Founder’s Letter March 2024

Each month one of our co-founders, Chelsea Gennings, writes a personal note to community members. We hope you enjoy this closer look into our journey and the values that drive us at Pet Releaf. The best way to read our monthly Founder’s Letter is by subscribing to our email list.

Hey,  

It’s me, Chelsea, back in your inbox for March. In case you missed it, every month, I am reaching out directly to share the latest Pet Releaf updates and insights on what is going on behind the scenes. You can catch up on last month’s letter here.  

To celebrate International Women’s Day, I wanted to share a bit more about my experience as a woman business owner who operates Pet Releaf alongside my mom, Alina.  

Entrepreneurship Runs in the Family: 

Pet Releaf is my first experience being a founder (we started it when I was just 23 but I was eager to start something from scratch with my family) but for Alina, this is one of several successful businesses she has started. Her historical experience outside of the pet industry helped us launch the brand. 

I’m proud to be a third-generation female founder. My grandmother, Lorraine (Alina’s mom) started her own business with my grandfather selling patented products in Florida. Her words of wisdom have always been to find something you love to do, and you will be a success. Being yourself is good enough! I’ve always admired her determination, not just when it comes to work but also for other issues she’s passionate about.  She was the first secretary of the NOW (National Organization for Women)  movement in South Florida back in the 1970s. They were on the forefront of fighting for women’s rights and bringing attention to specific issues that were impacting women at that time.   

Proud To Be Part of the Pet Industry: 

All of the time I’m asked if being a woman has impacted my experience as a business owner. The short answer is I’ve never felt a disadvantage of being a woman in business. Part of that is because I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by strong women, the other part is that we are in the pet industry! The pet space is one of the four most popular sectors for women-founded businesses, so we are in good company. I truly believe being a woman-owned company has only helped our brand and I absolutely love connecting with other passionate pet mamas. 

Thanks For Your Support: 

Only 30% of businesses make it to 10 years. This year, we celebrate our 10th in business! Thank you doesn’t seem like a strong enough word to describe our family’s gratitude for your ongoing support of our woman-owned business. But I’ll say it anyway — thank you!  

How I Use Pet Releaf Products On My Own Pets: 

Last month, I shared how much the Hip & Joint 300mg Oil helped my dog, Pepper. This month, it’s all about my cats: Lebron & Ivy.  Our Stress Releaf 180mg Oil has been a life saver in keeping them relaxed and helped Lebron get comfortable with our new cat, Ivy, when we first brought her home. If you also have cats, you know how picky they can be, that’s why it’s mixed with catnip! Seriously, it’s a game changer. 

Again, thanks for your support! I’ll be in touch next month with more Pet Releaf goodness.  

Talk soon,
Chelsea