Krystena Petrakas: What inspired you to start your own pet care business?
Briony McNamara: I absolutely love animals. My mum was a vet nurse and ever since I was a little girl I really engaged with them – I can remember bottle-feeding kangaroos and puppies.
I worked in vets and pet shops, but after completing my cooking apprenticeship I got a job as a qualified chef. As time went on I did miss being around animals, so I decided to do something about it.
You find when running a business you’re always on the go, but the more hours you dedicate and put into the business, the more you get out it
I live in Portsmouth now but last year I was staying with a friend in Scotland. Her house was huge and it was such a gorgeous area – it inspired me to start dog walking and pet-sitting profession.
KP: How’s it going so far?
BM: It hasn’t been difficult as I find there is a lot of support out there – it’s just a matter of trying to find it. I’m still doing a lot of market research, considering options like starting a full-time doggie day-care centre.
KP: How have the working hours fitted in with your lifestyle?
BM: I’m doing marketing on Monday at 7am down at the park and I could be walking dogs through till 4pm. If I’m pet-sitting it’s a 24-hour job.
You find when running a business you’re always on the go, but the more hours you dedicate and put into the business, the more you get out it. I’m looking for a volunteer to help me, as I’m working by myself.
KP: What has been the most frustrating thing when setting up your own business?
BM: Being let down by clients – that’s quite frustrating. When you put your heart and soul into something and a client backs out it’s so disappointing.
Also I’d like to have more funding so I can make my latest ideas a reality.
KP: And what would those plans be?
BM: I do have six-month and 12-month goals. Within three months I want to get myself a vehicle kitted out with cages in the back so I can take more dogs, and in six months I’m hoping to have a place where I can have full time doggie day-care.
Also, I hope to employ someone to walk with me so I can walk more dogs at once.
I have big expansion plans, but I do need financial help to get there, so that’s something I need to work on.
KP: Any ideas how you can raise further cash?
BM: I intend to approach Frederick Foundation, which is a charity that helps people declined by the banks set up or expand their own business. So far, I’ve financed the business mostly through my own cash.
KP: What has most surprised you about being your own boss?
BM: The joy I get everyday, the self-assurance, the motivation and self-discipline. You find out a lot about yourself.
I’ve worked in a kitchen for other people, and in comparison actually doing something on your own and completing it is so satisfying.
I’ve never done any type of marketing before but I’m really enjoying it and I’m good at it – things like that are quite surprising.
