Hidden Gems: Meet Ashley Albright of DoggieDiggz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Albright.

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was laid off from my job in 2017, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do as a career path. I have always been an animal lover, and I knew of a local dog rescue in San Diego and reached out about volunteering. I started volunteering in January 2017 and was an active volunteer until 2019, helping with socializing dogs and puppies from various bad situations. It was always incredible to see their progress and ultimately see them find forever homes.

The idea of DoggieDiggz came about randomly, to be honest; when I was a volunteer, I wanted to create something for dogs. I went back and forth with friends and my boyfriend on ideas, and in October 2017, I launched my first two pet charms with the help of a local designer in San Diego.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a small business is no easy journey. As a neurodivergent individual, it has come with challenges; wearing multiple hats makes it hard to juggle all the different aspects. I have learned to enjoy the process and realize we are all on our journeys; it doesn’t matter how long it takes. I also know when to ask for help and delegate to allow my mind to focus on what’s important.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Founded in 2017, DoggieDiggz originated to create high-quality, personalized pet items. Made from repurposed woods, organic cotton fabrics, and eco-friendly materials, we’re dedicated to being a friend to our planet as much as we are to our customers.

Owned and operated by 28-year-old nature lover and Denver native Ashley, our products come from a genuine place of passion and purpose. We love making new connections and creating pet products that people and their furry friends can be excited about!

Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Get involved in your community, and make connections outside of social media. It is so much more valuable than just keeping conversations virtual. Don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it; you can’t do everything, and it will help you grow and free up valuable resources. Just get started; it will be messy, but have fun with the progress. Lastly, it is still hard for me, but don’t compare yourself to other businesses.

Pricing:

• Dog Bandanas $30
• Wood Pet Tags $20

Contact Info:

• Website: www.doggiediggz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doggiediggz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doggiediggz
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@doggie_diggz?_t=8YwUGKSinEZ&_r=1