Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janelle Russell, Managing Director and CEO of Chateau 4 Paws, located in Fayetteville, GA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Chateau 4 Paws is a pet spa for dogs! We offer grooming services from flea baths, medicated shampoos, nail painting, hair coloring, and teeth brushing. Our customers would be anyone who owns a dog.

Tell us about yourself

I was fired from my corporate job in 2008. I swore to myself if I could work for someone else 40+ hrs a week, surely I could work for myself. I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. After much prayer, I decided I wanted to start a pet grooming business. My dog at the time, JJ, was a little toy poodle who was terrified of the grooming process where I was taking him. I wanted to create a safe and fun atmosphere for dogs to come and get loved on while getting glammed up. My motivation is my clients, my staff, and my daughter all depend on me!! They give me the strength to keep pushing even when, at times, I want to give up.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is I made it past 10 years being a business owner. So many businesses fail, but by the grace of God, I’m still in high demand. And also making it through Covid without closing my doors!

I also wrote a book for pet entrepreneurs who wants to open a pet spa. I gave them 10 steps that they'd need to get started. Writing that book was a super achievement for me!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Putting my personal issues aside when I step foot into the shop. I don’t care what I’m dealing with at home; I give my clients and staff my undivided attention and remain professional at all times. I think that is a skill most people don’t have. Customer service is everything to me, and when people pay for a service, they don’t want to see unprofessional staff or owners.

Also, learning how to think outside the box when soliciting your business. How to market your business and see the profit from it can be very difficult at times.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be passionate about your business. If you didn’t make money for the first year of opening your business, would you still want to do it? ( it’s a question I ask everyone who wants to be an entrepreneur)
  2. There are no days off!! Entrepreneurship is 7 days a week, 365 days a year! When I’m off work, I check email, schedule appointments, pay payroll, etc. You have to be committed to your business fully and at any time of the day and night.
  3. Stay motivated. Find a mentor who you can speak with and who will help you along your journey. When you get paid from your business, pay yourself! Also, separate your business funds from your personal. It should never be combined!
  4. Advertise your business. FB, IG, TikTok, word of mouth, billboards. Create reward points for your clients. Remember to always think outside the box!!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Good luck in your entrepreneurial journey! I wish you all the success!! The hardest part of entrepreneurship is getting started and taking the leap of faith!! You got this!!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.chateau4paws.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chateau4paws/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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