Lessons in Authenticity From an Athlete Turned Entrepreneur

Kat Donatello is the Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer at Austin and Kat, which specializes in natural, holistic pet supplements. Fueled by her dedication to animal health, Kat transitioned from a high-level athlete and race director to a trailblazer in the CBD pet wellness space. Starting in her home kitchen with all-natural remedies to improve her dogs’ healthspan, her brand has expanded significantly, with products available in over 1,200 independent pet stores across the US. Kat's competitive spirit translates into her business ethos, establishing Austin and Kat as a brand focused on quality, innovation, and authenticity.

In this episode…

In the competitive and dynamic world of pet wellness, finding a niche and standing out can seem like an insurmountable challenge. So what happens when an athlete with a passion for natural health takes on this industry with a fresh perspective? 

From her first batch of homemade hemp biscuits a decade ago to becoming a pet wellness leader, Kat Donatello’s story reflects the value of resilience, aggressive goal-setting, and calculated risk-taking in sports and business alike. Kat unveils her secrets for navigating a relatively new segment in the pet space, emphasizing the role culture and education play in the acceptance and marketing of CBD products. She shares tales of driving across the US in a purple school bus, visiting retailers, and connecting with customers to spread the word about her products. Kat’s authentic approach to business, coupled with innovative products tailored to pet needs, exemplifies the importance of adaptability and customer engagement in driving success in a congested marketplace.

In this episode of Marketing Tails, Mark Bevington welcomes Kat Donatello, the Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer at Austin and Kat, to discuss strategies for building a thriving brand in the fast-evolving holistic pet wellness industry. Kat dives deep into her journey from athlete to entrepreneur, the creative process behind her company's product development, and barriers in CBD product advertising. She also highlights the power of authenticity and the personal touch that sets Austin and Kat apart.