From the Himalayas to Your Pet: Building an Authentic, Award-Winning Brand

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• [01:26] Pukar Pyakurel and Shristi Mishra share Yak9 Chews inception story
• [03:37] Why returning to one's roots can spark global change
• [04:29] How Pukar and Shristi's individual skill sets balance out their business strategies
• [07:37] The role essential values like sustainability, health, and organic practices play in Yak9
• [09:36] Husband-and-wife business teams: the challenges and joys
• [14:59] The authentic international sourcing behind Yak9's flavorful chews
• [18:31] Marketing strategies that Yak9 employs to connect with and educate their customers
• [22:41] The significance of building a community around genuine brand values

In this episode…

When love for pets and determination interlace, can an entrepreneurial quest transform the pet industry? How can a company shake off adversity and manage to not only survive, but thrive? 

With authenticity as the cornerstone of their business venture, entrepreneurs Pukar Pyakurel and Shristi Mishra illustrate how challenges can turn into opportunities. The couple's journey began with an unexpected turn during a catastrophic earthquake in Nepal, leading to a groundbreaking idea in the pet treat market. Together they have masterfully leveraged their story, commitment to quality, and authentic branding to grow Yak9 Chews into a global brand recognized for its nutritious, sustainable Himalayan yak cheese. Pukar's love for cold calling and Shristi's focus on ingredient integrity have paved their way into the pet industry. By staying true to their roots and continuously innovating around their product offerings, they exemplify the essence of a business driven by purpose and passion.  

In this episode of Marketing Tails, Mark Bevington chats with Yak9 Chews’ Founder and President Pukar Pyakurel and the company's Co-founder and CEO Shristi Mishra. The couple shares insights on growing a global pet brand, the obstacles faced by startups, and the triumphs of connecting with an international community. They stress the importance of authenticity in marketing, the value of persistence, and the power of creating a community around a brand that genuinely cares about pets and the planet.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ninedot
• Mark Bevington on LinkedIn
• Pukar Pyakurel on LinkedIn
• Shristi Mishra on LinkedIn
• Yak9 Chews

Quotable Moments:

• "We wanted to add nutrients, not fillers." - Pukar
• "Looking forward, the dots may not connect, but looking backward, they always will." - Shristi
• "We treat every communication as an opportunity to show our authenticity and dedication." - Pukar
• "Your passion and the purpose behind your product are what resonate with the community and drive success." - Shristi
• "We love cold calling. We love spending time on the phone instead of writing an email." - Pukar

Action Steps:

1. Initiate genuine, direct communication with potential partners or customers: Creating personal connections often leads to trust and lasting business relationships.
2. Embrace your unique story to stand out: Sharing personal and brand narratives can create an emotional bond with customers.
3. Maintain a strong focus on sustainability and quality: Investing in responsible sourcing and production practices aligns with consumer values and builds brand integrity.
4. Establish a heartfelt community around your brand: Fostering a sense of belonging among customers can translate into organic growth and brand loyalty.
5. Evolve and pivot your strategy continuously: Being adaptable ensures your business remains relevant and can overcome unforeseen challenges.
   
   

Sponsor for this episode

This episode is brought to you by Ninedot.

Ninedot is a digital marketing agency specializing in UI/UX and web design to grow your business. 

Our growth-centered team provides web design, web development, user experience development, graphic design, and SEO to maximize scaling. 

We are humbled to call Pet Food Experts, Animal Care Centers of NYC and Potter League – some of the world’s growing and most-established brands – our clients. 

We’re excited to build a relationship with you.

If you’re ready to turn your underperforming website into your best sales tool, go to Ninedot.com or email us at hello@ninedot.com to learn more today!