Meet Vanessa Rodriguez | Owner and Dog Baker

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

Hi Vanessa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always loved animals, grooming and overall holistic health care of all animals. I am also proud of being a Mexican American and sharing my Mexican culture with everyone, so I thought why not form these two loves into a business?

Paw’naderia & Shop is dog bakery and shop inspired by the colorful traditions of Mexican culture.My dog treats are authentic Mexican pastries and desserts that are 100% dog safe. My goal is to create not only delicious treats, but nutritious treats that can be added to your fur baby’s diet. All my treats are all-natural that contain no added preservatives, chemicals, or artificial flavors. I have done so much research on what ingredients are non-toxic to dogs, and I am very proud and exciting to share with you all other treats that I will be adding to my business soon.

The shop consists of pet accessories that will be having you fur babies looking extra adorable. These pet accessories will also be based on Mexican culture.My shop also consists of of grooming/pet care products that will have your pets smelling, looking, and feeling fresh.

I am committed to expand my business and to keep on improving quality in all areas. I want everyone to know that your dog means so much to me as my own dogs mean to me. I also hope to share the warm hospitality of my Mexican Heritage with anyone that comes across my dog bakery and shop.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always been the “veterinarian” in my family. My family members have always come to me with questions and concerns about their pet’s health and I love helping them.

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. As a kid, I used to bring back home rocks from Mexico to sell them to my neighbors. I love making money, I mean who doesn’t? After I few jobs in the pet industry I realized the only thing better than having my own money was making it my own way. I have combined all my experiences and lesson from working at an animal hospital, grooming salon, and retail into my business. I never saw my work as a job, I enjoy what I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Houston is known for is cultural diversity. It is rich with artistic scenes such as music, theater, dance, and remarkable architectures. Houston is also rich with a diverse of foods. There is a list of restaurants and places of my interest. Some of these include, Elanor Tinsley Park, Rooftop Cinema Club, The Museum of Fine Arts, Waffle Bus, Kelley’s, T-Bone Tom’s, Kemah, and Seismique.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I want to shoutout my parents Isela Coronado and Gamaliel Rodriguez who have been encouraging me to keep on doing what I love to do, which is to make dogs happy. My mom usually helps me out when I need an extra hand and I am very thankful for that.

Secondly, I want to shoutout Yazmin Ordaz, she has impacted Paw’naderia & Shop in many ways. She has supported my business idea since the first day that I mentioned it to her. She is always there to help me come up with other ideas and being totally honest with me about her thoughts about my ideas.

Lastly, I want to shoutout my boyfriend, Juan Reyes, who has supported my business process by showing up for me at pop ups and learning everything from my bakery to my pet care products, and how each ingredient works with each other to create a delicious treat and great pet products.

Instagram: Pawnaderia_n_shop

Facebook: Pawnaderianshop