Meet Xavier Newsom | Organic Pet Treat Artisan Baker

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

Hi Xavier, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought of Top Dawg Treats all started with Xavier Newsom, a kid who wanted an allowance. Picture when we were fresh and deep in pandemic and then your 10 year old son decides to ask for an allowance. That is what Xavier was on, the path for money. He just got a new PS4 for Christmas and a new computer and desk area to do his online school work as school was at home by this time and now, he was experiencing the online social and gaming world for the first time. So, he wanted the latest video games and swag that go with it like most boys his age. He didn’t see his mom going out and getting it for him when he wanted so he thought to himself he will earn an allowance and save his money for what he wants. One thing Xavier is really good is saving his money and setting a goal. Xavier mom agreed to him making a little money but in return he would have to come up with an idea on how to earn money which does not come straight out of mommas wallet. He took time to think and came up with 3 ideas. A car wash. A lemonade stand. Make pet treats. The treat idea he was most enthusiastic about because he has always wanted a dog and thought that this would have him playing with furry paws all the time. Mom liked the pet treat idea too. To live in Coconut Grove where there is a pet in almost every house the idea kind of just jumps up at you.

So there it began. A 10 year boy wanting an allowance ends up starting a homemade organic pet treat company.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have put in a lot of thought to make us different from other Pet Bakers. Immediately I wanted the treats to be organic. As we started to do more markets, I noticed what the trend was of what people are eating themselves. Miami is a healthy conscious mindful mindset eating town. Which is cool. So, I started to make my treats that way. We don’t use soy, grain, gluten, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors in any of our treats. We come up with ideas on how to turn human meals and treats pet friendly like Empanadas, pizza, tacos, cookies and ice cream. We came up with whole meal ideas too like Churrasco with Cauliflower Rice and Wild Caught salmon with Veggies.

I am 12 years old now and have been creating Top Dawg Treats for the last 2 years. We have definitely overcome some challenges. I have belonged on and am the Captain of the same football team for 5 years now. Learning how to manage school, football, time in the kitchen and selling at events has been not easy and sometimes I get tired, but I have my mom to help me and keep me organized so I get the rest I need.

While running Top Dawg I have learned the importance and value of a dollar. I have learned how to maintain a profitable margin by smart product investment, trending product pricing and customer loyalty plans. This idea started out as how can I make a little allowance to now how can I make future.

Right now Top Dawg is going thru a growth spurt which I am super excited about. My mom and I are taking the next step in wanting to move into our own kitchen. We are making plans to move into the next phase for Top Dawg Treats but know it will take hard work, dedication and support.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well when I have friends and family visit the first thing they want to do is go to the beach. One of my favorite places is Wynwood. I am a big art fan. I actually go to a magnet school for arts and graphic designing. So being in Wynwood I always find something new to inspire my imagination.

One well two of my favorite places to eat is Sandbar Grill and El Taquitos. They are both local spots in Coconut Grove. I love Sandbar because they have huge shrimp tacos and a pool table and El Taquitos because they have the best authentic tacos around. Can you tell I love tacos!! I would have to take them to Jaguars Latin restaurant in Coconut Grove aswell to show off my Paw Menu that I created for them.

As I said I am into art so I would take my friends and family to the art museum, and I also like science so the science museum would be on the list too.

I’m sure I would have a football game if they came during season. So, hanging out at practice or coming to watch my game would be our hangout spot…lol

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes. I could not have done this without the love, support and encouragement of my mom, Nicole Wilhite. She is my right hand man. I have school and football that takes up a lot of my time, so she helps me find events and connections. And we always have awesome brainstorming sessions about new products and flavors.

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