Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Erin Gianella, founder of Perfect Pals Dog Training, LLC., located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Perfect Pals is a force-free dog training company that helps people build a stronger bond with their dogs! Denver is a super dog-friendly city, and people want to take their dogs everywhere! So I'm here to take the stress out of that by teaching their dogs to walk calmly with a leash, relax at a restaurant or local brewery or just be a little less reactive to people, dogs, or noises. I truly believe dogs are a part of the family, and I want them to feel comfortable being a part of that life!
Tell us about yourself
I worked in the corporate world for about six years before I realized it was not where I was meant to be. I've always been interested in dog behavior. When my own dog Gus started experiencing separation anxiety issues, I hired my own trainer to help me work through it. After that, I knew I had found my passion for dog training! Every day I am motivated by all the dogs and families I get to help! When a dog and family are more comfortable in their home, you live a happier life!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to see dogs and their families form a bond with each other using humane training methods! In an unregulated profession, there are a lot of aversive methods and trainers being used, and I love to be able to help change that one dog at a time!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is to wear a million different hats at one time! I want to be able to run the day to day business, make all my clients happy, problem solve on the spot with a client and their dog, manage all the bookkeeping/admin work, market my business, network/connect/partner with the right people and balance my personal life. Sometimes the imposter syndrome creeps in because it's a lot to do! It's a lot, but I've learned I can't do everything on my own, so I have to ask for help when needed and have confidence in what I can do for dogs and their families!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a mentor or someone that can help guide you through some questions you may have. It's hard to know and do everything on your own, and it's OK to ask for help!
- Get organized early before you get busy! When you start getting lots of clients, you won't have as much time to set up your website, accounting, or admin work. It will be great to have this all at your access and complete when you're busy.
- Be patient! Building your business, finding clients, getting your name out there, and feeling confident takes time. With time and hard work, everyone will see what you're offering is so great!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Being able to start this business on my own shows me what I'm actually capable of! I get to work with dogs every day, and it makes me so happy!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.perfectpalsdogtraining.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfectpals_dogtraining/
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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