The story of Ella & Bella Pet Company begins the way so many meaningful things do, with love, and with waiting.

For years, we watched and hoped. We hoped the landscape of employment would shift. We hoped the world would recognize the immense value and talent held by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But as our daughter Eleanor approached her 19th birthday and the end of her high school years, the reality of what many families call “the cliff” came into sharp focus.

With only 19% of adults with intellectual disabilities currently employed, we realized that waiting for change wasn’t enough. To ensure a future of dignity and purpose for Eleanor, and for others like her, we decided to stop waiting and start building.

A Mission with Meaning

We founded Ella & Bella Pet Company with one clear, unwavering purpose: to provide vocational skill training and meaningful employment for adults with disabilities.

We don’t just offer jobs. We offer a relationship-centered environment where every team member is valued for their unique contributions, where “disability” is secondary to “ability,” and where showing up for your shift means something.

The Heart of It All

At the center of everything are two best friends:

Ella, our daughter, our inspiration, and our team member. Her journey from student to working professional drives every decision we make.

Bella, our Golden Hound and loyal companion, adopted from the Wake County Animal Shelter. She reminds us every day of the power of second chances, unconditional bonds, and the simple joy of a really good treat.

Quality with Purpose

We believe a mission-driven business should produce a world-class product. Our team handcrafts all-natural pet treats using simple, wholesome ingredients, only all natural preservatives, no shortcuts.

By focusing on artisanal quality, we provide our team with complex, transferable skills in production and logistics. Every bag of treats represents a step toward a more inclusive workforce and a brighter, more purposeful future for our neighbors.

Where We're Headed

March 19, 2026

Established

Ella & Bella was established on March 19, 2026, in North Carolina. We’re currently serving the Triangle area, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary, with plans to grow through local events, retail partnerships, and a community that believes in what we’re building.

We’re just getting started. And we’re so glad you’re here.

June 9, 2026

Facility

Ella & Bella Pet Co partners with the American Legion Post One in Raleigh, securing commercial kitchen and workspace for baking and packaging. This relationship is more than a rental agreement; Post One has embraced our mission and is commited to helping us grow. Together, we’re building a supportive home where Ella & Bella can expand into more baking days and greater community impact.
July 13, 2026

Orientation

Ella & Bella Pet Co. launches our official kickoff orientation with 15 adults with disabilities. Orientation includes a full tour of the facility, our check‑in routine, kitchen safety expectations, a step‑by‑step walk through of the whole process, hands‑on modeling and practice for every task. This marks the beginning of structured training as our first team members learn the skills they’ll use in the kitchen.
August 5, 2026

Website

The official website for Ella & Bella Pet Company goes live! Our story, our mission, and our treats are finally online. Welcome to Ella & Bella
August 15, 2026

Retail

Ella & Bella Pet Co. makes our debut at the Apex Farmers Market in Apex. This first selling day is our chance to share the hard work of our team and connect with pet owners who love their dogs as much as we do. We can’t wait to introduce the community to our homemade treats and the mission behind them.