Meet Allison Fogarty

We recently connected with Allison Fogarty and have shared our conversation below.

Allison, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
When I was younger and I had a trach tube in my neck to help me breathe, I felt self conscious; it felt like everyone was staring at me. Now I don’t have a trach tube (after 23 years), but I do still have Down syndrome. Sometimes people ignore me and ask my parents questions about me when I am standing right there. Sometimes when I am a vendor (I make and sell dog treats for my business, Doggy Delights by Allison), people hand my parents their money or credit card instead of me. I say, “Hello! I’m right here!” in a cheerful voice. Then they get the message. I realize that I just have to speak up for myself.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I LOVE to cook! That is my passion. I decided to cook for dogs because I can do that myself. I am 32 years old and have my own business, Doggy Delights by Allison. I have created my dog treat recipes and make them in my home. My sidekicks (my parents) help me with getting the batter into the molds and running the business side of things. I happen to have Down syndrome, but I have not let that hold me back.

My company was created in 2017 when we moved to Florida so that my parents could babysit for my nephew, who was 3 years old, and for my niece, who was not born yet. Since my parents were busy, I had to be able to make the treats myself. We attended the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida’s very first Entrepreneur Academy class and learned how to start a business.

Besides cooking and filling orders, I am also a public speaker. I love to share my story and encourage others to Dream BIG!

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?
Being very sick all of the time when I was young, I needed to gain stamina for working hard. I know many people suffer with body pain and other issues. As an entrepreneur, I can make my own schedule most of the time. I encourage people to start small, but dream big. For example, when I first started making dog treats, I just sold them locally. Then I didn’t have to work such long hours.

As a cook, it can be overwhelming because there are so many things that you have to pay attention to at the same time. I focused on one flavor of dog treat at a time until I was an expert on that. Then I added more flavors and now I make 6 regular flavors and one holiday flavor. You can grow your business slowly if you need to.

I definitely need help from my parents. They really needed help from mentors and the DSACF Entrepreneur Academy. Find people who will listen to your questions and help you. You can’t learn everything at once. You can make changes to improve as you go along.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My best customers are dogs that love nutritious and delicious treats. I only use high quality ingredients that I would eat myself. I do not put any salt, sugar or preservatives in my dog treats. My best HUMAN customers want to give their dog healthy treats. They know how important it is for dogs to eat healthy foods and treats. That helps dogs live longer and live better lives.

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