Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Fogarty.
Hi Allison; so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My health has affected my career choice. If you knew me when I was younger, you would be surprised to see how healthy and happy I am today. Besides having Down syndrome, I have had many health problems. I was born with Tracheoesophageal Fistula. My breathing tube and eating tube were not formed correctly. I needed a trach to help me breathe for 23 years. I also had a Laryngeal Cleft, which was not found until I was 11 years old and very sick. I had to have a g-tube put in my stomach, and that meant that I could not eat or drink by mouth.
I had to have several surgeries to help me eat safely. During the 2 years, it took for the surgeries, instead of staying away from food, I became obsessed with watching the food channel, especially Rachael Ray. I love watching Rachael Ray because she is fun and has great recipes. When I watched Rachael Ray cooking, I dreamed about making good food and having fun in the kitchen like Rachael Ray. She is my hero because it felt like she saved my life. When I was 13 years old, I could finally eat and drink again. I was so happy! That is how food and cooking became my passion! I got a lot of practice cooking with my mom and became very confident in the kitchen.
When we moved to Florida in 2017, the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida was starting an Entrepreneur Academy. My parents and I joined, and I graduated from the first class. We learned a lot about starting a business and worked with others to figure out what to do and how to do it. For my business, I decided to cook for dogs and developed my dog treat recipes. Dogs eat a lot of treats, so I sell a lot, and then I have to cook a lot. That makes me very happy. I still have issues with stamina and a lot of body pain, so I need a flexible schedule. Having my own business lets me follow my dreams and be a success. I have been in business for five years now. My business has grown a lot, and I have had many successes. I have been so lucky! I have traveled to New York, and cooked dog treats with my hero, Rachael Ray. I have had many excellent opportunities and met wonderful dogs and their owners. I have shown others that dreams really can come true!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were many decisions and some mistakes. At first, I was going to sell frozen treats locally. So many customers asked me about shipping them. My sidekicks (my parents) had to learn about owning and running a business. We realized we had to figure out how to keep my dog treats shelf stable. We purchased a freeze-dryer and had to learn about that. Now we have three freeze dryers, and I sell mainly online to customers all over the US.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I have developed my dog treat recipes by researching healthy ingredients for dogs and testing them with dogs. I make Chicken & Rice Delights, Peanut Butter Delights, Grain Free Sweet Potato Delights, Pumpkin Delights, Yogurt & Berry Delights, and Salmon Training Treats. During the holiday season, I also make Sweet Season Delights. Some of my flavors are available in a larger size for dogs that prefer a big treat. My treats are available frozen (locally only) and freeze-dried. I ship my treats all over the US. My treats have only human-grade ingredients, no salt or sugar, and no preservatives. I know some of my human customers buy treats from me because they want to support an entrepreneur with Down syndrome, but I know my dog customers like them because they are very yummy and healthy too!
What does success mean to you?
I define success as doing a good job and working hard. I am confident and proud of my hard work and my company. I know my treats are great for dogs, and they are pleased to get them!
Pricing:
- $9.35 per bag
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.DoggyDelightsByAllison.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doggy_delightsbyallison
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoggyDelightsByAllison
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@doggydelightsbyallison
