1. Tell us what inspired you to start your business.

I started QueenCare because I wanted to offer healthier, holistic options in regards to self care products and experiences while serving a community focused mission to provide inspiration to girls who may not have had extensive opportunities to advance. I wanted to be a part of instilling in the next generation good human values and marketable skills that they will need to be able to compete globally. QueenCare is here to support positive community and economic development in urban communities.

All Paws Pet Bakery was inspired by my dog Jaxon, who struggled with severe gastrointestinal issues for years. After trying countless store-bought foods without success, I started researching pet nutrition, consulting veterinarians, and making homemade, human-grade meals and treats. Within weeks, Jaxon’s health transformed, and that moment changed everything for me. I realized that other pet parents were facing the same frustrations I had; wanting truly natural, safe, high-quality options they could trust. That’s when I knew I wanted to create treats that were not only wholesome and preservative-free, but made with the same care I give my own dogs; Hadley, Miele, Jaxon, and Max.

Gift of Life Marrow Registry, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 1991 during the international search for a lifesaving marrow donor for Founder and CEO Jay Feinberg. Jay was just 24 when he was diagnosed with leukemia, and his only option for survival was to find a matching donor. At that time, there were few people registered as donors, and due to a lack of diversity in the registry, there were no matches for Jay. His family would not take no for an answer, and, at a time when there was no social media, mounted a grassroots search to find his match. Tens of thousands of people volunteered to be tested, and over the course of four years, dozens of others who needed transplants were saved, but no match turned up for Jay. As his health declined, a young man whose friend had been saved by one of those matches asked to run a last, hopeful drive – and his donor was found.

2. What are some of the challenges or hurdles you had to overcome

Creating brand new business comes with many challenges. One of the biggest was renovating the space and figuring everything out from scratch. To save on costs, we handled much of the renovation work ourselves, which ended up taking longer than expected and lots of hiccups.

Something people don’t often mention about owning your own business is how difficult it can be to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I left my 9–5 only to find myself working around the clock but I don’t regret it. I truly love what I do.

There are two major challenges facing registries: First, educating people about the process, so they understand it is not painful or dangerous. Today, more than 95% of such transplants are for blood stem cells, collected from the arm. Donors who visit our beautiful, state-of-the-art collection center in Boca Raton, Florida say it is one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.

Our second biggest challenge is that, since matches are based on inherited genetic factors – similar to the way hair and eye color are passed down – we need to increase registry diversity so that every patient can find a match. Currently, only 29% of Black patients find their donor, so we absolutely invite everyone, 18 – 35 years old, and in good health, to join the registry at www.giftoflife.org.

To be consistent not only in showing up for work, but to spread that consistency in all aspects of my life by being up in one but down in another. The struggle of balancing my life puts everything else in order.

We’ve opened up a retail location and have been having trouble with getting foot traffic. We use these great opportunities with the Seahawks and the Intentionalist to advertise for our store workshops.

3. What do you enjoy most about being a small business

I love being able to connect directly with pet parents at farmers’ markets and pop-ups, hearing stories about their pets, and seeing how excited dogs get when they try my treats. Being small means, I can stay true to my values; quality ingredients, transparency, and genuine care. Nothing is mass-produced; everything is personal. It feels like an honor to help improve the health and happiness of pets in my community.

My favorite part of being a small business is getting to share my love of desserts with the community. I love being creative, coming up with fun flavors, trying new ideas, and seeing people, especially kids and families, enjoying our treats and space. I’ve met so many amazing people along the way, and being part of their celebrations and everyday moments is the best part. I love building a little sweet space in the heart of White Center.

A few years ago we pivoted to doing small group workshops and that is my favorite part of the business now. I love seeing what people create. Especially when they say they aren’t creative. They always make great work.

4. What does it mean to your business to be amplified by the Seahawks?

It means that obviously I’m doing something right and that my business ethics align somewhat of the Seahawks. It gives my business added exposure.

That I am extremely grateful of being given this opportunity to partner up with the Seahawks. It’s not easy for small business, especially today, you’ve got to do more than your best in crossing all your T’s and dotting all your I’s.

The Seattle Seahawks are a first-class organization. I have been a proud 12 for some time now and will remain to be because I have witnessed the greatness of the people that make up the organization both on and off the field. To be amplified by such a great organization is truly an honor and a powerful affirmation of the work we do at QueenCare. The Seahawks’ platform allows our story to reach more people, expanding our impact and helping us connect with those who share our vision of wellness, equity, and empowerment.