up a pop-up tent by herself.

Now if you see Rosita’s Ruff Cakes around town you won’t see Rosita. She is a high maintenance dog that requires more attention and would draw away from the sales side of the business and Rosita has agreed to remain a pretty face at home.

What is exciting is seeing repeat customers and folks who are watching our website and Facebook updates to join us at our next location to purchase more treats. Its great to hear product testimonials and see the happy parent and pup.

The week of October 19th was crazy busy/awesome. Mom was on call for jury duty but had a booth at the Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and had just come off a double event weekend. Though the Business Expo proved to be a big success in getting our name out there. Rosita’s Ruff Cakes LLC picked up two cake orders, a mention in the Topeka Capitol Journal AND won the award for Best First Time Exhibitor. Pretty sweet day!

Now Rosita is working on going big. She has outgrown her home kitchen and looking for a certified kitchen to bake in with more than one oven! Her treats will be processed for an analysis which is required for labeling and production at a commercial level. This is very exciting and educational. What’s even better is that there are stores who are interested in selling our product. Rosita and Chase are howling with joy over the growth potential.

November is looking to be a super busy production month as well. First we have the Humane Society’s 5k, then we’re a vendor at the Junior League Merry Market, followed closely by the Lawrence Animal Fair, Lawrence Holiday Bazaar and the ever popular Pet Photos with Santa. We are really pushing holiday gifts for friends and family as well as business clients.

2 in 3 households have pets
1 in 3 have children (see the potential?)

And to think it all started because Chase has a sensitive stomach.