Meet April Lopez

We recently connected with April Lopez and have shared our conversation below.

Hi April, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

My optimism comes from a mix of my upbringing, determination, and embracing the lessons that come with failure. My parents instilled in me the belief that hard work and perseverance can overcome most obstacles. They taught me that the word “no” isn’t a stop sign—it’s just a detour to another opportunity. I’ve learned to be okay with failing because every setback is a lesson, and every lesson makes me stronger. Optimism isn’t about expecting things to be easy; it’s about knowing that no matter what, I have the drive to keep moving forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At Lily and Max Pet Bakery, we create all-natural, handcrafted treats for dogs, including those with food allergies. What makes our brand so special is the love and care we put into every single treat—because we believe our furry companions deserve the best. Our inspiration comes from our own pets, especially Lily, our official taste tester, and Maximus, whose memory continues to guide our journey.

The most exciting part of what we do is seeing the joy on a pup’s face (and in their tail wags) when they get to enjoy a treat that’s fun and nutritious for them. We’re not just baking—we’re building a community of pet parents who want healthy alternatives for their dogs while celebrating life’s special moments with them.

We always have something new in the works, whether it’s seasonal treats, fun-themed collections, or exciting events where we can connect with fellow pet lovers. Stay tuned for upcoming launches and local events—we can’t wait to share what’s next with you and your pups!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, creativity, and adaptability.

1. Resilience – Building a business comes with challenges, setbacks, and plenty of “no’s,” but I’ve learned that success is about pushing forward even when things don’t go as planned. My advice? Embrace failure as part of the process. Every misstep is a lesson, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

2. Creativity – Whether it’s developing unique pet treats, designing packaging, or coming up with fun product names, creativity keeps things exciting and engaging. For those early in their journey, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Try new ideas, test different approaches, and always keep your audience in mind.

3. Adaptability – The world is always changing, and being able to pivot when needed is key. Whether it’s adjusting to new customer needs, learning new skills, or navigating unexpected obstacles, staying flexible makes all the difference. My advice? Keep learning. Read, take courses, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.

At the end of the day, success isn’t about having everything figured out from the start—it’s about being willing to learn, grow, and keep going no matter what.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Right now, the biggest challenge I’m facing is financing—balancing the costs of growth while maintaining the quality and integrity of our brand. Expanding our business, introducing new products, increasing wholesale opportunities, and reaching a wider audience all require resources. Like many small business owners, I’m navigating how to fund that growth sustainably.

To tackle this, I’m exploring multiple avenues, including grants, small business loans, and strategic partnerships. I’m also focused on increasing direct-to-consumer sales, optimizing production costs, and expanding our wholesale reach to bring Lily and Max Pet Bakery treats to more retailers. Additionally, I’m strengthening our brand visibility and community engagement because a loyal, invested customer base is one of the most valuable assets a business can have.

At the end of the day, financing is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to get creative, refine our strategy, and build a more sustainable foundation for the future of Lily and Max Pet Bakery.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lilyandmaxpetbakery.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/lilyandmaxpetbakery
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/lilyandmaxpetbakery

Image Credits

@threegoldiesonepry
@frenchie_louieclark
@thepointerpups_
@teddy.the.prince