Meet Natalie Soonthornswad | Small Business Owner

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

Hi Natalie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I opened my first natural pet food store just over ten years ago. The idea of Beast Feast came about in part because of frustrations I had trying to source products that met my standards for quality while also minimizing environmental impact. Many companies were reluctant to offer their products in bulk, and rather than reducing their plastic waste, the trend seemed to be that more companies were individually wrapping treats and chews in plastic wrap. According to the Pet Sustainability Coalition, the United States creates more than 300 million pounds of plastic waste in the form of pet treat and food packaging, virtually none of which is recycled.

Additionally, it was important to me that dogs, and especially cats, are fed a biologically appropriate meat-based diet. As a vegetarian and someone who cares about all animals, I wanted to make sure that the animals used to make the treats we carry were treated with respect and raised in a way that reduced damage to the environment.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Beast Feast is proud to be an environmentally conscious pet treat company that promotes animal welfare in our supply stream and offers minimally processed, healthy treats for cats and dogs. What sets us apart is our commitment to sustainability and quality, ensuring that every product reflects our values.

Challenges and Solutions:
Our journey has been marked by challenges, particularly in packaging our products in a way that maintains integrity while minimizing waste. Initially, we opted for compostable packaging and labels, but faced setbacks when the composting company we relied on stopped accepting bioplastics due to contamination issues. We then experimented with reusable packaging, but encountered difficulties in shifting consumer purchasing habits.

Recently, we made a breakthrough by transitioning to paper pouches with a water-based liner, which are curbside recyclable, along with recycled paper labels. This shift not only aligns with our environmental goals but also resonates better with consumers seeking convenient and eco-friendly options.

Another significant challenge was sourcing raw materials that met our standards for animal welfare. After over a year of diligent efforts, we’ve established partnerships with several farms and ranches that supply us with GAP certified chicken and turkey, grass-fed bison, and heritage breed pigs.

Lessons Learned:
Our journey hasn’t been easy, but each challenge has taught us valuable lessons. We’ve learned the importance of flexibility and adaptation in the face of obstacles. By staying true to our values and continuously seeking innovative solutions, we’ve been able to overcome hurdles and grow as a business.

Message to the World:
We want the world to know that Beast Feast is more than just a pet treat company; we’re a symbol of sustainability, quality, and compassion. Our story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact that small changes can have on creating a better world for animals and the environment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I like to spend my time enjoying Colorado’s beautiful outdoors and would share some of my favorite spots. I would take them on a hike, either Royal Arch or Mount Sanitas, then we would go get lunch at Zoe Mama Mama and walk around Pearl Street. I love eating dinner at Oak at Fourteenth in Boulder or Teocali in Lafayette. Colorado has so many great restaurants and hiking trails that we could easily fill the week taking in the sights and enjoying the flavors.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While there are countless people who have encouraged and supported me, my store The Happy Beast, and Beast Feast, I think I’d like to encourage everyone to read “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan. It really breaks down many of the flaws of our current food system, which are applicable to our pets as well, and illustrates that things can be done differently to benefit people, animals, and the planet.

Website: beastfeastco.com

Instagram: beast_feast_co

Facebook: beastfeastcolorado