We recently connected with Monica Baweja and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Monica , really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?
The first time I got laid off was my first job after graduating college. It was not a candidate’s market, I barely had any experience, and it was one of the most stressful 8 months of my life trying to figure out my next move.
I thankfully had a great support system and was able to get through the tough times. All while applying to hundreds of jobs, I tried to start a bakery during the downtime but I kept failing; I knew it wasn’t something I was passionate about.
Since adopting my first dog in 2011, I would research healthy ingredients for dogs and would make homemade treats and celebration cakes for my dog all the time. My significant other said to me, “this is something you enjoy doing, why don’t you make this your dream job!?” I never even thought I could have a dog bakery business, but I decided to try and now 6 years later, I’ve made thousands of treats and custom celebration cakes for dogs across the nation!
Getting laid off was the biggest blessing in disguise.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Up until this year, my small business, Layla’s Barkery was a part-time priority for me. I tried going back to work numerous times and things just somehow never worked out for me. I was working for a Tech firm in Recruiting until getting laid off [again] this year. That’s when I realized that the universe was telling me all along to make Layla’s Barkery bigger and better. I needed to put all my focus and energy into this business.
I love that I can be fully in control of something. Best of all is that my business and “job” is geared towards dogs – they are literally the best! They also deserve the best, and that’s my sole purpose – bringing dog owners healthy hand-decorated treats and cakes to celebrate their best furriends!
Right now, I am focusing my time on creating new products & ideas, setting up a booth to sell at dog friendly events in the Houston area, and focusing my time on really expanding the business.
I have a big plan for Layla’s Barkery to expand into something fun and unique; a dog bakery on wheels! More details to come! Please follow the Layla’s Barkery instagram page for updates & cute pupstomer photos 🙂
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Be fearless, I was always afraid to aproach others for potential business opportunities and I look back and realize that I could have been a lot more successful today if I had just tried. The worst thing that could happen is that they will say no, but you can move on to the next until someone says yes!
Be patient. Things aren’t always going to go the way you want it but don’t give up!
Be passionate! If you are passionate about something, NOTHING can stop you from doing big things.
My close circle has always motivated me and kept me from giving up.
Everyone needs the type of support system that reassures you and keeps cheering you on!
How would you describe your ideal client?
The ideal client for Layla’s Barkery is someone looking to celebrate & spoil their dog, whether it be a birthday, gotcha day, or just because – they deserve to be spoiled with healthy ingredients that are beneficial for them.
Our treats & celebration cakes are made with all natural, preservative-free, and organic ingredients that won’t hurt their tummy – best of all, they are made with love & locally in Houston, TX!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laylasbarkery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laylasbarkery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaylasBarkery/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/laylas-barkery-tomball-2
Image Credits
The Barkday Planner Lion Bear Studio Crystal Marsh Photo
