Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeannelle McKenzie, president of Dolce Dog Inc., located in Scarborough, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Dolce Dog Inc., we strive to provide high-quality, safe, and comfortable dog walking mittens that don't compromise on the warmth! Dolce Dog Inc was established in 2019 with the mission to make walking your dog in the colder months a warmer and more pleasurable experience.
All dog owners want the best for their furry family members, including being responsible for maintaining your dog's health. One component of health maintenance is to provide your dog with appropriate exercise. Exercising your dog a lot of the time means exercising yourself via a walk or run, therefore, being able to make that commitment in a variety of weather conditions. Simply put. Why Dolce Dog? For the love of walking your dog.
Tell us about yourself
My famous line growing up was always “imagine there was a………”. I’ve always had an inventor’s spirit growing up but never really acted on it until now. As a dog parent, I struggled with taking my dog out for consistent walks in the winter because I just didn’t want to brave the elements. I came up with the leash mitten idea and immediately put it to use. I noticed that my anxiety level went down because I was no longer experiencing the burning sensation of frost-bitten fingers. Nor was I consistently switching leash holding hands or pulling my jacket sleeve over my hand to help keep it warm. The leash mitten allowed me to enjoy the walk.
My little yorkie Dolce motivated me to put this idea into motion. My first and only fur baby named Dolce crossed over to the rainbow bridge a few years ago. I wanted to do something big to remember his spirit and to keep him with me always, so I named the company DOLCE Dog. Dolce means sweet in Italian and my little guy was all that and more.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
To see my idea, materialize into a product that can help dog owners enjoy their winter walks by keeping their leash holding hands warm. It makes me incredibly happy to be able to solve the problem of frostbite on the leash holding hand. I’m proud of myself for taking the courageous first step - just to start! Despite not having a business degree or entrepreneurial experience, my idea has manifested into a labour of love that helps others to strengthen their bond time with their dogs
therefore to date, it is my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Hearing the word “No.” Sometimes hearing “No” way more than you hear “Yes” can steer you down the wrong path, dim your light, and crush your willingness to move forward. As an entrepreneur, you must be tough. You must believe in yourself 200% more than anyone else. You must take the energy of the “No’s” to fuel your drive to turn them into YES.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Understand basic accounting and keep your records and financial information in order.
- Marketing is key. Know your audience and relate the relevance/purpose of your brand.
- Collaborate with other businesses and people in your community. Being amongst like-minded people will expand your knowledge, and being amongst your community will connect you to your audience.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being an entrepreneur has its highs and lows for sure, but I have met so many lovely people along the way. I am so grateful for all my customers who are eager to try something new and for all the positivity that has come out of being a part of the pet industry. I look forward to being able to give back to my community, animal shelters, and rescues.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dolcedog.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DOLCEdog.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dolcedog.ca/
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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