Inspiring Women: Meet Selena from Blaze's Tasty Treats

You may have heard us mention Blaze’s Tasty Treats on this blog more than once (here and here) and that’s because they’re just so flipping fabulous. Selena Byrne, mastermind behind this poochy business, is a wizard in the doggie kitchen and her shop and market stall always looks amazing.

You can usually find us at markets together, like the Leigh-on-Sea Farmer’s Market and Hylands House. If you’re looking for really special treats (birthday cakes! gifts! snacks!) for your four-legged friends, then Blaze’s Tasty Treats should be your first port of call.

Blaze’s Tasty Treats makes handmade natural dog treats, and also sells artisan pet supplies, supplied by small independent companies. We spoke to Selena and found out more about what makes Blaze’s Tasty Treats go woof!

What inspired you to start your business? And what keeps you going?

Being a veterinary nurse, I was seeing more and more animals with food allergies including my own dog Blaze. Struggling to find treats to suit his allergies, i decided to create my own, with no artificial colours, additives or preservatives.

I keep going after seeing how well the dogs respond to the flavours, knowing that what my dog and all my customers dogs are eating good quality products

Where are you based, and where can people see you in person?

I have a kitchen and shop based in Acresway Kennels in Thundersley, Essex, where we are open to the public 10-3 Mon, Wed-Sunday. We also attend most local dog shows. We also attend monthly farmers markets held in Leigh-on-Sea and Hylands House, Chelmsford .

What do you love most about what you do?

I love getting to meet all the lovely doggies who enjoy my products. I’m not content unless i’m cooking in my kitchen. (Have a look at the Blaze’s Tasty Treats facebook page for pics of their satisfied customers – it’s worth a look just to see happy dog faces!)

Watch this space! What does the future hold for your business?

New flavours being developed regularly and more pet products supplied by small independent companies. We hope one day to own a large shop in our local town. If we’re dreaming big we hope to open shops in all local towns, where people can buy good quality products for their animals.

Something else you need to know

Selena is raising money to help Monty get a hip replacement. Monty is a rescue Giant Schnauzer who was left to the Acres Way Kennels after a couple’s marriage failed (read more about his story on the JustGiving page here). He needs this expensive surgery to regain mobility, get exercise and be pain-free. You can join in the fundraising by taking part in their online auction and liking their fundraising page here.