Nieta Wigginton is a Lexington, Kentucky native and community entrepreneur. She is the Founder of "My Baby Barks."
Bootcamp 1.0 project: The startup name of the project is MY BABY BARKS (MBB). MBB is a website the celebrates the pet parent with the pet parent's family and friends. This celebration site also includes valuable information and advice on caring for the four pawed baby as well as the pet parent.
According to Morgan Stanley, the size of the pet care market was valued at over 266 billion (USD) in 2023 and projected over 427 billion (USD) by 2032. According to The Bolen Group, "weekly sales of petcare products through February 2024 are growing faster than any other category of fast-moving consumer goods."
Taking into account trend adjustments (i.e. increase during COVID-19 pandemic and decline post-pandemic), the market projection remains strong. This strength seemingly remains constant due in no small part to the ever-increasing "humanizing" of pets. Americans four pawed besties have moved from being considered "the family pets" to "members of the family." This is particularly true in the case of dogs which happen to be the favored pet of choice according to MarketWatch. MarketWatch reports more than 65 million American households with a dog in comparison with 46 million American households with a cat and 11 million with a freshwater fish.
When seeking to better understand the purpose and validity of MBB, consider theknot.com. The knot is a one stop shop for all things weddings. If theknot.com is the wedding planner's BFF, as it markets itself, then MBB is the dog pet parent's favorite auntie -- the one whose broccoli you ate for dinner without complaining because she let you have ice cream for breakfast! In her care one felt at home and on vacation. MBB is that duality of community with celebration and sensibility. The platform offers space for advertisers, vendors, advice etc. While offering knowledge exchange, MBB's launch delivers a new trend: a baby shower registry. This adaptation of a time-tested staple brings new customers to the petcare industry. Like the two footed baby whose arrival spurs the parents' village to supply necessities and the not-so-essentials for child and parent, so does MBB for pet parents and their four pawed babies. TheStork is pleased.
Pets waiting for their forever families are also pleased as MBB's financial model includes a dedicated donation stream to organizations whose mission includes the facilitation of dog adoptions. This stream offers a platform for cause marketing while also reflecting corporate social responsibility. This dedicated donation stream includes proceeds from revenues generated from several site sources. One source is the advertisers. The second source is MBB merchandise. Celebrating the example set by trailblazers including Ben & Jerry's ice cream and Newman's dressing, the MBB site markets MBB products. Yes! TheStork is pleased.
I believe, as a result of this bootcamp opportunity, MBB will secure investments, partnerships, etc that will also be pleased. Let's start prepping for delivery of MBB!
Email: Nieta4amch@gmail.com
Project Owner
Nieta Wigginton