When interviewed by KSDK in early 2018, Jessica Eisenbeis was selling her homemade dog treats online. She started her business online after her disability prevented her from getting work. In September of 2018, Eisenbeis opened a storefront on Jungermann Road. Her business, Yadi’s Yummies, shows no signs of slowing down. 

Eisenbeis’ pet themed business won the Beyond the Best Award. The award was given to the 50 up and coming small businesses around St. Charles County.

“It was like black tie and at the casino,” said Kathy Williamson, a friend and teacher of Eisenbeis. “They awarded her the proclamation.”

Eisenbeis has also been working in the community, making a difference through dog themed events. Yadi’s Yummies hosted a summer camp for kids called Yadi Kids. In May, they hosted a ‘Barko de Mayo’ event where they made puppy nachos and ‘barkaritas’.

“In a few weeks, we’ll have Santa and Mrs. Claus,” Eisenbeis said. “They [dogs] will get pictures.”

Eisenbeis connects with the community in more than events. The wall of her store is covered in pictures of dogs. She asks each customer to bring a picture of their dog to put it up on a board. One board is different from the rest, only a few photos are pinned up.

“You can put a picture of your dog that died,” Eisenbeis said. “You may put it on the rainbow bridge with their name on it.”

Yadi’s Yummies was named after one of Eisenbeis’s dogs, Yadi. Her passion for dogs is what lead her to start baking and making sweet treats.

“She decided that for every sale she makes, ten percent goes to medical expenses for abused and abandoned dogs,” Williamson said.

Eisenbeis calls herself “the boss” and has gained independence by working in the store. She is a big part of the store operating. She makes cakes, decorates and runs the cash register. In the mornings, she turns on the lights and christmas tree, gets out the cupcakes, puts in coffee and turns on the open sign.

“And the irony of all this is that she was deemed unemployable,” Williamson said. “She was told she couldn’t work and look at all that she does.”

Eisenbeis thinks it takes a particular type of person to overcome struggles and become a small business owner.

“A hard worker,” Eisenbeis said. “Respectful to customers. I want them to come back.”

Eisenbeis’ store is a small slice of what she wants to achieve in the future. She hopes she can hire more people who were deemed unemployable.

“We’re wanting to expand, and make a hole in the wall to expand the store,” Williamson said. “Make this more into a bakery where people come in with their dogs.”