Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pet care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cris Mejia, Founder of Dear Pup Shop, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Dear Pup Shop is a boutique-style shop targeting dogs & their humans. It offers custom and personalized dog bandanas, matching items for their humans, and more. A place for dog lovers to spoil their best friends.
Tell us about yourself
Hello! My name is Cris, and I am a dog mom of a 4-year-old Yorkie and a 3-year-old Maltipoo. They are actually the reason why I started my own small business. I always knew I wanted to have my own business, but I wasn't sure what. I always heard people say that if you do what you love, it won't feel like work, so I sat down and thought, what do I love? Well, that was easy... Dogs! I've always loved dogs. When I was a little girl, I wasn't allowed to have my own dog, so now, as an adult, I get to have as many as I want, and best of all, I get to spoil them.
The idea for my shop was not just targeted at dog lovers or dog owners but, most importantly, at dogs because they are the ones wearing the bandanas. I want to make sure they are cute and comfortable for our four-legged friends to wear. I draw my motivation from different places, definitely my furbabies, my family, the pictures and reviews from my customers, and the desire to help my local shelter by donating much-needed items with a percentage of my shop's profits.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I would honestly have to say because my shop is still such a small business, just starting it, and every day I still have it, is my biggest accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The biggest challenge for me as a business owner is wanting to do everything myself while being a perfectionist.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Some tips I'd offer would be to first get started. It might feel overwhelming at first, but it will definitely be worth it, it could be a hit, or it could be a life lesson, but you won't know unless you actually start.
- Secondly, invest in your business. It will take time for you to see the profit, and it might feel like you are wasting your time and money, but just keep at it, and eventually, you'll reap your earnings.
- Lastly, let your passion show through your products/services.
Where can people find you and your business?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DearPupBandanas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dear.pup/
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/dearpupshop
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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