Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cynthia Okimoto, CEO of New York Dog Nanny, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

I coach dog parent(s) to train their dog through games, routines, and play!! My holistic approach threads the how and why behind a dog's behavior.

Tell us about yourself

I love giving dog parents their life back- whether it's a stress-free walk, peace when someone rings the doorbell, or enjoying eating at the table without interruptions from their dog.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I had an 11-year-old Shiba-Inu that was biting 6-7 people a week. When my approach was 75% implemented, the biting went down to 1 bite, and when all of my methods were executed, it was 100% well behaved.

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

My training methods are needs-based, and needs are non-negotiable. Some dog parents will not have the time or resources to dedicate to giving their dog what it needs, such as access to acres for their dog to herd or a beach where their dog can run off-leash.

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

My top 3 tips are: your business needs to serve an actual problem, you can have a great idea in your head, but it might not be what the community you are in needs, so it will not succeed. Secondly, businesses are in business to sell you something- their job is to convince you you need their service for your business to "get off the ground," and that's not simply the case all the time. Third, be prepared for a lot of inner growth- when you have your own business, you are working with the public or other companies, and your success and failures are all on you to take action.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.newyorkdognanny.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newyorkdognanny
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nydognanny/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewYorkDogNanny
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiaokimoto/

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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