Deon aka Poocheze is a huge supporter of the handmade movement and an extremely valuable member of the Zibbet community.  She has only been with us for a short time but has already had some really good input into the site.  She has recently started a new blog called ‘Zibbet Love’, where she’ll be featuring other Zibbeters shops.  She’s just getting started and is looking for shops to feature.  If you’d like to be featured, feel free to contact Deon to express your interest.

Deon’s Zibbet shop, Poocheze is all about providing you with ‘Gourmet Treats For Your Pooch’.  And they sound really yummy!  She has Cheesy Beef, Carrot, and Peanut Butter bones, and even Chicken Puffs!  Makes your mouth water doesn’t it!  Well it’s not for you silly!  It’s for your pooch!

Enjoy our interview with her…

1. Tell us a bit about yourself?

   I am a 39 year old mother of 2, married to the love of my life for 16 years. We live in our own little slice of heaven in eastern Ontario.

   A little over a year ago, we purchased a 150 year old house on a back road in the middle of nowhere. It’s absolutely gorgeous and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. We live here, on our little hobby farm with our 3 dogs, 4 cats, 3 rabbits, 4 chickens, a rooster and a goat named Otis.

2. Apart from being ‘creative’ what do you do?

   The most important thing in my life is my family. My husband, my children and my disabled parents take up the majority of my time and all of my heart. Of course, I do leave some room for my puppies.

   10 years ago, my husband and I made the decision that we would make the sacrifice of my income, so I could stay home and raise our children. It was the best decision (and one of the hardest) we’ve ever made. We’ve never looked back though. We have a very close relationship with our children. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

   So, the short answer is, apart from being creative, I am a Mom.

3. What inspires you to do the kind of work you do?

   We are very proudly owned by two of the most adorable Chihuahua puppies that you’ve ever seen. Like everyone else, I love to spoil Jack and Sammy, however I’ve never been pleased with what I can find at the stores. Everything is filled with preservatives and dyes and that is simply not good enough for my babies.

   

   So, I started researching and baking. The end result is what you see offered here at Poocheze; wonderfully delicious, healthy and natural treats and food for your precious Pooch.

4. Do you look up to anyone? Who? Why?

   I have always had the greatest respect for my Grandmother. She was a single mom back in a time when that just wasn’t done. She was strong, she was loving and she meant the world to me. She taught me to be more than I thought I could be, she showed me that there are no limits to life, she taught me to be strong and independent and to make the most of what I have. I still miss her terribly.

   

5. What other passions do you have in your life?

   Obviously, my puppies mean the world to me. They bring me such joy and laughter every day. I can’t imagine my life without them now.

6. What do you like most about Zibbet?

   Wow, an easier question to answer would be what don’t I like about Zibbet, because the answer would be “nothing”. I love how easy it is to list an item, I love that my monthly fees are lower than I can possibly get anywhere else. I love the professionalism of the site and it’s admin. I love the fact that I can talk with the CEO when/if I’m having problems. I love the community, the togetherness, the fact that we all have a place to go to be together and network. I love the look, the feel and the overall vibe of Zibbet. It’s fresh, it’s new , it’s exciting and it’s amazing!

   

7. What ‘new’ things would you like to see added to Zibbet?

   I have to admit, I would love it if Zibbet would automatically add my items to Google. I know though, that admin is working on making Zibbet an even more amazing place to be, that they are continually listening and taking notes. They are amazing.

8. How do you promote your work?

   I blog, I Twitter, and I have a Facebook page. I sometimes take out paid advertising, but I find that word of mouth, amazing customer service and a fantastic product is the best promotion you can have. Locally, I participate in craft shows and farmers markets.

9. How would you recommend other Zibbeters make the most of Zibbet.com?

   First off, if you haven’t upgraded your shop to Premium yet, do that. Right now. The perks are fantastic and you can’t beat the price of only $7/month for life.

   Once you’ve done that, get out there and let the whole world know just exactly how amazing you are! Stay true to you and to what matters most and you can’t help but be a success.

10. In the future I’d like to be…

    My ultimate goal is to have my own B&M where I sell not only my treats and bags, but all kinds of wonderful Pooch related items. Oh, and to be world famous. Definitely.

Tags: featured zibbeter, Poocheze