Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ella Camps-Linney, Founder of Kirby Dog Services, located in Hassocks, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Kirby Dog Services offers accredited, fun, positive reinforcement dog and puppy training throughout London, Brighton, and Sussex, UK, and works with high-profile clients, families, and solo dog owners.
Tell us about yourself
Hi! I'm Ella, I'm 35 years old, and I live with my husband, Alistair, our two dogs, and two cats in Sussex in the UK. I have been running my dog training business full-time for the last seven years; it's been the best thing I have ever done!
I was working in the corporate world and really hated doing something so soulless. My soul dog Kirby died when I was 27, he had reached the grand old age of 20 years old, so when he died, it was actually a really profound moment in my life. It made me question lots of things in my life, and so I decided to explore the idea of becoming a dog trainer. I knew that I wanted to focus on force-free training and so I used up my annual leave to go on various courses. After a couple of years, I became a full Puppy School UK tutor and started running my own puppy classes, I then got my accreditation with the ABTC as an ATI, and I have never looked back. Now I work with dogs and their humans every single day and help create better communication between them, enabling them to live together harmoniously; it's a real privilege to have a job that I absolutely love and where I can make a really big difference.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment is building a successful business with a really loyal client base that pays all my bills but also allows for a really nice work/life balance which I never had before; being my own boss is my biggest accomplishment!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I think the hardest thing is learning to switch off from your business. When your business is literally just you, there is always something to do, be planning, to be learning about, clients to think and plan for, social media to plan, emails to respond to, calls to take, admin to work on, and so it can become all you ever think about and all-encompassing. I've had to learn how to switch off with time for myself to enjoy hobbies that aren't dog related!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Just start! If you want to do something and think it could work, go for it. Try not to get bogged down in procrastination and self-doubt. Just get going; that's what I did. I took the plunge, pursued my passion, and I have never ever looked back. You could too!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://kirbydogservices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KirbyDogServices
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirbydogtraining/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-camps-linney-85a2a251
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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