
It takes courage and confidence to walk away from a traditional job to follow a dream. Maydene Koppel has both, plus a terrific product. Mrs. Beasley’s Dog Treats started in her home kitchen in 2006, as a simple gift idea. Positive feedback and a “take chances” attitude brought her to the Bedford Farmers Market, where her all natural pet treats were an instant success. “When I started selling these at the markets, I noticed people’s enthusiasm. It was right during the pet food scare and my treats were made from food you could serve your family!” Most of the ingredients are purchased locally, from apples to chicken livers. Koppel and her mother do all the cooking from the dedicated workshop in her home.

The treats are baked and then dehydrated in a two-step process that assures their nine-month shelf life. When planning her business, Koppel was careful to spend only what she could afford, choosing to sacrifice some convenience to stay out of debt. “Start small doing something you are good at. Spend what you can and don’t over-extend,” is her advice to other hopeful entrepreneurs. “It was difficult for me to walk in and sell myself,” she explains.
“You have a product and you know it’s good. You can’t give up, because out of the blue it all comes together!” You can purchase Mrs. Beasley’s Dog Treats, and cat treats, online at www.mrsbeasleysdogtreats.com or at Sully’s in Goffstown.