Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marijo English, founder of Chow Bella, located in Saratoga Springs, NY.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is called Chow Bella. Its a one-stop shop for dogs! We offer a boutique retail store, grooming, training, DIY dog wash stations and the area's only indoor dog park. We are working on opening a cafe that will transition to a wine bar in the evenings. Our customers are dog lovers! We have all kinds of people with all kinds of dogs who come and enjoy the climate controlled indoor dog park!
Tell us about yourself
I came from the concert and event merchandising industry. In 2016, I moved from Nashville to upstate New York to raise my daughter near my family. After a few years I decided I wanted to do something that didn't involve so much travel and while trying to find a place nearby to buy dog food and have my dog bathed, found there was nothing in our town that offered that. The indoor dog park was almost an accidental thing. I was looking for retail space and the only buildings available were too big for the original planeen! My motivation everyday is the dogs! They give unconditional love and are a source of joy - and they never complain!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have to say my biggest accomplishment was opening! I began down this path in early February 2020. In March we shut down and everything i had was invested into this business. It was mid September when I was finally able to open! We are at almost a year and a half now - and its still hard but its starting to really feel like its going to happen!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Payroll! Finding a good team is extremely hard, and once you do, you don't want to let them down. Every month is a challenge.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
One, really do your homework - find out if someone else is already doing what you are thinking of - we found after a year, that a local franchise decided to open up a mile away from us. They are not really competition, but they sell dog food and accessories as well. I'm not so sure i would have done this back then if I knew they were planning this. But, we are different enough that I hope there is room for both of us in town.
Two, find your team. Even if you are a solo business - you need your sounding boards and mentors to get you thru the rough days.
Three - don't give up! Believe in yourself and anything can happen!
Anything else you'd like to share?
Keep an open mind - I am learning everyday. Whether its from my groomers or trainers, or the pups that come to visit, pay attention to everything so you can learn from the failures and the wins.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/chowbellasaratogasprings/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/chow-bella-corp
https://www.facebook.com/chowbellasaratogasprings
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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