We had the good fortune of connecting with Jan Willadsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Fortunately I was born a creative artist with an entrepreneurial mindset and come from a long line of self-employed folk. So for over 55 years now I’ve had my own businesses, it always made good sense. And my parents used to say: when in doubt make something to sell! So out of that notion I created Ruby’s Rootin’ Snootin’ Snuffles business making hand-crafted Pet Enrichment Activity Snuffles.

My various career choices though the years have all played a significant part in starting up my Enrichment Snuffles business. I had a couple of “full-time” employment positions in my younger years feeling that they would be reliable and provide a safely stable income, less stress, less worry. But quite frankly they weren’t that at all. I admittedly am much happier being in business for myself – for all the right reasons – the risk and unexpected challenges are ultimately fulfilling and incredibly rewarding.

 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

As an artist and designer, my previous creative endeavors have included a range of categories: Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Sewing, Graphic Design, Art & Creative Direction, Photography, Multi-Media Presentations, Animation, Interior Design and Scale Models. All were based upon applying my artistic skills and talents. I enjoy and thrive in multiple disciplines of creative expression.

The Covid-19 Pandemic threw more than a monkey wrench into my 30-year successfully sustainable company fabricating architectural and master site plan scale models. Traditionally displayed in Sales or Information Centers, they were significant in assisting a real estate development in onsite marketing and sales. But the Centers were forced to shut down and few have been able to open back up. Real Estate has fluctuated in the past and impacted my work, but this wasn’t the same to maneuver through.
I basically had to accept the complete lack of projects and that I couldn’t change or influence it in any way. Trust me, I tried hard and simply had to move on. After downsizing from a large commercial warehouse with multiple employees, I established a small Studio space at home in order to maintain the ability to make scale models on my own – just in case things actually changed. Sporadically there were a few projects but nothing that I could regularly depend upon.

Was it easy? No. Was it a hardship? Yes. But I couldn’t, didn’t and still can’t look back. I try to maintain a no-regrets attitude and steer my energy towards finding solutions instead. I eventually had to effectively identify another type of industry to literally keep the lights on, food on the table and a roof over my head – sometimes in the self-employed world it can be plain survival mode. But know that it’s critical to nurture a positive attitude and maintain some resemblance of a sense of humor. And I honestly had no clear idea what that next step could be when isolated during the Pandemic. Until . . . my Ruby Rose puppy came into my life and my world significantly changed!

Ruby was an adorable 10 week old rescue but a hyper handful and so out of sheer desperation I researched Enrichment online. The result was that I became a Volunteer for local Lifeline Animal Shelters and guided by a Volunteer coordinator. I learned a lot about interactive Enrichment engagement and that the Shelter animals behavior changes dramatically when interacting for even 15 minutes. That favorable response ultimately encouraged me to go a step further and design a unique Snuffle Ball and Mat that were first “tested” by Ruby and then Vet reviewed and approved before offered to the Shelter animals – who ultimately loved them.

All of my previous experience has greatly contributed in establishing this new business. There’s a lot involved in wearing an assortment of “responsibility” hats and honestly, simply not for the weak of heart! Beginning with determining cost-effective materials sources, creating logo & collateral materials, establishing product branding & physical prototypes, staging and producing product photography, determining price points, designing an e-commerce website, setting up shipping accounts, establishing social media presence and those steps culminating in onsite Marketplace sales efforts. Just know that ultimately, marketing and sales are what make the world go ’round.

So bottom line: during a challenging time of worldwide Pandemic isolation, it was emotionally rewarding to create and make something of value, that was extremely beneficial and impacted the Shelter Animals behavior in a positive way. The Snuffles creations brought me to a better mental place in severely trying times. Even now, by helping other animals, it’s very fulfilling to offer the interactive engagement to other PawParents knowing the difference it can make in their Pet’s sense of wellbeing as a natural foraging activity – to retrieve treats and be rewarded. They effectively calm hyper behavior, slow down fast eaters, improve focus and problem solving and reduce boredom and stress. Happy Pet – Happy PawParent.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

It’s Summertime weather now so I actually love to cook and find that entertaining my friends at home always proves to be a fun alternative to eating out. It gives me a chance to pull together creative cuisine and theme table settings that everyone always enjoys. But I also love the delightful bill of fare at Le Bon Nosh and Eclipse De Luna for a special dinner out.

My friends are all into gardening so we’d try to fit in as many places as possible beginning with the Botanical Gardens.
A day trip would be to Barnsley Gardens, an historic Southern estate north of Atlanta that is a cool site with fun amenities. Another is Gibbs Gardens where each season you walk through impressively gorgeous plantings – a must see.

If have a full week to travel then we would definitely head to St. Simons area where the coastal living is easy and delightful – as well as the amazing East Coast fresh seafood! The Jekyll Island Historic Hotel is a fabulous stay with period croquet on the lawn along with touring the historical buildings of days-gone-by built by the wealthy families who came South for warmer weather in the Winter. It’s also an easy access to Savannah or Jacksonville for a extra day outing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

My Shoutout is with tremendous appreciation to Rosalie, Ursula and the Lifeline Animal Shelters Staff. And to my Ruby Rose! They were the main catalyst in actually creating and starting my new business.

During the Pandemic, I unexpectedly rescued a hyperactive Yorkie mix puppy, Ruby Rose. Because of her pogo-puppy behavior, I was anxious to quickly research ways to engage her in beneficial mind activities – just throwing the ball wasn’t enough. Connecting online with Rosalie, who was coordinating Enrichment Volunteers for Lifeline Animal Shelters, I discovered and learned about the importance of Pet Enrichment activities.

As one of the “Enrichment Elves” volunteers, I initially sewed pillows for the animals to have as toys that were provided one-on-one to the animals when supervised by Shelter Staff and Volunteers. Based upon Staff input and coordinating with Ursula, another Volunteer, I transitioned into designing and making a unique Enrichment Snuffle Ball and Mat. My Ruby Rose was instrumentally and excitedly the “test pup” during the design development and the final shapes are a result of her Rootin’ & Snootin’ behavior and like all dogs, the innate desire to pick up something and shake good sense into it:) I am significantly grateful to those who provided specific insight and a learned opportunity to be able to create beneficial Enrichment Snuffles.

Website: www.rootinsnootinsnuffles.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rubysrootinsnootinsnuffles/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rubysrootinsnootinsnuffles/

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