Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marilyn Pianelli, Co-Founder of Headlight Harness, located in Morganville, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Headlight Harness, we have a simple goal: To keep you and your pet as safe as possible anywhere your adventure may take you. All of our products, from the Revolutionary Headlight Harness to our Reflective Leashes and Collars, have all been designed around that core concept. We focus on Safety, Quality, and Comfort, and our products reflect those values. Our Harnesses are "No Choke/No Pull," Highly Reflective, Light Weight, and include a focused beam LED in the chest. The LED lights up the path ahead, helping you see in dark areas and making you and your pet highly visible to any vehicles in the area, which greatly reduces the risk of being struck. Our Headlight Harnesses are also compatible with any car or truck and will keep your pet seated and secure during the ride, greatly reducing the risk of injury. Thousands of highly satisfied pets and owners have joined the Headlight Harness family and trust us to keep their pets safe and secure no matter what their walk, car ride, or adventure may hold. Stay Seen. Stay Visible. Stay Safe.
Tell us about yourself
While out walking my dogs late one night, a black cat happened to cross our path. One of my dogs, a black Terrier named Mo, managed to wiggle free from his harness and decided to give chase. We live in a dark, suburban neighborhood with poorly lit streets. Mo charged across the street and was almost struck by an oncoming car that never saw him. Thankfully, Mo wasn't hit by that car, but many dogs and their owners aren't that lucky. It's a scenario that plays out all too often across the country. Pets and their owners are being struck by vehicles due to low light conditions and poor visibility. I decided there and then that my dogs and I would NOT be one of those statistics. I spent the next few months shopping for something that would keep my dogs visible to vehicles, safe on walks, and help me see my surroundings. Unfortunately, that product didn't exist. So my husband and I spent the next year designing, developing, and producing the Headlight Harness. Originally intended for our own personal use, it quickly became apparent that our Harnesses filled a giant void in the pet industry. On every walk, people stopped me and asked where they could get a Headlight Harness of their own until finally; Headlight Harness LLC was born.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is just knowing how many pets we have helped. We get tons of emails, calls, and texts all the time about how our harnesses have saved their furry best friends' life.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about running a small business is finding time for everything.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don't be afraid to try new things.
- Surround yourself with people you can rely on.
- Social media can be your friend.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.headlightharness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/headlightharness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headlightharness/
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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