Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nancy McMillan, owner of Legendary Canine, located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

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

Many dog grooming products are mass-produced using harsh chemicals and sold with untrustworthy marketing. Here at Legendary Canine, we believe you shouldn't have to choose between effectiveness and a naturally healthy life for your dog. We handcraft 100% natural, lick-safe dog care products that protect, soothe and nurture your dog, so they can thrive.

Tell us about yourself

I am a dog person! In 2011 I got my first dog, Jax. I learned that he had various environmental allergies to plants, trees, and things like that. I quickly became obsessed with what went in and on his body. I really started paying attention to ingredients. I found that marketing on the grooming products I was using didn't match my expectations as to what the ingredients should be. Now I'm going to tell you something you probably don't know and may make you angry. There are no rules on how a product is marketed.

For example, you go to the pet store, and you pick up a shampoo that smells great, and it says it's natural, so you think it's a good purchase. However, if you read the label, the only 'natural' ingredient in the product might be water. The problem is that water is mixed with a bunch of chemicals, dyes, and synthetic fragrances that can cause skin irritations and itchiness. This was not acceptable in my mind, and I decided to make my own products that I could trust.

After a couple of years doing this, Legendary Canine was born so I could share those products with other dog parents. I think everyone should have access to effective and trustworthy grooming products for their fur babies. Now 6 years later, we've helped thousands of happy customers. Our products are distributed across Canada, the United States and available worldwide on our website.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Helping dog people help their dogs live a healthy lifestyle with trustworthy, natural products.

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

Owning your own business is a lot of work. You are always on and thinking about the business. It's hard to keep a healthy work-life balance.

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

  1. Branding is important. It's literally the first impression you will make with anyone that looks at your business.
  2. Be patient. Growth doesn't happen overnight.
  3. Great customer service is a must - The best marketing you can have is word of mouth from happy customers.

Bonus Tip: Make sure you set boundaries and maintain a healthy work/life balance. Having a business is like laundry...there's always something that needs to be done.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Like I said, I love dogs. If you want to brag about your awesome dog, tag us on Instagram, I want to see those happy dog faces :)

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.legendarycanine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legendarycanine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legendarycanine/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-mcmillan-97a5972/

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.