We were lucky to catch up with Cassidy Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.
Cassidy, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Honestly, I think I just try to stay curious. I don’t pressure myself to always be creating something perfect. I let myself make weird stuff, or stuff that’s just for me. And when I feel stuck, I switch things up. Like, if I’m usually working with one medium, I’ll try something totally different just to wake my brain up. I also keep a running list of random ideas or things that inspire me, even if they don’t make sense yet. Creativity kind of comes in waves, so I’ve learned not to force it and to keep feeding it little things it can grow from
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Hazel Grace & Goodies, we make handmade dog treats with simple ingredients and a whole lot of care. What started as a way to spoil our rescue pup Hazel Grace turned into something bigger. We’ve grown into a small business built on love, community, and really good snacks for really good dogs.
Every treat we bake is tested and approved by Hazel herself, and we keep our standards high (because she wouldn’t have it any other way). We focus on wholesome, pup-safe ingredients with flavors that dogs go nuts for.
What feels most special about this work is the connection. We’ve gotten to meet so many fellow dog lovers at markets and pop-ups, and there’s just something beautiful about the way people light up when picking out a treat for their best friend. We’ve seen tails wag, mouths drool (dogs and humans alike), and heard some of the best dog stories you can imagine. It’s so much more than a business. It’s a celebration of the love we share with our dogs.
Right now, we’re focused on growing thoughtfully. We sell weekly at Riverside Arts Market in Jacksonville, and our treats are also available at several local shops in Florida. We’re in talks with more retailers and hope to expand even further in the coming months. We’re also planning new seasonal treats and a few fun website updates. Stay tuned!
Most of all, we want folks to know that we’re here because of Hazel, and for every pup like her. Whether they’re spoiled rotten or still learning how to be loved, they all deserve something special.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I’d say the three biggest things that have helped me most in my small business journey are:
1. Being adaptable. Things don’t always go as planned, especially with markets or behind the scenes stuff. Learning to roll with it instead of stressing over every change has helped a lot.
2. Staying true to my why. It’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing, but focusing on what makes my business feel personal and meaningful keeps me grounded. Hazel’s the heart of it all, and remembering that always brings me back when I start to overthink.
3. Figuring it out as I go. I didn’t start this with a business degree or some perfect plan. I’ve learned by googling, asking questions, making mistakes, and trying again. That’s honestly where most of the growth has happened.
If you’re just getting started, give yourself permission to not have it all figured out. Show up, be consistent, connect with people, and trust that the messy middle is part of it. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Honestly, I’ve been lucky to have a mix of support but Kyle, my husband, has been the most helpful. Whether it’s loading up the car before sunrise for market days, cheering me on when I second guess myself, or just being someone I can vent to when things get hard, he’s been there through it all.
I’ve also leaned a lot on fellow small business owners. Just being able to share experiences, ask questions, or learn from someone who’s a few steps ahead makes such a difference. And let’s be real, YouTube and Google have been my unofficial business coaches too. Sometimes you just have to figure it out one search bar at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hazelgraceandgoodies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hazelgraceandgoodies
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/hazelgraceandgoodies
Image Credits
None
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
