Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Martin.
Hi Kristen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I never imagined I’d own a dog bakery.
Before Bring!, I spent nearly two decades working in the wine industry after beginning my career in broadcast journalism. Throughout my life, though, one thing remained constant: animals have always been at the center of who I am. As a kid, I was always rescuing creatures, asking endless questions about wildlife, and believing every animal deserved kindness. That curiosity and compassion have shaped every chapter of my life.
During the pandemic, I found myself asking a simple question: *What if I could spend every day making dogs happy?* That idea became Bring! Treats for Dogs, Portland’s first dog treat food cart, which opened in 2022. I wanted to create a place where people didn’t just buy treats—they shared a joyful experience with their dogs.
What started as one little food cart has grown into Bring!, which now includes our original cart and Bring! Barkery & Pet Boutique in downtown Portland. We create fresh dog treats, custom birthday cakes, seasonal collections, and carefully curated products, but what we’re really creating are moments of celebration between dogs and the people who love them.
As we’ve grown, so has our mission. We partner with local animal organizations, support adoption events, donate treats to shelters, and look for ways to make our community a little kinder—for both animals and people. I believe small businesses have the power to build stronger communities, and I hope Bring! is known not only for beautiful treats, but for creating joy, connection, and a sense of belonging.
Looking back, none of this was part of a grand business plan. It grew one happy dog, one wonderful customer, and one act of kindness at a time. Every day, I still feel incredibly lucky that my work allows me to celebrate the bond between people and their pets.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not. Like most small business owners, I’ve had moments where I wondered how we were going to make it through the next week.
Building a business from scratch means wearing every hat imaginable. In the early days, I was the baker, dishwasher, bookkeeper, marketer, delivery driver, event coordinator, social media manager, and customer service department—all at the same time. There have been equipment failures, staffing challenges, cash flow worries, unexpected expenses, and plenty of days where I’ve worked from sunrise until long after sunset.
Owning a small business in downtown Portland has also come with its own unique challenges. The last few years have tested every independent business owner here, but they’ve also shown me how resilient our community can be. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have customers who continue to show up, support local businesses, and cheer us on through every season.
Ironically, the hardest parts have also been the most rewarding. Every obstacle has forced me to become a better leader, a more creative problem solver, and a stronger advocate for my business, my employees, and my community.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that resilience isn’t about pretending things are easy. It’s about continuing to show up with optimism, finding solutions instead of dwelling on problems, and remembering why you started in the first place. For me, that’s always been creating joy—for dogs, for their people, and for the community we’ve built together.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Bring!, we create handcrafted treats, celebration cakes, and thoughtfully curated products for dogs, but what we really specialize in is helping people celebrate the bond they share with their pets.
Whether it’s a first birthday, a “gotcha day,” or simply a Tuesday when someone wants to spoil their best friend, we believe dogs deserve to be celebrated. Every recipe is created with the same care and intention you’d expect from a neighborhood bakery, using thoughtfully selected ingredients and a whole lot of love.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the business we’ve built—it’s the community that has grown around it. We’ve watched puppies grow into seniors, celebrated countless birthdays, cried with families saying goodbye to beloved companions, and shared in thousands of joyful moments. It’s an incredible privilege to be invited into those memories.
I also believe businesses have a responsibility to make their communities better. We regularly partner with local animal organizations, support adoption events, and look for opportunities to give back because caring for animals has always been at the heart of why I started Bring! in the first place.
I think what sets us apart is that we’re driven by joy rather than trends. Every decision we make starts with one simple question: “Will this make a dog’s day a little brighter?” If the answer is yes, we’re probably going to do it. That philosophy has shaped not only our products, but our company culture and the experience we hope every customer has when they visit us.
At the end of the day, I don’t think we’re just in the pet industry. I think we’re in the happiness business—and dogs happen to be our favorite customers.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think we’re going to continue seeing pets become even more integrated into our families. For many people, dogs aren’t “just pets” anymore—they’re companions, adventure partners, and family members. That changes the way people shop and the kinds of experiences they’re looking for.
I expect consumers will continue asking better questions about ingredients, sourcing, and quality. People want to know what they’re feeding their dogs and why, and I think transparency will become even more important than it already is.
I also believe we’ll see continued growth in celebrating life’s moments with our pets. Birthdays, gotcha days, holidays, and everyday milestones have become meaningful traditions for many families. People aren’t just buying products—they’re creating memories with the animals they love.
At the same time, I hope we don’t lose the importance of community. As online shopping and convenience continue to grow, I think local independent pet businesses have an opportunity to offer something that can’t be shipped in a box: genuine relationships, expertise, and a place where people feel connected. That’s something I think customers will continue to value.
Ultimately, I think the future of our industry belongs to businesses that are authentic. Consumers are incredibly thoughtful, and they can tell the difference between companies that simply sell pet products and those that truly care about the well-being of animals and the communities they serve. I hope Bring! continues to be part of that movement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bringtreats.dog
- Instagram: @bring_treats_for_dogs
- Facebook: /bringtreats
