We had the good fortune of connecting with LaShonda Walpool and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaShonda, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process of starting my own business came about due to the pandemic. I worked in the Television, Radio and Entertainment industry for over 20 years as a Senior Integrated Marketing Specialist. My company, Lucy Lu Doggy Treats & More was started after rescuing Miss Lucy Lu a Pitbull from the Plano Shelter and being laid off due to the global pandemic. Covid-19. I had no idea that rescuing Lucy Lu would turn into a business opportunity.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I come from the Williams family of bakers. My grandmother Ruth & Idell Williams better known as Big Mama, my father Taylor and my mother Mary are all great cooks and bakers. From the time I was a little child, I have been surrounded by great food and great desserts. All made from scratch. I watched and learned from the best! I started baking cakes at the age of 10, and I really enjoyed it. My father taught me how to make a box cake taste better by substituting ingredients to make it my own.

Bringing Miss Lucy home was a great joy. I realized very quickly that she motivated by food and I mean real food. I bought treats from the store, however she would not eat them. While on complete lock down, I started doing research on what was good human foods for dogs like scrambled eggs and brown rice, and at that moment, I decided to start baking Lucy Lu food.

I feel that we provide an all natural treat that has no chemicals, Preservatives or additives to our treats. We only use the best ingredients . Our slogan we provide “Fresh made treats from our kitchen to yours” I am most excited about the opportunities that presented themselves so earlier in starting my business. Having Lucy Lu Doggy Treats in three Hotels blew my minds and the partnership with Hyatt Loves Local put Lucy Lu Doggy Treats & More on the map with Television coverage on KDAF-TV, KABB-TV, KCTU-TV & KIAH-TV.

Its not easy reinventing yourself especially during the times we are in now. What I stand on and believe is to having faith that I am in my purpose and to keep dreaming BIG no matter what. During my 1st year in business is to be consistent and persistent in everything I do.

One opportunity that I’m excited about is our Yappy Hours supporting local pet friendly vendors and proceeds go to dogsmatter2.org

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would have a full itinerary laid out for my friend and since most of my friends are dog lovers. We would have to make a stop at the Lazy Dog in Addison, TX, this place I can bring Lucy Lu and we all can have a great meal and catch up and I don’t have to leave my sweet Lucy Lu behind.

With the pandemic I would recommend things to do outside to protect us.

Saturday Morning: Shopping Farmers Markets ( Shop Local)

Legacy West for the evening vibes of more shopping, eating and LIVE music

Sunday: Brunch on the Patio: The Biscuit Bar at Granite Park, In Frisco

To relax poolside with homemade watermelon cocktails made by me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have so many to thank in helping create the success we have seen thus far with Lucy Lu Doggy Treats & More. I first want to thank my family, my mother Mary Williams, father Taylor Williams and my sister Quayce Williams for believing in me in starting this business. My father handles all the finances and keeps me inline in what’s the most important ( the bottle line). My mother, who my emotional support and she helps out with inventory control and helps works the markets. My sister for creating our logo and maintaining our web-site.

I have to give a HUGE shout out to my better half Xavier Hafford. His continuous support and words of encouragement has been so instrumental in the success of this business. I would also like to give a big shout of to my pillars of Influencers and mentors Jordi Bostock author and creator Single On Purpose and Tiffany Wyatt Owner of Corbett Mitchell Media & Consultant Firm for providing words of wisdom when I didn’t believe in myself. Anita Pass General Manager and Alan Brown Sr. Marketing Manager of the Hyatt House and Courtyard Marriott Hotel for giving me the opportunity of a life time, to have my All Natural Dog Treats in these amazing Hotels. God put the right people in my life at the right time and I am grateful….

Website: https://www.lucyludoggytreats.com

Instagram: lucyludoggytreats

Facebook: @lucyludoggytreats

Youtube: Lucy Lu Doggy Treats & More

Other: TikTok: @lucyludoggytreats

Image Credits
credit name: DeAnn Lax @sixthirtythreephotography

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