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

Hi Monica, why did you pursue a creative career?
I would occasionally make all-natural treats for my dog, Layla because I stopped trusting store-bought treats. I did a lot of research on what ingredients were beneficial for dogs and would experiment often; it became a fun hobby!

When I lost my corporate job in 2016, I was very unmotivated and couldn’t figure out my purpose in life. I knew there was something I was good at, I just needed to figure out what it was. I tried painting, baking human cakes and cupcakes, but it never turned out right. With the dog treats, it came naturally. That is when my husband reminded me that I was good at making dog treats and cakes.

Fast forward to 4 years, I am working full-time as a Recruiter but Layla’s Barkery is still going strong! This hobby allows me to create masterpieces for dog owners. It truly gives me purpose when I get to witness a dog’s tail wagging profusely for my creations!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
During the day, I am a University Recruiter and my job is to build relationships with local universities and manage my company’s internship program!

It’s the only role of it’s kind where I work, so it allows me to be creative!

It took me a while to find a place where I felt like I belonged.

Early in my career, I was put into a role where I was not able to bring value and my time there was left short. After that, there were many places I tried to fit into, but it never worked out. It is now that I feel like I am valued, my attributes are valued & seen, and I am able to make a difference in the business. It is a very influential position, where I am able to coach college professionals and provide them with a fun and meaningful internship experience! A huge plus is that I learn new things each day, so it’s a growing opportunity for me too!

It is very rewarding!

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?
I would definitely check out some of the unique restaurants we have here in Houston. It’s such a melting pot so you really can’t go wrong wherever you end up!

I would definitely go to some dog-friendly places like Barkley’s or Lazy Dog!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I truly would not be where I am if it weren’t for my hardworking mother who set an amazing example growing up. She worked day and night to keep a roof above my head and I couldn’t thank her enough. The second person would be my strong, independent, and beautiful sister. She always knows what to say and is always by my side when I need her!

Lastly, my husband. There aren’t enough words to describe how much of an impact he has made in my education, career, and life. I wouldn’t be the first generation to graduate college without him, nor would I have gotten my first corporate gig. As I had mentioned previously, he was the one that pushed me to start Layla’s Barkery!

Website: www.laylasbarkery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laylasbarkery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaylasBarkery/

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