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I agree ~a job cant be truely sustainible if you cant stand going to it, or wish you were elswhere.  My son attends Mt. Scott, where they recently got a grant to hire someone to help the kids focus on this very issue of figuring out what you want to do, and then mapping a course to get there.  Brillient!

posted 2 years, 3 months ago
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The economy, my son's medical issues, and our shared love for dogs were all part of the motivation for our own business, Leo & Company.  We now spend our days baking diabolically delicious, all organic dog biscuits that are as good for the planet as they are for your dog

When we launched, it felt as though there was no real alternative:  my son, Leo, had been born with a liver condition, and went into the hospital to await a liver transplant shortly before the economy collapsed.  By the time he was well enough to not need my full time care it seemed there were no jobs to be had; yet, as a single mom, staying home wasn’t an option either.

It was Leo, now 15, who had the notion that we could start selling the dog biscuits we have always baked for our dogs.  I questioned whether gourmet organic dog biscuits would sell in a down economy, but, lacking any other options, we gave it a go.

Turns out Portlanders value their pups, and appreciate that we offer biscuits baked form all local, organic ingredients, using recipes informed by may background as a veterinary technician.

We are deeply committed to operating in as sustainable a fashion as possible, and bring that value to every choice we make: from our compostable sample bags to the choice to buy ingredients directly from local family farmers who bring the same commitment to stewardship of the land that we bring to baking.

Sometimes desperation is the mother of inspiration; and although we still have moments of panic, it is the best job I have ever had, and plan to keep it for the rest of my life.

Kyrstin Westwind
Leo & Company Diabolically Delectable Dog Biscuits

posted 2 years, 3 months ago
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