Tadeja Brajnik

BITE is a story that began in a time of uncertainty, but it was from it that a new business opportunity grew. Tadeja Brajnik began developing her entrepreneurial path during the epidemic, when, like many others, she found herself faced with the question of how to move forward. Thinking about what makes her happy and what she could create something of her own from led her to the project PONI – Entrepreneurial above challenges. It was there that the business idea began to emerge, from which BITE later developed.

Today, BITE is no longer just an initial idea for freeze-dried treats. The company is growing, developing new products, and expanding into a story that connects people, animals, and nature.

The beginning of an entrepreneurial journey

It all started during the coronavirus epidemic. Tadeja lost her job and started thinking more intensely about her future, her interests, and the possibilities for an independent business career. An important moment came completely unexpectedly. Her friend Petra called her and said: "Tadeja, come with me to PONI, this is just for you!"

This encouragement was enough to make her decide to give it a try. Joining the PONI project gave her the space and time to start developing the idea more systematically, research the market, and think about how to turn it into an actual business project.

It was during the program that the idea of ​​freeze-dried treats for animals took shape.

When a good idea isn't enough

At the beginning, the biggest challenge wasn’t the product itself, but everything that had to go behind it to get it to market. At that time, freeze-dried animal products weren’t as widespread in Slovenia as they are today, so there weren’t many established paths that she could simply follow. Tadeja had to research many things on her own – from legislative requirements and production conditions to documentation and other formalities.

It was this part of her entrepreneurial journey that taught her that there are many steps between a good idea and a product on the shelf that the customer usually never sees.

But instead of letting the unknowns stop her, she embraced them as part of the process. Step by step, she researched information, organized the necessary documentation, and built the foundation of the company.

Small victories that build a big story

It's hard for Tadeja to single out a single moment that she could describe as a major business breakthrough.

For her, the biggest victories are actually made up of many small affirmations: a satisfied owner, a positive experience, a repeat order, and most of all, every dog ​​that happily reaches for their treats.

The trust of veterinarians also holds a special place. Their support and confirmation that BITE develops high-quality, natural products means much more to Tadej than just praise. They are confirmation that the direction is right and that the product he is developing has a purpose.

In entrepreneurship, big doors are often opened by small steps - a good response from the first customer, a recommendation, a repeat purchase, or someone who recognizes the quality of your product and recommends it to others.

Mistakes can be expensive, but they are a good school

Tadeja freely admits that he still makes mistakes. Sometimes, haste is to blame. A seemingly "little thing" that you overlook in a rush can end up being quite an expensive little thing.

That's why she learned through entrepreneurship that faster doesn't always mean earlier and better. Today, she often stops, double-checks and thinks things through before taking the next step. She no longer sees mistakes as just something negative. "They're not pleasant, but they're a great school. The important thing is to recognize them, learn from them and move on."

BE today and tomorrow

Today, BITE is gradually outgrowing the initial story of freeze-dried animal treats.

Tadeja has also transferred her knowledge and experience with freeze-drying to new products, including freeze-dried ice cream for people . At the same time, another important story is being created – a dog hotel, which will further connect the company's offering with the animal world. But the plans are far from over.

New projects related to nature, animals, and the environment are in the works. The common thread in all of them is the desire to create products and services that are not an end in themselves, but have added value.

Tadeja's vision is therefore not to build a company with a single product. He wants to develop BITE as a broader story in which different ideas can be born, as long as they make sense and bring something good to people, animals, or the environment.

A message to those just starting out

In Tadeja's experience, the entrepreneurial journey is not always easy. There are days when you wonder if all the effort is even worth the result, and moments when the next obstacle seems bigger than you.

But that's when it's important to persevere. "If you believe in what you're doing, don't give up at the first obstacle. Every obstacle can be an opportunity to learn something, improve your idea, and take another step forward. And above all, dare to try."

Tadeja's story shows that the entrepreneurial journey is not always a straight line from idea to success. It is often made up of research, unknowns, documentation, wrong decisions, small victories, and always new ideas.

What is important is that the path is yours.

A final thought

"I don't follow paths paved by others. I create my own story."

And that's exactly what BITE is today - a story that was born from the courage to try and that continues to be written with every new idea.