Story & Lesson Highlights with Stephani Gutierrez of Chino, CA

Stephani Gutierrez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Stephani, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Oh my goodness, life is definitely nonstop right now – I’ve got two children under 3 years old and a raw pet food manufacturing business to run. I’m a stay-at-home mom and wife in between my schedule, so I’m juggling tantrums, customer orders, overseeing production, filming social media content, and managing employees all at once. Some days it feels like there aren’t enough hours, but my passion for giving pets real, healthy nutrition keeps me going. It’s chaotic but so worth it – my kids are growing up seeing hard work, love, and dedication all rolled into one.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Stephani, and I’m a proud mom of two little ones under the age of three while also running Ancestral Raw Nutrition, a raw pet food manufacturing company here in Los Angeles. Life is definitely full and fast-paced, but both my kids and my business fuel my purpose every single day.

What makes our brand unique is that we go back to nature. We create clean, biologically appropriate raw meals and treats that are crafted with transparency, care, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Pets thrive when fed the way nature intended, and we make it easy and accessible for families who see their pets as part of the family.

This journey began with my own pets and a simple desire to give them the best possible nutrition. That passion grew into a mission to help other pet parents discover the incredible benefits of raw feeding. Right now, we’re expanding our product line and working hard to educate people about pet wellness, making raw feeding less intimidating and more approachable.

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship isn’t easy—it’s a lot of late nights and early mornings—but it’s also rewarding. My kids get to see what it looks like to follow a dream, work hard, and build something that makes a real difference in the lives of both people and pets.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My husband has been such an important influence in my journey as a CEO. He’s the one who taught me how to be strong in my role, reminding me that focus and resilience are just as important as passion. Running a business while raising two young children can be overwhelming at times, but his encouragement to stay clear on my vision and not get lost in distractions has shaped how I lead every day.

Because of him, I’ve learned to trust myself, make bold decisions, and keep pushing forward even when the challenges feel heavy. That kind of strength and focus is what allows me to balance being a mom, a wife, and a CEO without losing sight of why we started this journey in the first place

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
No, fear has never held me back. God has shaped me in ways I can’t even begin to explain, and my faith is what keeps me steady and strong. Challenges will always come, but I truly believe every obstacle is part of His plan to prepare me for the next step. That faith allows me to move forward with confidence, even when the path isn’t clear.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is very real—what you see is what you get. I’ve always believed in showing up authentically, whether it’s in business, in motherhood, or just in everyday life. I feel deeply connected to people, and that’s why respect is at the core of how I interact with everyone. No matter who I’m speaking with—a customer, a colleague, or a fellow parent—I will always give the same respect and honesty. That’s just who I am.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand most deeply—something I know not everyone will—is God and His perfect timing. My journey has taught me the importance of surrendering, letting go of worldly views, and sacrificing the things the flesh wants most in order to live in alignment with His purpose. It’s not always easy, but it brings a peace and strength that can’t be explained, only experienced through faith.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.AncestralRawNutrition.com
• Instagram: @AncestralRaw
• Linkedin: Stephani Gutierrez
• Twitter: @AncestralRaw
• Facebook: AncestralRawNutrition
• Yelp: AncestralRawNutrition
• Youtube: Ancestral Raw Nutrition

Image Credits
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