We had the good fortune of connecting with Consuelo Galicia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Consuelo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea behind starting Achilles Heal came from a combination of personal experience and passion. I saw how important proper nutrition was for my own pup’s health and I realized how limited the options were for truly fresh, homemade dog food without fillers and preservatives. I wanted to provide a dog food meal that other dog owners could trust. Meals that were human grade, delicious and healthy because all dogs deserve that level of care. This has been our lifestyle and turning our lifestyle into a small business was about making a difference in the health and happiness of other pets that started with our family and then expanding to help others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Achilles Heal is all about providing dogs with fresh, homemade meals that are made with real ingredients. Honest, nutritious food. No fillers and no preservatives. What sets us apart is the personal love and attention we put into every meal. We’re not mass producing food, we’re food prepping each meal with the same care you would use to cook for your family. Our process is all about trust, quality and making a real connection with our customers.

I am most proud of the impact we’ve had on our customers and their pups. Hearing stories about how our food has helped with allergies, digestion issues, positive health notations, all of this bringing pups more joy and energy. Having a one-on-one connection with our customers and their pups means everything to us! We are excited about growing our brand while staying true to our mission of health, love and authenticity.

Starting a business, while balancing a full-time financial career, while also being a single mom, an auntie, having our own pups who need attention, means there are a lot of late nights, very early mornings, and sacrifices. There are times of feeling overwhelmed and wondering how everything we need to get done, will get done. In those moments I always come back to my “why”. The passion behind the answer to “why”, knowing I have Desirae to lean into and her into me on her heavy days, also being able to lean on our family members. Being a single mom I have never had a choice to not move forward because her eyes have always been watching me. Desirae is always the first answer in my “why”. Because of that I believe she has turned into an amazing woman who takes responsibility seriously and I believe her “why” is to always do her best and succeed. Together we are resilient and believe in our mission to remain consistent with our meals and treats and staying true to our values means everything.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in this journey is that growth doesn’t always look like a straight line. There are ups and downs, it’s ok we learn from every moment. Building a brand that is rooted in authenticity and from our heart is what matters more than trying to be perfect. People feel and see our authenticity and want to be a part of the journey. These people become a part of what we refer to as the “AH Family”.

Achilles Heal was born out of a real love – love for an amazing red Doberman. That love was overfilled and spilled over to all of our Dobermans and now spills over to all of the pups who are in our “AH Family”. We’re not just another dog food brand, we are a movement towards better health and better lifestyles for your pups.

My story is proof that with passion, hard work and faith, you can turn a dream into a reality, no matter what challenges you face.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Achilles Heal is a family business at its core, my daughter, Desirae Llanes, who is also our Co-Founder, is at the heart of every decision. She’s such an important part of the Achilles Heal Brand. Her passion, hard work and belief in our mission inspire me every day.

Website: https://www.achilleshealdogfood.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achilleshealdogfood/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/achilles-heal-dog-food-limited-liability-company/?viewAsMember=true

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AchillesHealDogFood

Image Credits
Achilles Heal or Consuelo Galicia on all photos.

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