Meet Treasure Crocker | Owner of Pawstries

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

Hi Treasure, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Detroit, born and raised and my background and upbringing greatly impacted who I am today. My family is a dog family, even though we also had a cat and turtle, but I’ve always loved animals from a very young age. Growing up as an only child, my pets were like my siblings. Although they couldn’t talk to me, they showed me a level of love and compassion and there would be times when we’d even play fight like siblings would. From seeing how wonderful my pets were and knowing how well-loved and cared for they were, I knew that not every pet had the opportunity to experience the level of love and care that they deserved. At the age of around 7-8, I decided that I wanted to be a veterinarian so that I could help take care of animals how they deserved to be. While I am not a veterinarian in this day and age, I was a veterinary technician and dedicated many years of my life to saving and helping them in the ways that they needed. I am now the owner of Pawstries, Michigan’s only registered Black woman-owned, all-natural, and gluten-free pet treat company for dogs and cats and I’m proud to say that I’m still helping take of pets, just in a different way.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Pawstries was founded by myself, Treasure Crocker, an animal nurse turned entrepreneur. I established this company in 2018 primarily out of my love for my own dogs, Chase and Bash, after Chase suffered from an allergic reaction to store-bought treats. My pups are father and son and they both have a gluten and poultry allergy. I failed to find pet food and treats suitable for my boys that were all-natural, gluten-free and most importantly, cost-friendly, so I started a company catering to pet parents like myself who only want the best for their pets. I am proud of the fact that I started a company that pets love and pet parents can trust. Customers constantly tell us how much their pets love our treats and how for some, it’s the only treat they’ll eat, which is such a surreal feeling.

Pawstries has experienced the level of success that we have today not only because of our customers and support system but also because over time, I have learned how to ask for help even when I don’t think I need it. Anyone who has experienced or still is on the journey of entrepreneurship will tell you that it is not an easy journey and there are a lot of things that you will learn, not only about yourself but about business. I overcome challenges all the time, even those that I may come across more than once but that’s the beauty of it. I’ve learned that the only constant in life is change and the more challenges I overcome, especially if I’ve experienced them before, the more I’m able to handle them in a more efficient way while also granting myself the space and grace to once again work through the same thing.

I want the world to know that Pawstries grew out of my love for animals, including my own and I understand the special bond between pet parents and their companions and I want to continue to encourage that kind of love in everyone. Pet parentship and companionship is a rewarding responsibility, and with this in mind, my company and I continue to make sure that everyone who comes to us is well-educated and understands the obligations required to keep a happy and healthy pet. If we as humans deserve to have healthy and delicious snack options, so do our pets!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m the type of person who is open to experiencing any kind of adventure at least once, especially if I think it will leave me with a great memory of it, and thankfully so are my friends. For a week-long trip, I would have to say that we’d have to visit one of my favorite bookstores, John K. King Used and Rare Books, and pick out at least 4 books that spark our interest. We’d also have to visit some of my favorite restaurants in the city from breakfast to dinner, one of those places being Dime Store because I love their brunch. I also have a passion for photography so I’d love to travel around the city and capture my friend in front of some of the city’s mural and art projects. I’m a true Michigander and love the outdoors, so before the week is over, I’d have to take my friend on an adventure up north so we can experience a lake and cabin day. To wrap the trip up, we’d have to visit one of the art museums, catch an event at Spot Lite, and create a music playlist that describes the vibe of the week that we had.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to thank all of my customers first and foremost. Pawstries would not be the company that it is today without the support of all the pet parents and pet lovers who support us. I also have to thank all of the partnerships that I’ve formed over the years with local pet stores and organizations such as Premier Pet Supply in Downtown Detroit, Detroit K-9 Pet Supplies on Cass Ave., City Bark, Cass Corridog, the Detroit Pistons, Detroit Hives, the Detroit Grand Prix, and so many more, they all have helped my company expand it’s brand reach and recognition and I’m forever grateful to them for the opportunities that they’ve given me. I also have to shout out the publication opportunities that I’ve received, one of them being from Voyage Michigan, so thank you all for that as well. Last but not least, I have to thank anyone who has truly supported me in any way while on this journey. I am forever grateful for all of the support.

Website: www.pawstries.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/pawstries

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/pawstries

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pawstries

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@pawfluent

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@pawstries

Image Credits
GoTakeMedia