Meet Ilsis Rice | CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ilsis Rice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ilsis, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was deeply rooted in my love for my Aussie, Milo. When Milo was a puppy, he developed allergies to certain foods and ingredients. As a first-time dog mom, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to help him. I didn’t want him to rely on medication, so I began researching the root causes of his allergies. I discovered that many could be linked to the ingredients in his treats and food.

Since Milo absolutely loves treats, I started looking into natural, minimally processed options, but I found that they were hard to come by. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and create treats that were both safe and delicious for him. That journey led to the creation of NC Pup’s Bakery. It all started because of Milo, and my goal has always been to make treats that dogs love while keeping their health a priority.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey into this career has been anything but easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. I started this dog bakery because of my dog, Milo. It was just me and him back then. He was struggling with severe allergies both food and environmental. I poured my heart into finding ways to help him, experimenting with natural, simple ingredients. That’s what sparked my passion for baking dog treats and cakes.

What sets me apart is that this business comes from a place of love and personal experience. I know firsthand how frustrating it is to see your dog suffer, and I understand the relief of finding something that works. That’s what drives me every time I bake. I’m not just making treats, I’m helping improve lives, one dog at a time baking with minimal ingredients and always fresh.

Of course, it’s been a challenge balancing everything. I work a full-time job Monday through Friday, I have two dogs, a husband, and a baby on the way. It’s definitely not easy to do all this while dedicating so much of my free time to this bakery. But the reason I keep going is because I believe in this small business, and I can’t wait to grow it into a full-time career with a small storefront.

I’ve learned that persistence, passion, and staying true to your ‘why’ are key. Every challenge is a reminder of why I started, because of Milo, and because of the joy I get from seeing dogs and their owners happy with my treats. If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s that we’re here to make a difference, one dog at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, Charlotte, NC is an amazing city for going out, eating, drinking, and just enjoying yourself! My ideal itinerary will be:

For a night out, you can’t miss the South End district, it’s buzzing with rooftop bars, breweries, and trendy restaurants. Places like Sycamore Brewing or The Suffolk Punch will definitely make you stay until they close lol.

For dining I will choose Kindred (in nearby Davidson) or Epic Chophouse Mooresville, for a casual hangouts definitely Optimist Hall, a food hall with an amazing variety of eats, including tacos, ramen, and wood-fired pizza.

Whitewater Center is my top list for outdoor adventure by day, I love hiking and enjoy live music so they offer both and the best part dog friendly

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, this story wouldn’t be what it is without the incredible people I’ve met along the way. From the very beginning, it was the friends, family, loyal customers, and even the dogs themselves who kept me going. Each person who shared a kind word, each purchase made, and every social media post that spread the word helped build this little dream into something real. I’m so grateful to everyone who believed in what I was doing, even when it was just an idea, and especially to those who continue to support me today. It’s a community effort, and their encouragement is what fuels this journey.

Website: https://www.ncpupsbakery.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ncpupsbakery

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/NCpupsbakery/