Behind the Scenes with Yak9 Chews: Pukar Pyakurel & Shristi Mishra Share Their Journey on Marketing Tails Podcast

At Yak9 Chews, we believe that every product tells a story and sometimes, that story starts with unexpected twists. Recently, we had the privilege of sharing our journey on the Marketing Tails podcast with host Mark Bevington. In this episode, our co-founders, Pukar Pyakurel and Shristi Mishra, opened up about how Yak9 Chews came to life, the challenges they face, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

For those who haven’t had a chance to listen, here’s a peek behind the curtain at what we discussed during the podcast:

From Earthquake to Entrepreneurial Spark.

The story of Yak9 Chews begins in Nepal, where a devastating earthquake in 2015 on the very day their ever-growing love story started, changed everything for Pukar and Shristi. What could have been a heartbreaking setback became the catalyst for a groundbreaking idea in the pet treat market. Pukar and Shristi saw an opportunity to create something truly special for pets and it all started with the traditional Himalayan yak cheese.

In this episode, they share how their passion for pets, combined with an entrepreneurial mindset, led them to launch a pet brand that prioritizes quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. The earthquake, which initially presented a massive challenge, became the spark that lit the fire for Yak9 Chews.

Overcoming Challenges and Growing a Global Brand.

Building a global brand from scratch is no easy feat, especially in the competitive pet industry. Pukar and Shristi talked candidly about the obstacles they faced, from sourcing high-quality ingredients to navigating the complexities of the business world. But their perseverance, authenticity, and shared vision kept them moving forward.

With the brand now available in over 300+ independent pet retail stores across the US and Canada, their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. The couple discussed the importance of staying true to their roots emphasizing transparency, quality, and community in every aspect of the business. Through their combined expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence, they’ve managed to create a brand that not only thrives but also makes a positive impact on pets and the planet.

The Role of Authenticity in Marketing.

One of the most important takeaways from the podcast is the significance of authenticity in marketing. Pukar and Shristi shared how they’ve built a loyal customer base by staying true to their values, telling their story, and focusing on building a community around their brand. They stressed that when you’re authentic and genuinely care about what you do, your audience will feel it and that connection is what ultimately drives business growth.

From ensuring environmental- awareness with the packaging to ensuring every product is ethically sourced and preservative-free, Yak9 Chews has grown through the power of passion and persistence.

Creating a Community Around Pets and Eco-conscious Pet Parents.

As a company founded by two people who genuinely care about pets, one of Yak9 Chews’ core values is creating a community that shares that same love and care. In the podcast, Pukar and Shristi discuss how important it is to connect with their customers not just as a business, but as a brand that’s invested in the well-being of pets. By staying focused on the end goal of improving the lives of pets and their owners, Yak9 Chews has become a trusted name in the pet industry.

What’s Next for Yak9 Chews?

Looking ahead, Pukar and Shristi are excited about the future of Yak9 Chews in 2025. With a focus on continuous innovation, sustainability, and community engagement, they are determined to keep growing and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the pet treat space.

If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the full conversation, be sure to check out the “Marketing Tails: From the Himalayas to your Pets” podcast episode. It’s a powerful reminder that with determination, authenticity, and a shared vision, anything is possible; even turning a devastating earthquake into a thriving global business. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and for supporting Yak9 Chews. Together, we’re making a difference- one chew at a time.

Listen to the full episode on  Marketing Tails: From the Himalayas to your Pets to hear more about our story and the lessons we've learned along the way.