When Jessica Eisenbeis graduated Francis Howell Central High School, she was more than eager to land a job. Unfortunately, she was born with a rare genetic condition, Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, that affected her motor skills and ability to learn new information.
"I quickly realized it was difficult to find employers with accommodations for my special needs, but I really wanted to work," recalls Jessica, who also completed the Adult Life Preparations Program at St. Charles Community College.
With the support of her parents and due to her passion to help abused and neglected dogs (especially her own rescued dogs Annie and Yadi), she launched Yadi's Yummies in June 2016 to create natural, healthy treats with human-grade ingredients for dogs and cats. For two years, she worked from her family's home, often selling at craft fairs. During June 2018, Jessica moved her production kitchen to a retail location in St. Peters at 1251 Jungermann Road. She now has the assistance of about 10 colleagues, all of whom shared the difficulty of finding employment.
Jessica says she started Yadi's Yummies because "it perfectly combined my passion for making pet treats with my desire to help underserved pets."
Fast forward to now, and the Yadi's Yummies team also provides bandanas, pet parent caps, bowties, dog birthday cookies and unique gifts. Or consider their 'All American Basket,' which comes with edible, human-looking dog treats in forms of a miniature hotdog, pizza, hamburger and sack of French fries. At their retail location, they offer a rental party room with birthday packages.
"Celebrate your dog’s birthday with one of our purple, blue, pink, green, yellow or white doggie birthday cakes," Jessica suggests.
Treats are beef-, lamb- or chicken-based for dogs, or tuna flakes for cats. Other products come in the form of edible dog cigars, pupcakes, sweet potato chews, trail mix and gourmet doughnuts. They also carry a munchies catnip snack.
Cindy Eisenbeis, Jessica’s mother, says they donate a portion of what they make to animal rescue groups to help with medical needs. "We're extremely proud to see how Jessica refused to let anyone put limits on what she can do," she adds.
EVENTS TO FIND YADI'S YUMMIES DURING THIS MONTH
- Aug. 5 – 8 a.m. to noon: Lake St. Louis Farmer’s and Artist’s Market at the Meadows.
- Aug. 5 – 8 a.m. to noon: Wildwood Farmers Market.
- Aug. 6 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Farmer’s and Artist’s Market of O’Fallon.
- Aug. 12 – 8 a.m. to noon: Lake St. Louis Farmer’s and Artist’s Market at the Meadows.
- Aug. 12 – 8 a.m. to noon: Wildwood Farmers Market.
- Aug. 13 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Farmer’s and Artist’s Market of O’Fallon.
- Aug. 19 – 8 a.m. to noon: Lake St. Louis Farmer’s and Artist’s Market at the Meadows.
- Aug. 19 – 8 a.m. to noon: Wildwood Farmers Market.
- Aug. 19 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Pop-Up Shop at Blooming Daisy, Cottleville.
- Aug. 20 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Farmer’s and Artist’s Market of O’Fallon.
- Aug. 26 – 8 a.m. to noon: Lake St. Louis Farmer’s and Artist’s Market at the Meadows.
- Aug. 26 – 8 a.m. to noon: Wildwood Farmers Market.
- Aug. 26 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Woofstock 2023, Wright City.
- Aug. 27 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Farmer’s and Artist’s Market of O’Fallon
The Yadi's Yummies team recently partnered with the business Wellness-Palooza to provide a one-of-a-kind Birthday Club for pets. After signing up for the club online, pet parents get an email with a coupon for the month of their dog's birthday. Coupons are taken to Yadi's Yummies to secure pups' special treats.
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