We recently had the chance to connect with Chloe Clark and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chloe, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
As the owner of a pet wellness brand that creates skincare and grooming products for dogs and cats with allergies and skin issues, I’ve learned that a successful business runs on two main pillars: operations and marketing. That’s how I structure my day—making sure both areas get the attention they deserve.
On the operations side, my day often starts with production—handcrafting our small-batch, limited-ingredient products and making sure inventory is ready for our online customers, wholesale retailers, and white-label clients who purchase ready-to-label products for their own brands. I also keep a close eye on our sales channels and analytics to spot trends, track progress, and look for ways to improve. Other operational tasks include product research and development, SEO updates across multiple platforms, and the everyday responsibilities of running a small business.
Order fulfillment is another top priority. I know that many of our customers have pets who are in pain or discomfort—and that their owners are anxious to find relief for them. By the time they discover Simply Sage Dog Treats, many have spent years searching for a solution. That’s why we work hard to ship orders within 1–2 days, so that the healing process can begin as quickly as possible.
The other half of my day is devoted to growth through outreach, marketing, and relationship-building. This includes sending targeted emails to retailers and pet businesses for wholesale and white-label opportunities, pitching our products to journalists, bloggers, publications, media outlets, and securing advertising campaigns in publications that align with our target market. Press features and media coverage help build awareness, credibility, and trust—three things every small business needs, especially when working with a limited budget.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Chloe—the owner of Simply Sage Dog Treats, a pet wellness brand specializing in skincare and grooming essentials for dogs and cats with allergies and skin issues. Our mission is simple: to take the guesswork out of choosing safe, effective products for your pets. Every item we make is designed to help soothe, heal, and moisturize their paws, skin, and nose.
While many brands focus on quantity, we focus on quality. Our product line is intentionally simple so pet parents can easily choose what’s best for their furry family members—without feeling overwhelmed by dozens of similar products or trendy items that don’t deliver real results.
We believe in keeping things straightforward and practical. That’s why you won’t find endless scrolling, overcrowded webpages, or products that only add to “analysis paralysis.” Instead, we feature only what works—proven skincare and grooming essentials that make a real difference. We prioritize results over trends and stay true to what we do best: caring for your pet’s skin, naturally.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
For a long time, I believed there was a clear, step-by-step blueprint for success. As a child and young adult, I thought it looked like this: go to college (check), earn a degree (check), land a “good” corporate job with great benefits (check), and buy a home (check). I equated working for big-name companies, climbing the corporate ladder, and earning a high salary with being successful.
But after more than a decade of chasing that version of success, I found myself burned out, depressed, and completely unfulfilled. That’s when I realized I needed to redefine what success meant for me.
As I began to step away from society’s version of success, I noticed I wasn’t alone. Many people, some of whom were the biggest advocates of the “traditional” path, were just as unhappy as I was. That was a huge wake-up call. I learned that some people will promote a lifestyle they don’t actually want or believe in, simply because it’s safer than taking a different path. And if you choose differently, they might try to convince you that you’re making a mistake.
Here’s what I know now: no one has all the answers. Not even the CEOs of mega-corporations. And often, the people who shout the loudest that you’re “doing it wrong” are projecting their fears and insecurities.
The truth is, success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s deeply personal. And the sooner you stop chasing someone else’s definition of it, the sooner you can start building a life—and a business—that fulfills you.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
When you experience failure, or what some might see as suffering or missing out, it often sparks creativity and resilience. These qualities are important if you want to play the long game in entrepreneurship. After all, if you win at everything right away, you never truly master anything. It’s through challenges, setbacks, and even losses that you learn how to navigate both life and business.
One reason I’m effective as a business mentor is that I’ve had to face the reality of and understand why things didn’t work out. I’m not here to glorify suffering or suggest that people need to suffer to grow. The truth is, sometimes what feels like suffering isn’t— it’s simply a lesson, a growing pain from trying something new, or maybe a sign that you’re being a little hardheaded (resisting change or holding too tightly to old habits).
But suffering alone doesn’t teach you much. What really matters are the lessons you take away from each experience. Those lessons build the skills and wisdom you need to create a successful, joyful life and business.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
It’s something most people will readily agree with when you talk about it—but their actions often tell a different story. As a volunteer business mentor for a national organization, I’ve had this conversation over a thousand times, and I mean thousands. The reality is that building a successful business takes time, effort, and patience. There simply aren’t any shortcuts around that truth. While many will nod along and say they understand, their choices often show they haven’t fully embraced it yet.
What I see time and again is that people don’t want to admit they’ve fallen for the “get-rich-quick” hype. They consume content from YouTubers and social media influencers who promise fast success, easy money, and instant results. These messages are tempting—they offer hope and excitement—but they’re also far from the truth of what it really takes to build a business. Despite the evidence all around us, many hold tightly to these illusions, almost refusing to see the reality. If you take even a moment to research established entrepreneurs or trusted businesses, you’ll discover stories of years, sometimes decades, of perseverance and incremental growth.
Some of the world’s most iconic brands took decades to reach their current level of success. Their journeys are filled with challenges, setbacks, and constant learning. They didn’t achieve overnight fame or fortune; they built their businesses piece by piece, learning as they went and steadily gaining momentum. That’s the real path to success.
I want to be upfront with you: becoming a millionaire overnight is extremely unlikely. You can’t delegate away the core tasks of your business before you fully understand how they work. You can’t simply hire someone to “make you successful.” Success demands time spent in the trenches; experimenting, failing, adjusting, and growing. That time in the marketplace is where you build the foundation for long-term growth and sustainability.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to remember that I am a believer in God and a servant of Jesus Christ. It is through Him that I have been blessed with the skills and talents I use to serve and assist others.
My passion for entrepreneurship is a gift from Him. The understanding, wisdom, and discernment I rely on come from Him. The ability to teach and simplify complex topics is His work through me. And my deep desire to help others in both business and life flows from His guidance.
I am a business owner and mentor because God has placed these callings and abilities within me. I hope that people will say I recognized these gifts, embraced them, and was obedient—choosing not to let fear or doubt keep those talents locked away. I want my story to be one of faith in action, using what God entrusted to me to make a positive difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simplysagedogtreats.com/
- Other: https://businessadvicefromchloeclark.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysagedogtreats/
Image Credits
C. Clark and R. Clark
