Meet Taki Bailey | Lead Baker & Owner of AJ’S Dog Bakery

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

Hi Taki, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting AJ’s Dog Bakery was very personal and rooted in the loss of my dog, Apple Jack. He passed away after eating a rawhide bone, which made me realize just how dangerous some common pet products can be. Rawhides can cause blockages, choking, and other health issues, yet they’re still widely sold. This tragedy drove me to find safer alternatives for dogs, and I became passionate about creating treats with ingredients that pet parents could trust and actually pronounce.

I wanted to create something where dog owners wouldn’t have to worry about what their pets were consuming—treats that are healthy, simple, and still fun and celebratory. That’s when I decided to start AJ’s Dog Bakery, offering frosted treats made with wholesome, natural ingredients. My goal is to give dog parents peace of mind, knowing they’re treating their pets with something not only delicious but safe.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
AJ’s Dog Bakery sets itself apart in so many ways, and I’m incredibly proud of how we turned a personal tragedy into a beautiful community of dog lovers. All of our treats are gluten-free, grain-free, preservative-free, and made with all-natural ingredients that pet owners can trust and easily pronounce.

Being a woman-owned, African American, and Asian American mixed business also adds a unique perspective to everything we do. Representation matters, and I’m proud to be a part of an industry that allows me to share my culture and story with a wider audience.

Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy—it’s taken a lot of research, long hours, and trial and error. We’ve overcome challenges by staying resilient and leaning on the community we’ve built. I joined dog baking and human cookie groups to research designs, sales methods, and recipes, which was invaluable in shaping our approach. Every challenge was an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and staying connected to your ‘why.’ For me, that ‘why’ was making sure no other pet parent experiences the heartbreak of losing a dog to something as preventable as a treat ingredient. I want the world to know that AJ’s Dog Bakery isn’t just about treats—it’s about creating joyful, safe experiences for dogs and building a community of pet lovers who care about what they’re feeding their furry friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without the support, guidance, and community I found along the way. First and foremost, I want to give a huge shoutout to the various dog baking and human cookie Facebook groups I joined early on in my journey. They were instrumental in helping me learn and grow. I spent a lot of time researching designs, sales methods, and recipes, and those communities provided so much inspiration and advice. I even started deconstructing human cookie recipes and adapting them into dog-safe versions by removing harmful ingredients. Without those groups, I wouldn’t have had the knowledge or confidence to move forward.

I also have to give major credit to my husband, Derrick, who has been my biggest cheerleader through this entire journey. From helping with daily tasks to becoming one of our best salespeople at market events, he’s always been there, making sure I feel supported and encouraged. His belief in me and AJ’s Dog Bakery has been unwavering, and I couldn’t have done this without him by my side.

Website: https://www.ajsdogbakeryco.com

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

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

Image Credits
Taki Bailey Photography