Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Monique Jackson-Clockston, Founder of Pet Whisper, located in Aurora, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I offer a suite of grooming products and gourmet pet treats that create the equation for a cool, calm pet. I am proud of our signature topical hydrator which I originally formulated back in 2016. During that time, I went through a dark period in my life when my hair and skin were damaged. However, I overcame this period and became the Pet Whisper.
In 2016, I had rescued a pigeon that was nearly killed by a hawk. I applied the hydrator on the pigeon's back and he closed his eyes feeling soothed. He was then evaluated by a veterinarian who deemed him to be completely fine and released him back into the wild without any medication. After witnessing the pigeon's recovery, I decided to embark on a journey to help animals with almost impossible skin issues, including wounds, cuts, burns, and rashes. My formula can also regrow a full coat within 21 days of usage for pets with alopecia.
Tell us about yourself
After escaping my abuser of 5 years, I returned back to Denver, CO, in May of 2016 to get my life back on track. I knew that I had to rebuild my life and, most importantly, my health. My skin and hair had gone through battles, and this is what inspired me to create my potion, otherwise known as Healing Waters Calming Potion. After using my products for a year on myself, I noticed great improvements in my skin and my hair thickening up.
In 2017, I began working for a Taekwondo studio at Flatirons Mall in Superior, Colorado. During this time, a family approached my booth and told me they found a pigeon lying on the side of the mall. They showed me the traumatized pigeon who had nearly been eaten by a hawk. His back feathers were ripped out, his skin was raw, and his feathers kept falling out. His wings were broken, and his feet were twisted. I couldn't imagine the pain he experienced, but I could relate.
I took the pigeon home and put him in a soft and warm shoe box. Since I had a close relationship with birds, I already had bird food to feed him. I decided to use the potion I made for my skin and hair on the bird. I got a warm washcloth and dipped the solution onto it, and ran it out of the bird's back. I then placed the washcloth on his back and kept it there for hours. I noticed that the pigeon closed his eyes while I applied the relaxing solution.
I called animal control the next day, and they picked up the pigeon. I told them I would be in touch with them to see how the pigeon was doing. About six days later, the veterinarian from Denver Animal Control said that he didn't feel there was anything wrong with the pigeon and released him back into the wild. He didn't need to give him any medication either.
The dream….that most would not believe...
In 1999, I attended a college called Oakwood College, located in Huntsville, AL. This college was built on a former slave plantation. During this time, I began seeing different orbs and other manifestations on campus. One evening, I woke up from a vision/dream that gave me the chills until today. I dreamt that I saw a giant white wing. It was as large as my dorm room. There was blood rushing through the wing and electricity. I reached out my hand to touch the wing, and a voice said, "You have healing hands" Then I woke up. I tucked this dream away for decades as I honestly didn't understand it at the time. Until… I rescued the pigeon, and he survived being within my care.
At this point, I knew I had to help more animals. Shortly after this happened, my uncle sustained a severe 3rd degree burn on his arm. He began using my product known as the Healing Waters Calming Potion (What I used on the pigeon), and he said it felt so good on his arm and wasn't greasy. His entire arm completely healed up after six months of usage.
The following year, I graduated from an entrepreneur school called Rocky Mountain MicroFinance Institute to launch my business on July 19th, 2019. The following month, I worked with Max Fund Animal Shelter as I helped a pit bull mix named Macie. Macie had lived at the shelter her entire nine years of life, and no one would adopt her because of her coat. After using my product for two months, her skin completely transformed, and she was adopted!
Three of my products were placed inside Only Natural Pet's two locations in Boulder and Cherry Hills. It is also a Petsmart brand. It can be found in the grooming section. I have also had the opportunity to help hundreds of pets with skin allergies. I have learned that my product truly is magical as it helps all animals, including reptiles. It will regrow hair on a human, coat on animals, feathers on birds, and restore shells on reptiles. It is soothing and powerful and will help severe skin issues to be moderate.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is to have a retail space inside Only Natural Pet in both of their locations in Boulder, CO, and Cherry Hills, CO. I was also contacted by Channel 7’s, Mile High Living to have an ongoing segment on this show for pets.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
My experience creating products for animals has not been an easy journey. The first thing a lot of people pay attention to is my race and my schooling as far as how I know how to create my products. I have had to dig deep into my soul and acquire lessons that will ultimately help me to share with humanity that pets don’t see race, so why do we? I have launched my podcast @Callofmyancestors from my experiences in Colorado and being discriminated against and attacked by a racist event planner at the University of Hills. I continue to tell myself that I believe in myself and the gift I have to help animals.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Since I launched my products, I have expanded into making eye drops, paw and hoof cream, and moringa cocoa butter soap which leaves coats extremely soft. I also make gourmet meat treats for pets and sell my items on Doordash. I make birthday cakes, holistic pet food, and custom orders.
I have been invited to have an ongoing segment on Channel 7, "Mile High Living" in Denver, CO starting in April. I will discuss how to help pets with allergies, holistic recipes, and more.
I started my podcast, @Callofmyancestors the summer of 2021 after I was attacked by a racist event planner at a vending event I attended. I realized that by being a black woman in the pet industry, I had a lot to do as far as educating people on history, race, and how black people are still viewed as animals today. I am currently trending in 35 countries and have created the most historical content on Spotify. I have recently begun interviewing guests from around the world who are successful serial entrepreneurs with a mission to make our world a better place.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://petwhisperco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniquespetwhispercare/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/plantwhisper/
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