Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pert care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Twila McGee, Founder of NOLAs Finest Pet Care LLC, located in New Orleans, LA, USA.

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

NOLAs Finest Pet Care LLC is Louisiana's first bi-black-owned pet business, helping furkids live happier, healthier, & longer lives. We offer in-home pet care services, which take place in the pet's home. Doing so significantly lowers their anxiety & boosts their health/life span. We make human-grade gourmet pet treats and sell them on DoorDash. We offer products for both pets & pet parents that features functionality, quality, art, & culture. I paint or sketch the designs. Recently we've launched - ask the expert; this feature allows pet parents globally to book zoom sessions & receive tailored pet care advice.

Tell us about yourself

I started NOLAs Finest Pet Care LLC when I was 25; with motivation and passion, I bootstrapped to create a much better experience for furkids & pet parents after encountering a negative boarding experience. My business also gave me the flexibility to be my spouse's note-taker after surviving a brain aneurysm & amputation so she could receive her degrees. She did, by the way. I have nine years of professional pet care experience & a lifetime of being a fur mom. My expertise are cats & dogs. I also have fostering experience and have cared for furkids in every life stage. Even as a kid, I wanted to run a pawesome business. My very first bestie as a child was the cutie silver-haired toy poodle.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Taking this pawmazing dream of helping pet parents/furkids & turning it into a real-life legit business at a young age is so boss! I'm so excited about my ask the expert feature & having the opportunity to help pets & pet parents all over the world. In March, I had the coolest experience of being one of ULL's 2021-22 Women in Business pitch competition finalists. NOLAs Finest Pet Care LLC was also featured in Authority Magazine & other publications.

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

You can be the go-to business and, at the same time, be the best-kept secret. It's interesting how a group of people (your target audience) have the same interest (your business) but have completely different methods of discovering places/services. Your marketing strategy should be diverse to reach everyone in your targeted circle.

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

  1. Ignore the opinions of naysayers because, at the end of the day, that's all it is, an opinion. Some people are uncomfortable with taking risks/thinking outside the box, and that's cool, but that's not your problem. It's your responsibility to see your vision through. The world is waiting for that something special only you can create.
  2. Never give up! There isn't a straight line to success; it's a constant roller coaster. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
  3. Have a mentor or someone with experience with the business you can consult regularly. Mentors or advisors have access to great advice, contacts, and resources that are vital to any business. Just as important, they provide insight into your business that can prevent you from making costly mistakes. You can't do everything on your own.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Thank you to those supporting local. Local businesses are the heart & soul of every city.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://nolasfinestpets.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NolasFinestPetCare/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolasfinestpetcare/

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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