Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with JoAnn Keith, owner of Stinky's Kittens & Doggies Too, located in Somerville, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We offer Pet Grooming for Cats & Dogs. Along with In-Home Cat & Exotic sitting Service. Carry a wide assortment of pet food, treats, toys, beds, and more from local vendors, along with giftware for pets and humans alike. From drinking glasses, bar towels, tumblers, and more. We change up our inventory, so what you see for a few months will not be back or not until the end of the year.
Tell us about yourself
I love pets of all kinds, but I love cats. I noticed that people were not paying attention to how their pets were being washed, groomed, or evening having a nail trim every six to eight weeks. I wanted to help people with pets educate them on when to get their pet's nails trimmed and what type of shampoo to use if they were doing it themselves. Along with giving their pet the right food that was all-natural without fillers that would not cost so much, they had to decide to go back to low-end products.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Taking the chance on moving to another location and revamping Stinky's Kittens & Doggies Too. By adding unique toys, pet products, organic and natural food along with a wide assortment of giftware for pets and humans.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, not just being a woman but a woman of color. I say this cause when starting out; people ask to speak to the owner when talking to me and when I said yes, the look was speechless. Also got it from the other end a woman of color doing dogs can't be. But as things became the norm after 25 years, I find I am always working and coming up with new ideas. Sometimes working seven days a week and still working at home doing my website online shop. I miss the weekends being with friends and family and taking time off for myself most of all.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start small, try pop-up markets, outdoor events, or work from home to see how the public like your idea.
- Do not let anyone tell you that it will not work; go by your gut feeling.
- When starting out and even when into it, it is like a baby. You have to be there to let it grow and when it is mature, let it spread its wings and grow to be and change.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.stinkyskittens-doggiestoo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stinkyskittensanddogggiestoo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stinkysgrooming/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsStinky1
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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