In The Box

I would like to introduce Lisa of MiasMunchies:

Introduce yourself:
Hello! I'm Lisa Reese creator and baker of Mia's Munchies. I make homemade dog treats.

What pets do you have and their names?
I have only one pet, an English Bulldog named Mia. She is my inspiration for my store name and everything I bake!

What is the name/location of your Etsy shop?
My Etsy shop is called Mia's Munchies. You can find it at www.MiasMunchies.etsy.com

How did you happen to start selling on Etsy?
I have been admiring Etsy and purchasing from sellers for several years. I think it's so wonderful that there is a site for all artists and crafters to come together. I always enjoy going to local art shows and with Etsy it's like an art show every day of the year! I started experimenting and making dog treats in early 2009. It all started when I took the time one day to actually read the ingredients on the dog biscuit box. I was shocked at all of these “ingredients” that seemed to me more like chemicals! I decided then that I no longer wanted to feed my baby Mia that crap! I was busy planning my wedding at the time so I opened up my shop a few months after I got married. I wanted to share my treats with all of you!

What's your favorite item in your store?
Right now my favorite item is my new Cheesy Bites! They are little mini hydrants made with cheddar cheese! I think they are so cute and great for training snacks or small breeds.

What's your most popular line of products?
My biscuits (or hard treats) are my most popular “line”. PB Bones and Pumpkin Paws are my most popular treats but most people enjoying getting a sampler pack and choosing their own.

Where do you get your inspiration/ideas for new items?
I was first inspired by a few recipes I found. I try to keep things simple and not add too many flavors into one treat. I think of all the things that Mia and other dogs like to eat- peanut butter, cheese, etc. and add them into my treats. I still have more ideas I’m working on!

What do you want us to know about you as a person?
I love to shop. I married the greatest guy I have ever met. I can’t go anywhere without lip balm- not even to the gym. I love cotton candy. I live in Southern Maryland- known for its crabs but I do not like seafood.

What do you want us to know about you as a crafter/artist?
I use low fat ingredients whenever possible. We all want to stay in shape and keep our pets healthy too. Having a bulldog, a breed that is often overweight I know the importance of health in your dog’s diet. I take pride in my treats.

What do you want us to know about your shop?
I am working on new listings and products to add to my shop. I plan to make a listing for a sampler of treats for small breeds and also add more large treats for the big breeds. I also now offer a discount to all returning customers.

What would you be doing/making/selling if you weren't doing what you're doing now?
I think I would be reading a lot more, drawing, and scrapbooking. I started a large painting of Mia about a year ago and rarely seem to find time to work on it. I also want to learn and crochet and felt. Sometimes I think I have too many hobbies.

Where else can we follow you (twitter, flickr, facebook, blog, other online stores, etc.)?
You can follow me on facebook and twitter.
http://www.facebook.com/MiasMunchies
http://twitter.com/lareese23

What do you have in the Pet Sampler boxes?
I always have samples of my biscuits. The type of biscuit I include varies each month. I often include PB Bones, Honey Oat Biscuits or Wheaty Chicken Hydrants. This month I plan to include my new Cheesy Bites!