Driven by care: Karen Blanchard
Karen Blanchard, founder and owner at Natural Paws Pantry, shares her unique perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a successful career
London Inc. is proud to present its second annual look at area women making a transformational difference in their fields. Sharing their secrets for success, these 31 women are making a significant impact across various industries. Their stories are about resilience, creativity and the power of passion; they break barriers, shatter stereotypes and pave the way for future generations.
Karen Blanchard
Founder and Owner
Natural Paws Pantry
naturalpaws.ca
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FOUNDED IN 2012, Natural Paws Pantry was built on a simple but deeply personal mission: to provide high-quality, Canadian-made natural food, supplements and treats for pets. And for owner Karen Blanchard, that mission was shaped by loss. After her two golden retrievers passed away from cancer, she began investigating the role of diet, ultimately concluding that commercially produced kibble may have contributed. Determined to do better, she immersed herself in research, seeking out locally sourced, human-grade options for cats and dogs.
“I wanted to fulfill a passion, which is helping pet owners give their dogs and cats a healthy lifestyle and live longer. A satisfied customer is our greatest asset, which represents success to me”
“At the time, there were only a couple locations I could purchase naturally sourced food,” Blanchard recalls. “I realized I was not the only person trying to provide a healthy lifestyle for my pets. I overcame this challenge by starting my own business.”
Guided by the belief that “food is medicine,” Blanchard has remained committed to sourcing natural, whole-food products that support long-term animal health — and her team plays a key role in that mission. “From groomers to customer service staff, each member contributes knowledge and care, helping pet owners make informed choices,” she says.
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In many ways, Blanchard notes, her definition of success has not changed since the day she opened her doors: a satisfied customer and a healthier pet. “I wanted to fulfill a passion, which is helping pet owners give their dogs and cats a healthy lifestyle and live longer,” she says. “A satisfied customer is our greatest asset, which represents success to me.” 