Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Terri Entler, president, and CEO of Healers Petcare, Inc., located in Vancouver, WA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Healers is your one-stop-shop for pet health. Do you hate the cone of shame? Well, with Healers products, you can protect wounds without that cone. Our wound care lines treat and repair wounds, so they heal faster. Healers products also help keep your pets healthy with the right supplements and protective wear. Overall, we make it easier to take care of your pet at home and reduce expensive veterinary visits.
Tell us about yourself
I founded Healers Petcare when my beloved dog, Jake, was injured during a hike. Jake tore all his pads, and the treatment was to clean and bandage his paws twice a day for two months. The products on the market were a nightmare to use, so I created Healers Medical Dog boots with Non-adherent Gauze pads that turn the boots into a bandage. We created a simple but effective solution. From there, we continued to build our product lines to help pet owners treat and manage their pet's health.
I love getting up every day and knowing I am working to help save pets. I get to talk to passionate pet owners every day who use our products and call to thank us for helping them. There is nothing more rewarding.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Like many startups, we began in our home basement. The company grew mainly by word of mouth. Veterinarians and Pet owners loved our solution to a challenging issue. We are now in a large warehouse selling to companies like Target, Kroger, Amazon, and Chewy.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
When you sell an amazing product as we do, the challenge is managing the growth in such a way that you can maintain proper inventory levels without strapping your cash flow. You see, large popular chains go out of business because they grew too fast and didn't have the funds for that growth. So as a business owner, you need to keep on top of your financials as you grow.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be your Number one Customer. You have to not only believe in your own product and your vision, but you need to get others just as excited about it too.
- Marketing, Marketing, Marketing. It's easier now with digital media to get the word out about your product without spending a lot of money. Customers need to hear your story and be educated on your solution.
- Persistence and tenacity - Don't take no for an answer. Keep plugging away, and eventually, you will get that yes you were hoping for. Believe in yourself and your vision and show others what makes it special.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Be humble, Be willing to take advice, and find people that complement your skills. Build a good team and share your success. There are a lot of really good people out there that are willing to share their experiences and offer start-ups the help they may need.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.healerspetcare.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealersPetCare/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healerspetcare/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/healers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healers-petcare/
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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